Inside Look at the Laurier MBA Program
13. Apr, 2010 
4 Comments
If you are considering enrolling in the Laurier MBA Co-op program, this article is for you. As a Laurier MBA alumni I thought id share some insight with you in order to help you make the right decision. Reading the MBA program brochure there is quite a bit of hype and while it is understandable that MBA programs maximize their promotional efforts, such organizations must also be prudent in managing expectations so that students know exactly what to expect before they make such an important decision in their lives. From a financial standpoint the Laurier MBA program is by far the cheapest one around but what you may find out is that in this case the old adage rings true – you really do get what you pay for.
I’ve laid out this review into 3 main areas the program is lacking in and if you find these aspects important you may want to reconsider your options.
Lack of International Options
The Laurier brochure states that ‘Increased globalization means business leaders must think and act in an international context’ and while this may be increasingly true, the program does not currently provide much of an international experience. This is quite misleading to say the least and when I approached the MBA office to inquire about semesters abroad I was notified that there are currently no partnerships in place. This came as a surprise as the majority of Canadian MBA programs have been providing international study opportunities for awhile. In fact check out the international exchange opportunities offered by U of T’s Rotman School of Management: http://www.rotman.utoronto.ca/mba/international_study.htm. I actually used Rotman’s list to pre qualify and contact schools I wished to enroll in for an exchange semester I had to plan on my own.
Lack of Job Support
While the school boasts a professional career development centre, job support is weak. After completing an undergraduate coop degree at the University of Guelph where the administration is genuinely concerned with your job situation, Laurier pales in comparison. In fact, after completing my self-organized semester abroad and returning to Toronto to find work I found myself barred from access to desperately needed job postings. After approaching the career centre to inquire, I was told there was nothing they can do for me. Only registered students and graduates could view job postings and since I did not neatly fall into one if these categories I was out of luck. After asking the administration if an exception could be made in my case so that I would have access to postings, the answer was – no. Quite ironic given the fact that I enrolled in the program to gain access to better jobs. This is definitely one area that Laurier is lacking in and a considerable effort on the part of the student is needed to explore new job opportunities. In fact, I was given the advice to seek out and conduct ‘informational interviews’ but needless to say this is not exactly what you’re looking for when enrolling in a professional MBA program. The school simply does not have enough relationships in place to provide students with easier access to better job opportunities.
Lack of Organization
The administration at Laurier was constantly unorganized and this directly translates into substandard customer service for you as a student. After initially appealing a late fee charge that was levied on my account for the semester abroad, I only received a response a few weeks later. After attempting to appeal this decision, the appeal email was actually bounced around for 3 months (full circle at one point), while my account accrued interest, before I finally received a shoddy denial letter which actually had the word ‘draft’ in the title. To add icing to the cake, I was contacted by a collections agency regarding this amount, while I waited 3 months for the 1 paragraph letter. As I mentioned before, I attended the University of Guelph as an undergraduate and organization was not an issue there, so I am led to believe that it is only Laurier who functions in this manner (or should I say doesn’t function.)
If you are thinking of enrolling in the Laurier MBA program and the above considerations relate to you – I would strongly advise you to reconsider. As someone who has completed the program I can tell you from personal experience that there are plenty of better opportunities out there. Most people fall into the trap of relying solely on school ratings and financial cost as their primary concerns in making a decision. Although this may be important, it should not serve as your primary reasoning for ultimately choosing a school. Remember to consider the less tangible benefits of an MBA education such as international opportunities, career support and the overall university experience.
About The Author
This is not the first time I’ve heard mediocre feedback on Laurier’s MBA program. Before choosing a school, I spent quite a bit of time conducting research and had a chance to speak to a number of Laurier students. Most claimed that the program is just “ok” and that the only benefit is the low cost. Just my two cents.
Dear Anonymous:
on the contrary i don’t think i am mistaken at all. In fact, i participated in the program and am simply sharing my experience and enlightening other students. I dont have any reason to make false claims.
International Opportunities:
The traveling opportunity that you are referring to is a two-week excursion costing at a minimum $2000 PLUS airfare. Not exactly a semester abroad.
In fact, the two week course in Aarhus Denmark costs $5000 including airfare.
Other MBA programs have formal relationships established where the student pays tuition to their home school so there is NO ADDITIONAL EXPENSE except for airfare. This is the industry norm and is what Laurier should be pushing for if it wishes to remain competitive in this space.
Career Support + Lack of Organization:
I was locked out of job postings and nobody could care less. I have the email correspondence and would be happy to share it with you.
Thanks Hagai that helped. Looks like its going to be McMaster for me!
The Laurier MBA has been more than rewarding to many students. Like many post graduate degrees you get out of it what you put into it. In terms of the categories you have considered I think you are very mistaken.
International Opportunities, Laurier is a university that prides it self on having a group of MBAs that “hit the ground running”. If you are considering a job overseas then you might consider an International MBA. It is also worth knowing that there are international Co-op opportunities for MBAs. As for the full time group, travelling opportunities are offered once a term to expose students to international methods of doing business.
Career Support, In terms of the full time MBA, many MBAs find opportunities through the networking events available on campus and the Kitchener-Waterloo region. Firms such as Research In Motion, Open Text, Canadian banks and many more seek Laurier MBAs at all times (even in a slumpy economy).
In it self the MBA Co-op program is sufficient to give fresh MBAs a head start in their careers.
Lack of Organization, the support offered through the MBA office is more than sufficient for students in the program. Students have access to Career Services, members from professional designation organizations and directors of the MBA program.
In summary there are many opposing views that prove this program is one of the most unique programs in Canada.
MBA 2010