Under the firm rule of a military junta for the best part of 50 years, Myanmar and its people have had to contend with the consequences of being a pariah state, both social and economic.Now, aspiring MBA Aye Myat Mon Oo is part of a wave of professionals helping Myanmar’s first democratically-elected government to open up to foreign investment and create new economic opportunities.
Already, their efforts have culminated in the lifting of American, Japanese and European sanctions and the creation of the Yangon Stock Exchange (YSX), whose first listed company Aye Myat advised.
Though budding professionals in Myanmar enjoy greater opportunities than their forebears, it will be some time before the nation builds up solid educational infrastructure.
To take her career in finance to the next level, Aye Myat is applying for MBA programs at France's HEC Paris, London Business School and Cass Business School in the UK.
What are you looking to gain from an MBA?
I’m turning 27 soon and am working as a senior manager at my firm, but I feel as though there is still a lot for me to learn before I can advise my corporate clients as effectively as I want to.
I don’t want to change industries, but I do want to build upon the foundations I have already laid with regards to investment and corporate finance. I am expecting that obtaining an MBA will improve my leadership skills, my aptitude for management and decision-making, as well as my international network.
What are your future career plans?
I want to continue working in investment banking, either locally or internationally. More specifically, I want to specialize in corporate finance, raising finance and wealth management.
What are the most important factors to you in choosing a business school?
The financial strength of the country the program is based in is important to me as I’m looking to gather as much financial knowledge and work experience during my program as possible. I also place considerable trust in MBA rankings, particularly with regards to employment statistics.
Tuition fees and the availability of scholarships are crucial to my program choice, as there are no government-sponsored lending programs for Myanmar citizens. Finally, the opportunity to study abroad for a semester is extremely desirable.
What has been your biggest challenge in the application process so far?
Living in Myanmar, it is very difficult to attend information sessions for schools in Europe and also to meet alumni, since so few Myanmar students have taken part in such prestigious programs.
Another major challenge for me has been acquiring funding, since there are no lending programs or credit unions in Myanmar catering to students. As a last resort, I will fund my own education.
How have you prepared for the GMAT?
Here in Myanmar, there are no accredited training schools to help me study for the GMAT, so I have been using official guides, GMAT prep software and YouTube tutorials instead. So far, I have found the official guide to be extremely valuable, and believe that the steps I have taken will be sufficient to achieve the score I want.
Even just in preparing for the GMAT, I already have a better idea of how well I would perform over the course of an MBA, and it has helped me polish my mathematical and reasoning skills.
What advice do you have for others considering an MBA?
Don’t simply choose a prestigious and expensive program! You need to meticulously plan what you want your future career to look like and choose the program most likely to make that happen.
Student Reviews
Best Journalism school in Europe
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Classes
The diversity at City University facilitates interactions and is a direction toward the unity of the world. The classes are well built to match the number and needs of all students regardless of the elements of diversity that set people apart. The use of technology in delivery makes learning even more interesting and achievable. At City University there is no distinction pegged on the issues that make people unique.
professors
The team of lecturers at the Uiversity are well experienced. Their level of insight and the methodologies of delivery works for the interes of the leaeners. My learning experience was largely boosted by the level of knowledge of the professors at the institution, and their passion to transfer the same to learners. I appreciate every class I attended because of the level of insight I was able to gather
The best university I’ve been to
The campus and the people I've met have made it a wonderful experience. I was reared in a small town with a graduating class of only 88 individuals, so moving to City University was a huge adjustment for me. My dorm has more residents than my whole high school combined! I enjoy the atmosphere here, and everyone is so friendly. Outstanding academic options and a stunning campus. Really great from beginning to end. The educators genuinely love what they do, and the students are ready to learn. On or around college, there is always something to do with friends, and the social scene is particularly warm.
Bayes Business School
As a student at City university attending Bayes Business School I would totally recommend choosing this university as the experience is exceptional with great social networking opportunities . Professors are significantly helpful, delivering with excellence and professionalism. Everyone is happy to help and make you feel welcomed in such an esteem university as City, offering exceptional development and guidance through out the course.
Economics and Politics
Incredibly amazing university, the way they polish students and help them boost their morale and think intellectually is worthwhile. Many universities have international partnerships to allow exchanges between their students. The most obvious subjects for these opportunities would be those that involve languages, and the study of people and places.
Clinical biology
I really like it it’s perfect for me with not too many people and not too few either. All the modules are amazing. I love the toy bar. I love all the societies that I’ma part of. Especially the colour Bollywood society
Unlocking My Potential at City University London
My time at City University London was truly transformative. The university's vibrant community and diverse extracurricular activities allowed me to forge lifelong friendships and professional connections that extend beyond the classroom. I was impressed by the university's commitment to academic rigor, character development, and personal growth, which created an ideal environment for me to reach my full potential. The research-driven and industry-relevant curriculum provided me with a solid foundation in international business, while the dedicated faculty and staff offered invaluable guidance and support. I feel grateful for the well-rounded education and holistic experience that City University London offered, preparing me for success in my career and beyond.
Rather interesting
The academics are tough, but in a good way. The professors are experts in their fields, so you know you’re learning from the best. They push you to think for yourself and really dive deep into the subjects. But it’s not all about hitting the books; London itself is like an extension of the campus. You’ve got museums, galleries, and just the general buzz of the city to keep you inspired.
Urban campus life
At the University of London, I have experienced dynamic and diverse academic environment where I was challenged by rigorous coursework. You will have the flexibility to choose from the wide range of courses, participate in numerous extra-curricular activities and take advantage of the many opportunities
