hi Francesco, ive applied with boutique consulting firm for the experienced hire in the field of energy but was rejected. the employer did not provide much information as to why I am not selected. the scope of work they have posted was exactly what I have experience in but to no luck. my concern is if I continue to find genuine connections and hoping someone would pity me and get me an interview I would have reached 40s and would still be sitting here wondering would it been different if I took GEMBA, thus decided to take the plunge and get myself in first and consider all else later. Afterall graduating with the certificate would better my chances (not 100%) to climb up the corporate ladder and/or get to know like minded people and start something together.

(editiert)

Hi there, I see. If you already applied to all targets (you mentioned boutique but there might be others to consider), it is fine to consider a different plan. On the other hand, the reason for the rejection might not be necessarily your background, but the application material (CV) and lack of referrals. It should not take long to find referrals and proceed to apply through them (based on my experience, it requires a couple of weeks). In terms of the master, if you see that there is evidence that the EMBA works for a transition for profiles similar to yours, then it could be a good path, but I would try to get the data from LinkedIn first. You might also proceed at the same time with both the consulting applications and the EMBA application, and keep the EMBA as backup if the consulting applications don't work out. Hope this helps, for additional questions please feel free to PM me.

hi Brad, thanks for your input. ive spoken with the admission team at Insead however the answer is always "through connections and campus hires, networking and get noticed" sort of answers. in the case of mid career changes, getting into consulting would be considered an "experienced hire". agree on your point GEMBA is not for career change (other than the MBA) the sch did share of people that changed all 3 sectors, though small %, and possibilities of changing career path. I wish to perform my own litmus test instead of wholeheartedly listening to the school's fb.

(editiert)

hi Florian, thank you for the suggestion. I guess in a perfect world these people will lend a hand and guide me to the right path but majority would ignore me. tried linking up with a managing partner in a boutique energy firm but was flaked when I invited him for a coffee. it will be a lost cause if I continue in that direction. I guess to speak their lingo u have to "be a part of them" I guess getting in to EMBAs would put my closer with them although I understand people will still look at me differently given that I'm from EMBA instead of MBA.

Hi :-) I would see if you reach out to 5 people, at least two are happy to talk about their experience! If not, reach out to 10. If you can't find 10 people on that path, then you already have your answer to the initial question. All the best, Florian

hi Ian, yes that's what I was considering. aiming for career change after graduate, worse off, I may be in better position in terms of career progression as well as starting something interesting myself with like minded alumnus or batch mates. I was based in Dubai for awhile back then and I would say both SG and UAE have many untapped opportunities in terms of new fuels and alternatives. thank you for your input.