Hi everyoneI was just wondering whether anyone could give any insight as to how well regarded Cranfield is in the field of MC. Many thanks.

I don't have a personal opinion about Cranfield, but I know at my last company that we recruited quite heavily from there. I've worked with 3 Cranfield MBAs and rate them all highly.My evidence is clearly anecdotal, but should at least give you a general steer...

Thanks VI,Anecdotal evidence is precisely what I wanted...there are plenty of facts and figures one can research but what I wanted was the word on the MC street! Any more opinions?

I did my MBA at Cranfield 10 years ago part time. If your question means how well do they teach MC theory and practice then the answer is there was a consultancy skills elective which was very good, and the skills you learn there (like working in teams, working all weekend, working till 2 in the morning to prepare a slide pack) are invaluable!

We used to hire from Cranfield when it was 2nd in UK after LBS. Quiet functional/operational in style, and seemed to be a bit spoonfed rather than academic - not so suitable for strategy work.We stopped recruiting there after the Said and Judge got their acts together because we think that the stronger candidates switched to these schools (oh the power of those brand names) and the quality of candidates at Cranfield dropped. Not the school's fault though, but it is a beauty contest where the candidates go the 'best' school they can.

Davidthanks for this information-it makes very interesting reading. What company do you work for? Do you think that other important recruiters have made similar switches?Many thanks

I did my MBA at Cranfield 2 years ago and was recruited by Bain. Others on the course were recruited by the big 4 and other MC companies.I think that so long as you went to LBS or one of the second tier schools (which still includes Cranfield) then the MBA part of your CV is covered. The rest of it depends on you...

Cranfield has, no doubt, very good reputation among recruiters, especially for management/strategy/business consulting. But getting a job in strategy consulting depends on ones experience BEFORE his/her MBA.My experience tells me that MBA in itself will not get you a job in McKinsey/Bain/BCG (or for that matter any good company). What it will do it 'add value' to ones experience and make him/her visible (stand out) among the crowd. A MBA degree will show the recruiters ones commitment to learn and grow (both professionally and personally) since doing MBA requires huge investments in terms of time, effort, and (loads of) money.Bainer, please do not misunderstand me, but your message comes across as if all those who do MBA from Cranfield end up in Bain or BCG or McKinsey, which is definitely not the case. It would be interesting to know what you did before your MBA and where did you did your undergrad from.These things are as important as MBA itself in getting that 'dream job'. MBA is just a change agent. Not an end in itself.Curious, think hard as to why you want to do MBA and what you want to get out of it. I don't think it is advisable to consider Cranfield for MBA just because it is well regarded by the MCs. If you don't have the right experience, I am sorry to say, but your dream job will remain just that - a dream! So think carefully before taking any decisionGood luck!

ClarifyAgree entirelyWhat I meant by:I think that so long as you went to LBS or one of the second tier schools (which still includes Cranfield) then the MBA part of your CV is covered. The rest of it depends on you...Was just what you have said in more detail.

Clarify, I disagree somewhat here.I don't know about any other schools (ie Cranfield) but if you go to LBS then it doesn't really matter too much what you did before. The fact that you got in seems to be enough so it acts as self-selection for the recruiting firms. That is why they visit the campus and do the presentions telling everyone how great they are and what a great lifestyle it is.The top firms recruit across the board at LBS, whether previous work experience was in consulting, banking, not for profit, industry, research, the military, whatever, the list goes on.If you want to do consulting and you work hard on your preparation, ie cover letter and interview skills, then you will get a job.Not everyone goes to MBB obviously, but there are plenty of other firms out there.

Did my undegrad at St Andrews, BTW

Didn't go to Cranners myselfBut we still hire there in front of Said/Judge on the basis that, at the moment, those two are filling places with 90% overseas students. They're probably very bright, etc, but why wait for them to adapt to UK corporate culture when you can have a bright UK student? I guess in 10 yrs' time it may be that UK students will go for Oxbridge and LBS leaving overseas to the weaker institutions (as is generally the same for undergrad degrees) but that aint so at the mo.Hope that helps