Working Overseas

[cryingx]

I`m going to graduate with a B.Sc from UofT this coming june, and after working for many prof`s labs, I found that i`m not too keen into going into academia. I was planning on taking some time off to get as much work as I can get so I can pay for a co-op MBA at Laurier or McMaster (as I`ve heard that those are good programs for transitioning fields of work, in my case from science to business, and getting experience through their co-op program).

But recently, i`ve been offered by family members in Manila (Philippines) to help START a business, particularly in telecommunication distribution. Ever since high school, I`ve worked at Best Buy, and towards 2nd year uni, i`ve worked at the mobile department, and now i`m working for Rogers. My family thinks I could be a great asset from my experiences here in wireless sales to help start the business there.

My question is - is it a good idea to work for a newly created family businesses - would companies here in Canada recognize that as proper experience when i DO end up coming back here? Also, when applying for an MBA - would schools look at that as an entrepreneurial experience, even though it is in the Philippines, and not in North America?

Any advice would be much appreciated!

[eiad77]

I am not sure how the experience would be viewed by an MBA program, but in general foreign experience is much less valuable than Canadian experience from an employer's point of view. This would especially be true in your case since the company you are considering working for is not established and is a family business.

[cryingx]

I am not sure how the experience would be viewed by an MBA program, but in general foreign experience is much less valuable than Canadian experience from an employer's point of view. This would especially be true in your case since the company you are considering working for is not established and is a family business.

gahh, that was what i was afraid of =\

well, in the case of the Laurier MBA coop program, they dont require experience (because theyll provide it to you through coop), im thinking i could just say i `travelled`around asia for a while before deciding i want to join their program

[Aristophanes]

Your entrepreneurial experience in Philippines will be of no value in Canada.

Do the co-op MBA and get local experience. Then, work overseas.

/Coming from a BSc grad, then did Mac's co-op MBA, now often forgetting which country I'm in due to overseas work

[BoogieWilliams]

Entrepreneurial experience is looked down upon even if its Canadian experience, let alone foreign. Relatives held foreign patents and a business on building materials and were shut down here when they were trying to look for jobs in their field.

[Mulder and Scully]

You should look up the requirements of the Laurier MBA co-op program. I remember that you have to be a relatively recent graduate to qualify so if you spend too many years working then you'll have to apply for the regular MBA instead. However, the co-op program is meant for those applicants with little or no work experience. I was accepted into the Laurier MBA but later chose a different school for financial reasons. It's a good program and was my #2 choice.

Starting a business in Manila or anywhere else would be a great experience. But is the family looking to open a wireless store or are they looking at something bigger like actually getting into the telecom field similar to the likes of Bell, Rogers and TELUS? Because from your short description it sounds like they want to open a store which I can't say would really be using your knowledge and skills to its full potential.

Many Canadian companies have a serious problem in not recognizing international work experience. Canada talks about itself as this global nation and wants all these skilled immigrants, but when actual people (born and raised Canadian citizens included) with international experience apply for jobs they're not given much consideration. Canada seems to be the only country that really screws this up. If a Canadian with a Canadian education and Canadian work experience moved overseas then that person would have equal (and sometimes better depending on the country) footing with local job seekers. I would be weary about this, but it does depend on what exactly you'll be doing in Manila.

When applying for your MBA, ad coms look at the whole package -- undergrad GPA, GMAT score, references, work experience and personal statement(s). A weakness in one area can be made up with strengths in others. Honestly though, having work experience, if even just 1, 2 or 3 years after you finished your undergrad, will help you immensely with your MBA. You'll be able to put the learnings and discussions into context that you've experienced, and also be able to contribute back to the discussion.

[cryingx]

Starting a business in Manila or anywhere else would be a great experience. But is the family looking to open a wireless store or are they looking at something bigger like actually getting into the telecom field similar to the likes of Bell, Rogers and TELUS? Because from your short description it sounds like they want to open a store which I can't say would really be using your knowledge and skills to its full potential.


i'm pretty much helping out as our family got a contract to be a provincial distributor for a wireless company - something like Rogers for Ontario - so I wouldn't say its SUCH a small thing, I suppose theres still some experience factor to be gained. Personally the family business is not a well known company, but we're contracted to the biggest wireless distributor in the country - I hope that helps out in MBA applications.

i'm thinking of helping out for a year - and apply for laurier/mac coop MBA next year, and i could always say i just took a year off to tour asia if anything, as i am still going to be a very recent graduate

thank you for all your advices! any input is much appreciated=)

[Mulder and Scully]

i'm thinking of helping out for a year - and apply for laurier/mac coop MBA next year, and i could always say i just took a year off to tour asia if anything, as i am still going to be a very recent graduate

You should include the experience on your resume. It's legitimate. However, having your MBA will help your family business immensely should you decide to return later.

Another bit of advice. You should write the GMAT sooner rather than later. Since you're a recent graduate, studying for the GMAT will be a lot easier because your brain is still in "student mode." GMAT scores are valid for five years so you can sit on it and decide later.

[packardbell]

I am not sure how the experience would be viewed by an MBA program, but in general foreign experience is much less valuable than Canadian experience from an employer's point of view. This would especially be true in your case since the company you are considering working for is not established and is a family business.

Although some people say the foreign experience is worth less to canadian employers, from my personal experience, depending which country you work in can be worth practical experience. What I learnt working in hong kong is worth much more than any experience you can get in canada.:D regardless what the MBA program views.

[GWK]

make sure you get all the proper work permits for The Philippines before you go..

[packardbell]

I am not sure how the experience would be viewed by an MBA program, but in general foreign experience is much less valuable than Canadian experience from an employer's point of view. This would especially be true in your case since the company you are considering working for is not established and is a family business.

Although some people say the foreign experience is worth less to canadian employers, from my personal experience, depending which country you work in can be worth practical experience. What I learnt working in hong kong is worth much more than any experience you can get in canada.:D regardless what the MBA program views.