<p>Well, I think you already captured the essence of the argument. Oxford and Cambridge do have pre-eminent names. Their MBA programs are not well-established (yet), but that may not really matter. </p>
<p>It really depends on what type of job you want to pursue afterwards. For example, if you want a traditional MBA-type job (i.e. consulting, Ibanking) that has the traditional recruiting path, then you are probably better off going to a well-established MBA program. On the other hand, if you plan to search for your own job, or otherwise plan to enter an industry that does not really conduct traditional MBA recruiting, then Oxbridge may well be the way to go. </p>
<p>I'll give you a case in point. I know a guy who got his MBA at MIT and wanted to work in Asia. This is a white guy who speaks no Asian languages. Most companies even in the US - to say nothing about those in Asia - know that MIT even has a business school, despite it being ranked the #4 MBA program according to US News. But people do know the MIT brand name. You graduate from MIT, even with a business degree, and people are just going to assume that you're a technical genius. He was able to find a job in Asia with relative ease (heading up the Asian operations of a small US manufacturer), by leveraging the MIT brand name.</p>
<p>But the key was that he was willing to do his own networking to get a job. If he wanted to get a job in traditional Ibanking, then something like HBS would be better. </p>
<p>
[quote]
If you had the option of going to USC, UCLA or Oxbridge, which would you choose?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Well, I would choose Oxbridge, not only because I tend to prefer non-traditional jobs, but also because Oxbridge is only 1 year long whereas the others are 2 years long. In fact, for that reason alone, I would turn down Oxbridge only for a top 10 US MBA (2-year) program. </p>
<p>
[quote]
More importantly, if you are a recruiter, how would you differentiate the strengths and weaknesses of these programs?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>As a recruiter, you would note that Oxbridge's MBA students are probably not as good, on average, as the students at a top-ranked MBA program. On the other hand, you would also note that the Oxbridge general brand name is extremely strong, and that an Oxbridge MBA grad will have alumni connections to the vaunted Oxbridge network.</p>