An applicant with a distance-learning B.Com (65%, IGNOU), IELTS 7.0 overall, and 7+ years in FMCG distribution asked whether reputed universities were realistic for a Master's/MBA in supply chain — and got a spread of views worth reading together:
- University master's beats college grad cert for the long game — if you can fund it. One member's rule of thumb: for quality of education and long-term career opportunities, prefer a university master's over a community-college graduate certificate, provided finances allow.
- The counter-view: a PG diploma is the pragmatic choice. Another member called the PG diploma 'wise' for this profile — cheaper, admission-friendlier for a 65% distance-learning degree, and aligned with the applicant's operational work history.
- Either way, the story must hold. The advice that bridges both camps: as long as you can justify each phase of your history with supporting documents and show genuine intent to study, you're viable — how you present the career projection through an international degree is 'of utmost importance.'
- Stay realistic about the funnel. Meeting eligibility doesn't guarantee a seat, and a seat doesn't guarantee a visa — apply broadly and make the visa file as strong as the admission file.
- GMAT is the profile-raiser. For reputed MBA programs, a good GMAT compensates for the modest undergrad percentage; the applicant's willingness to take it was treated as the right instinct.