MBA-ISP BROCK UNIVERSITY

Hi

This is Shadab here from India. I wanted to know about Brock MBA ISP programme, how an mba from Brock would help me in advancing my career and other info about St Catharines and living there.
I did Bachelors in Business Management (Finance) after my graduation I was recruited by JP Morgan for the investment banking operations division worked there for 2 yrs then moved back to Kolkata in 2009 and joined my family business and currently looking for MBA admission.
Regards,
Shadab

Hi Shadab,

First let me talk about the MBA program at BROCK University.

POLICIES

Before taking admission into any university it is very important as an international student to be aware of the policies and fee structure. So I strongly recommend you to read the student graduate and co-op handbook for MBA-ISP students. Try to read in detail about the academic and fee policies.

Some of the important points that I would like to highlight is,

• You are required to acquire 70 % in order to pass any course in MBA-ISP program
• If you score below passing 70 % in more than 2 courses, you would require to retake a course and one course fee is $2000
• If you score in more than 3 courses below 70 %, you would be sent to undergrad for one year, taking  more courses, which would cost around $10,000 (as informed by students who already went to undergrad for one year)
• In order to qualify for co-op, you need to maintain 75 %, if you fail to maintain the score, you will be removed from co-op without any refund of money.
• You will be paying for two insurances, twice: UHIP -$746 and GRAD DENTAL AND HEALTH PLAN – $368

Total = (746+368) x2=$2,228

The snapshot does not include fees like dental and health plan.

CLASS COMPOSITION

Since, it is international MBA program, you class composition will include students from foreign countries. You would not be studying with local Canadian students. So be prepared to expect Chinese, Indian, Bangladeshi, Russians, Iranians, Saudi Arabians (Middle East), in your class.

It is questionable, that why they don’t disclose the class composition as other universities do on their website.

In 2008, MBA class had 43 enrolments, but in 2009, enrolment went up to approximately 90 students.

ST. CATHARINES AND LIVING EXPENSES

One of the positive aspects about living in St Catharines is it is cheaper than big cities like Toronto. Your monthly rent would range from 400-550 dollars (sharing basis). Moreover, bus fee is cheaper which is already paid along with your tuition fees. The negative aspect of living in St Catharines is there are not much local jobs for student. On the other hand, students in Toronto easily find part-time job to earn their living expenses by doing odd jobs. Campus jobs are there, but limited international students successfully get into it.

CO-OP PLACEMENTS

The co-op placement for 2008 batch was around 10. So overall you can say around 15 percent students get co-op job. It depends on your ability and hard work to be in that 15 percent. Whereas other universities give mandatory internships or co-op with fees included in tuition fees.

It is again questionable, that why Brock University does not disclose the total co-op placement as other universities do on their website.

YOUR PROFILE

Since you have already done BBA and have 2 years of work experience, you would have better chances of finding job. However, I cannot assure on whether it would be up to your satisfaction or not. Also, since there is high flow of International students in Canada (due to liberal visa requirements), the job market will be extremely competitive for new international graduates. The supply is very high compared to low demand of work force. Majority (could be about 70%) international students don't get job in the relevant field of their degree or education.

I would advise you to go for finance specialisation as it has more opportunities and demand. Also, be sure that you need to pass few examinations like CMA and CFA in order to practise as professional. Do your own research about related certifications for professional accountants and finance professionals.

If you are ready for GMAT and could acquire good score of 550 or above, I would recommend looking for more alternatives. There are more reputed universities, where you will have more international exposure by studying with local Canadian students. Don’t just fall for what your consultant recommends. Make your own decisions by making good judgement.

Best of luck 


Thanks for reading, Please Comment and I will get back to you.

NOTE: CURRENTLY THE LINK TO STUDENT GRADUATE HANDBOOK IS BROKEN. KEEP CHECKING IF IT IS FIXED LATER OR REQUEST THEM TO SEND A LINK.