Got admitted to the IOMBA? Interested in it? Not sure if its right for you?
My IOMBA posts, despite their age, are some of the most enduringly popular ones on this blog. Since I get so many questions that start with “I’ve been admitted to the IOMBA,” and end with, “I don’t know what to do,” here’s a few points that might help you decide.
Two disclaimers are in order, though. First, this “FAQ” is general so it won’t answer what you should focus on or how you can improve your chances of getting admitted. But it will help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of the program. Second, it is based on my extremely ancient experience of the IOMBA. I graduated in 2004/05, and the program has been evolving and improving since. So I urge you to contact someone that did the IOMBA more recently.
Q. Do you know any other 1-year course which covers management in IOs and NGOs?
A. Not really. There are pure development programs, and pure MBA’s. No management program for IOs that I know of.
Q. I want to transition from engineering/science/whatever to the social sector. Will the IOMBA help me?
Yes. I moved from engineering to the IOMBA and was lucky to get an offer at the UNDP in Kenya, and am now working at UBS Philanthropy Services. But my transition took at least 2 years, and was not easy, short, or cheap. Remember also that changing both industry and role is the most difficult kind of transition anyone can attempt.
You should ask yourself if this is the only, or best way, to make the transition. There are three basic options open to you.
First, transition in your current role (to an IO or NGO). In this your challenge is more whether you have the right contacts. If you do not, and cannot transition without it, think IOMBA.
Your second option is a mainstream MBA. These will be more expensive, but you willl have the option of going into consulting and then transitioning into the social sector. I chose not to do this. However, from an opportunity-cost perspective, this would have been better – the transition would have been longer but the networks stronger (because a lot of UN and development people are ex-consultants), and the peer group more high profile, and the payback shorter.
Your final option is to do a program like the IOMBA. There are other non-profit programs, such as SOAS and Oxford. These can’t be compared (see previous question), but I can say that the IOMBA has two strengths and one weakness. The strengths are its academic focus – which is extremely enriching – and a very diverse peer group. The weakness is the strength of the network and career services (see below).
Q. How is the quality of education and learning at IOMBA?
A. Very good, and improving. The academic program is certainly the strength of the program. The Swiss government pays a lot to bring in professors from everywhere. They’re not necessarily Harvard professors, but they’re generally good (though teaching levels can vary). Another strength is the breadth of the curriculum, which integrates development theory, politics, economics, and social science into a management program. Very exciting if you like some intellectual stimulation, this will help you sound intelligent in almost any field of work.
Q. So what is the catch?
A. Career services. While the academics are interesting, the program’s career support network is weak and uneven – it has better links with UN organizations in Geneva than external organizations. These organizations are also mostly in the humanitarian and trade related fields – should you have separate interests you’d have to work on your own.
Also keep in mind that hiring in the UN isn’t like in the private sector. You cannot simply apply for a job, since there are far too many people looking for jobs. Most people are likely to start off with an internship, or a temporary contract for several years, before getting a permanent one. Unfortunately, explaining this is tough unless you’ve seen the system from inside, but the upshot is that you shouldn’t expect to land a traditional “job” right out of the MBA. Factor in at least 1-2 internships or low-paid consulting contracts first.
Q. What does this mean?
This means that networks are key – the more people you know, the more likely you are to get a job. And as noted, the program’s network is still evolving. You, essentially, are responsible for developing your own network. If you have experience in the field of your choice, and know people, you have an edge on everyone else. Then again, why do you need the IOMBA in that case? Or rather, you better be sure of the expected payoff – and must really want this life – because this program doesn’t come cheap!
If you still have questions not answered here, I suggest you reach out to a current student or recent alumni. And if all else fails, or if you think this FAQ would benefit from another question, please let me know (see the About page for my email).
Hey there, I recently got admission to the IOMBA for this year. But now, when it comes to paying the commitment fee I worry that the program might be only a sort of networking event. I am worried that I will not be equiped with a substantial and deep background in economics/management and am not so sure if the internationally reowned lecturers (as they always are) have a real excellent reputation, international recognition. I worry that I will have problems getting a job in the private sector after completing the program and am not sure if the tuition fees are appropriate, because the programm is not very well known internationally. I couldn’t find it in none of the big rankings and the IOMBA is almost nowhere to be found at the MBA online guides. But that’s maybe also because the program is very young, so I wonder what your opinion is about my thoughts.
thx in advance
Chris,
Thanks for your question. I’ve replied to you offline. However, to summarize quickly the IOMBAs academics is solid and constantly improving. And consider my colleagues and I work at UBS, McKinsey, Gartner, and HSBC, the private sector is very much within your reach.
I also share the same concerns as chris, can you please forward me your answers to me
I’m in the same boat as Chris and Dweep. I would love to hear the thoughts you shared with them. Thanks!
Hi Casey,
Thanks for your comment. I’m happy to field any IOMBA related queries, so feel free to contact me by email.
Hi Dweep,
i am also struggling with the same thoughts of its value and whether to consider this programme or not.
Could you also pls provide me with ur inputs.
Hi Dweep!
I am currently working with an international NGO and am based in India. the query from Chris(posted above) reflects my concerns too. so can you please mail me the detailed reply you sent to him? I am keen on working with HR function (though currently i am handling program functions). Does the IOMBA program prepare students for careers in HR?
I also share the same concerns as chris, can you please forward me your answers to me.
Hi Dweep,
I am interested in this program. Can you please share your mail id so that I can get in touch with you.
Regards,
Rajesh
Hi Dweep,
I too am interested in IOMBA, could you please forward me your answers to Chris’ concerns.
nadine
Dweep,
I read your profile of your IOMBA experience and am interested in your response to Chris’s concerns. Can you please email me your response to him? Thank you.
hi, I share the same concerns as everyone above. I’m very attracted to the program but I’m also very doubtful. Can you send me your email to chris as well?thank you
Salut Dweep
I have some questions about the IOMBA, Ive been following their website for a while.
I did a International Masters in NGO Management and Economic Development in a grande ecole in France and was very very disappointed. I come from an NGO background and was looking at value add masters programme. This school had the following short comings:
1) no clue about handling international students or catering to an international community
2) networking events targetted only at French students: this was important for me
3) absolutely no assistance in finding internships leave alone jobs
Although I know the huge tuition fees was a waste, an international experience cannot be underestimated as a huge learning experience, especially when you re completely lost in translation!
Im presently living in Serbia, did my internship here at an Anti-Trafficking of women NGO. Im still living here trying to find jobs (anywhere in the world) although Ive absolutely fallen in love with Belgrade.
So my questions for you:
1) Hows the international orientation at the school? I finally found my way around, but could ve saved a lot of time and energy if the school had the slightest clue about things!
2) Do you have networking events organized by the school?
3) Any assistance for internships/jobs?
Im however just 26 years old, with 3 years of work experience and still need to do GMAT. But Im very interested in pursuing this course, hence the questions.
Hi Dweep,
great, that you offer to answer questions regarding IOMBA!
I have a few.
I am a 30 years old software engineer and at the moment thinking about switching my career to sth. that has more social impact than my current position. The question for me is how to do that. On one hand I’d love to apply my engineering history to NGO or social enterprise sectors. The only thing I am afraid is that usually smaller NGOs or social enterprises do not really have a need for software engineering (except maybe product focused companies as kiva or microplace, or than bigger NGOs like World Vision). The question for me than is, if an MBA at IOMBA really serves my purposes in doing maybe project work at those companies, I have the impression, they need more people with experience in social projects (e.g. check out Room To Read). Also I do not aim, to become executive at any of these companies. The thought of becoming executive at one of these companies, without having worked on the base seems strange to me. Maybe you could give me your perspective of what an MBA at IOMBA adds to my engineering profile, that helps me work in the NGO or social enterprise sector. Or maybe it does not!?
Then I have another practical question. I am married. Were there other students, that have been married and how did they handle their marriage with the intensive program that an MBA affords?
Would be great to hear from you!
Thanks a lot
Daniel
Yes! ditto and ditto, can you send me the email as well!!! Clearly, there is a dearth of info on this program. I feel bad for you- maybe you have already prepared a nice form email for all of us?
Thank you!!
Lesley
Lesley – indeed I have and you will receive it. In fact, I will soon create a dedicated IOMBA page somewhere.
Daniel, since your query is somewhat specific I’ll also write you separately.
Hi,
Like everyone else here… I am also very interested in this programme.. and the UN type jobs.
I am a 39 yr old indian and want to change my profession now!! not too late yet.
my job experience of 12 yrs is absolutely unrelated to this field.. i am in the clothing industry.. i know it doesn’t make the best sense.. but i really wanted to check this out and take the plunge.. i guess i have all odds against me !..
Anamika…yes, you do have everything stacked against you. Sorry, but I can’t sugarcoat that, since you’ll be competing against much younger people willing to slave for free to build a track record. But if you’re really keen on this, then start by seeing how you could sell your current experience after an MBA. Good luck!
Hi.. Thanks for your comments which are honest.. Any other tips and suggestions are most welcome. Thanks!
Anamika – I’ve just added a dedicated iomba page, with a few more points worth considering. Hope that helps.
hi,
First thanks for Dweep for this column.
I am applying for MBA, next march 2010. because i am graduating this august. so have to prepare GMAT, IELTS.
any suggestion to win scholarships or financial aid, atleast tuiion fees. my academic result is 75%. is it enough. i got 4yrs experience in IT business management sector. is that sound enough…no wonder i will have to score high in GMAT too..
any encouragement?
thanks in advance.
regards,
Kumar
Singapore
Hi Dweep,
I too am a software engineer interested in doing something and am interested in IOMBA.
Could you please forward me your answers to Chris’and Daniel’s concerns.I sail in the same boat.
Meha
Hi Meha,
Please see the FAQ page I created based on those questions:
http://www.planetd.org/iomba-faq
Sorry Dweep, seems you have the important info! I have the same doubts as the rest. Couldn´t find a program as the one IOMBA offers and think it is great but don´t know it it is worth the price and all the effort a master degree imlplies. I would apprciate if you could forward the response. I am 26… am I in the program media?? tHANKS!
Dear Dweep,
i have read over all the requests for information that you can offer. My main request for info is what my options are in applying for financial aid/ scholarships. Please add me to your response.
Thanks so much, Katherine (Melbourne, Australia)
Dear Clara – Have you looked at the FAQ page? That should answer most of your questions.
Katherine, you can apply for the UN Scholarship and the program also offers a few scholarships of its own (both if you apply for the 1st round). The Swiss govt. also has a good scholarship program but its deadline is BEFORE the decision date (unless that changed). See here: http://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/reps/asia/vind/embnd/ste/schol.html
Hi Dweep,
First, thank you for maintaining this excellent FAQ, and for taking the time to share your experiences with prospective students.
My name is Marshall Sitten, and I am both the Programme Coordinator of the IOMBA and one of its alumni. I just wanted to let your readers know that if they have any questions or concerns about the IOMBA Programme — work, life, facilities, resources, anything — they should feel free to contact me directly at msitten@iomba.ch.
I can also put you in touch with other IOMBA alumni if you would like to get additional advice and feedback about the value and experience of the IOMBA Programme.
Thanks, and I hope to hear from you!