He completed an Executive MBA programme at one of the world's most prestigious business schools - University of Chicago GSB.

Though he did it part-time and in the Singapore campus (I gather), it should not be too much to ask for at least a reasonable return on his S$124k investment.

Yes, he spent S$124k (US$90k) on this EMBA programme.

He wanted a mid-career switch from a high-tech MNC firm to the seemingly more lucrative management consulting industry.

What did he get in return?

Well, he got his mid-career switch. But he had to take a 25% pay cut. And he got into a junior position.

The 38-year-old Mr Loh has to start from the bottom, after trading his high-tech career and spending a fortune.

So, take all the nice reports and rankings of MBA programmes with a pinch of salt. The figures for "return on investment" and "payback in N years" are perhaps just too forward looking.

Or maybe you should not take EMBA if you want to switch careers. 

Mr Loh's story is reported in the Straits Times yesterday (link).

http://www.salary.sg/2008/mba-not-so-good-after-all/