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eIn0791207912
Joined: 12 Jan 2009 Posts: 33
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Posted: Tue Oct 05, 2010 6:29 am Post subject: U. of Hawaii Japan-MBA |
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This may be a bit of stretch, but it never hurt to ask.
Has anyone here ever heard of someone working in Japan having graduated from the Japan-focused MBA at the University of Hawaii?
I've been doing a bit of research on it and it appears this specific MBA is very well regarded. In 2008 it was ranked in the top 25 internationally focused MBAs in the world. Out pacing even some international MBAs at Ivy League schools.
The Japan-focused MBA does standard coursework in Honolulu and then a guaranteed 3 month corporate internship in Tokyo. The goal is to create graduates that will work in Japan or with Japanese companies back in their home country.
So, if the foreign community there is anything like it is here in Korea, it's possible someone who has graduate from there or someone who knows someone from there might be on this forum.
Anyways, if you do/are, I have a few questions. Did the MBA prepare you to work in Tokyo? How is corporate life there? Does the salary match you might earn back home? Are you advancing up the ladder at a Western pace (according to your skills and abilities) or at the traditional pace for Japanese workers (based on seniority and time at the company?) Where in the corporate spectrum do you work, marketing, finance, accounting, m&a, etc.. ?
Thanks
ein |
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G Cthulhu
Joined: 07 Feb 2003 Posts: 1373 Location: Way, way off course.
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Posted: Tue Oct 05, 2010 8:34 pm Post subject: Re: U. of Hawaii Japan-MBA |
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eIn0791207912 wrote: |
I've been doing a bit of research on it and it appears this specific MBA is very well regarded. In 2008 it was ranked in the top 25 internationally focused MBAs in the world. Out pacing even some international MBAs at Ivy League schools.
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A couple of things....
1. Ranking is in the US. No one cares about rankings (per se) outside the US, or at least, not about US rankings. (Trust me, UoH is not in the top 25 globally for MBA, regardless of the focus area...). However, US rankings *are* important for getting a job with a US company. In the US. One that might send you to Japan, for example.
2. The rest of your post is simply too general for an answer. There are too many variables. Sorry.
3. MBA's, unless they do come from an ivy league school *where you go to make contacts and for the school name*, are *IMO*, becoming worthless. Everyone and their dog has an MBA. If you have a focus area you like (eg. marketing, finance, operations, supply, etc) then get an MSc in that focus area. Hell, combine it with an MBA if you really have to. An MBA simply won't stand out unless it is from that aforementioned ivy league school. Let me give you an example: India turns out *88,000* MBA grads a year. Their average quality is, again IMO, higher than the US average. That *immediately* puts you in the bottom half of the world market. Do you really want to try to compete from that basis?! |
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Glenski

Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN
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Posted: Tue Oct 05, 2010 10:03 pm Post subject: Re: U. of Hawaii Japan-MBA |
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eIn0791207912 wrote: |
The Japan-focused MBA does standard coursework in Honolulu and then a guaranteed 3 month corporate internship in Tokyo. The goal is to create graduates that will work in Japan or with Japanese companies back in their home country. |
I'll ask my coworker about MBAs because he has one, but I don't know where he got it.
Meanwhile, if this program is "Japan-focused", can we assume that when you write that it has "standard coursework", that it is standard by Japanese...uh...standards? Foreign MBAs are usually not looked upon with great acclaim in Japan because the business world operates differently here.
Also, if the Japanese company hires someone to work in a foreign branch, it is likely that there will be a lot of foreign workers in it, and they will follow more foreign rules of business than Japanese rules. Not sure how prevalent that is, nor how often it applies.
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Are you advancing up the ladder at a Western pace (according to your skills and abilities) or at the traditional pace for Japanese workers (based on seniority and time at the company?) |
If you live in Japan, I would suspect that you follow the Japanese pace.
You might want to see what Terrie Lloyd has to say in his essays on the Daijob web site. |
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chongalice49
Joined: 29 Jun 2010 Posts: 17
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Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2010 4:16 am Post subject: |
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If you go through with it and attend UH, trust me, you will have choke opportunities in regards to Japan brah, probably more than anywhere else in the states. |
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eIn0791207912
Joined: 12 Jan 2009 Posts: 33
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Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2010 11:20 am Post subject: |
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chongalice49 wrote: |
If you go through with it and attend UH, trust me, you will have choke opportunities in regards to Japan brah, probably more than anywhere else in the states. |
Forgive me if not quite up to date on the new hip lingo you crazy kids use these days. But what exactly constitutes "choke?" |
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eIn0791207912
Joined: 12 Jan 2009 Posts: 33
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Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2010 11:34 am Post subject: Re: U. of Hawaii Japan-MBA |
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Glenski wrote: |
eIn0791207912 wrote: |
The Japan-focused MBA does standard coursework in Honolulu and then a guaranteed 3 month corporate internship in Tokyo. The goal is to create graduates that will work in Japan or with Japanese companies back in their home country. |
I'll ask my coworker about MBAs because he has one, but I don't know where he got it.
Meanwhile, if this program is "Japan-focused", can we assume that when you write that it has "standard coursework", that it is standard by Japanese...uh...standards? Foreign MBAs are usually not looked upon with great acclaim in Japan because the business world operates differently here.
Also, if the Japanese company hires someone to work in a foreign branch, it is likely that there will be a lot of foreign workers in it, and they will follow more foreign rules of business than Japanese rules. Not sure how prevalent that is, nor how often it applies.
Quote: |
Are you advancing up the ladder at a Western pace (according to your skills and abilities) or at the traditional pace for Japanese workers (based on seniority and time at the company?) |
If you live in Japan, I would suspect that you follow the Japanese pace.
You might want to see what Terrie Lloyd has to say in his essays on the Daijob web site. |
The program claims to offer the fundamental basics for an MBA and then additional courses are added that focus on Japanese business culture, language, as well as foreign investment and marketing, and international and Japanese corporate and entrepreneurial law. That sounds like something that would set someone up quite nicely in Japanese company, but I could be entirely wrong.
About your comment that foreign MBA's are highly regarded in Japan. That's the first I've heard of that. What I have heard constantly, is that Japanese MBA's (which I've also looked at getting) aren't very well regarded outside of Japan. This seems to be an incredible limiting factor. If you get your MBA in Japan, you can pretty much only work in Japan. If you get your MBA outside of Japan, your limited to work mostly outside of Japan. How does that formula work when there are Japanese mega corporations with offices and branches all over the world and companies that are fundamental to the world economy as a whole? Who exactly works for these companies? And does it not stand to reason that a person with extensive knowledge and experience both inside and outside of the country is deemed more valuable to that company no matter where he/she may be placed or is currently representing that company?
These are the kind of questions that keep me up at night. It makes me constantly question if this is the right move or not. I want to work corporate in Japan. But not for a lifetime. I want to be able to go back to my home country or be marketable for another position if it were to open somewhere else in the world. Is there not a path to take that earns creditability both inside Japan and out that doesn't go through an Ivy League school? |
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Glenski

Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN
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Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2010 10:08 pm Post subject: Re: U. of Hawaii Japan-MBA |
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eIn0791207912 wrote: |
About your comment that foreign MBA's are highly regarded in Japan. That's the first I've heard of that. |
Reread my post:
"Foreign MBAs are usually not looked upon with great acclaim in Japan"
Quote: |
nd does it not stand to reason that a person with extensive knowledge and experience both inside and outside of the country is deemed more valuable to that company no matter where he/she may be placed or is currently representing that company? |
Intrinsically, it makes sense, but when you have situations like the Toyota debacle, and the Japanese office falters on admitting fault (like companies do here all the time), it's pretty clear whose culture dominates the office.
Many/Most J businessmen who return to the home office are given a cooling off period and re-brainwashing so that they don't try to bring back too many foreign notions about how to do business in Japan.
These are the kind of questions that keep me up at night. It makes me constantly question if this is the right move or not. I want to work corporate in Japan. But not for a lifetime. I want to be able to go back to my home country or be marketable for another position if it were to open somewhere else in the world. Is there not a path to take that earns creditability both inside Japan and out that doesn't go through an Ivy League school?[/quote] |
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eIn0791207912
Joined: 12 Jan 2009 Posts: 33
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Posted: Thu Oct 07, 2010 12:00 am Post subject: Re: U. of Hawaii Japan-MBA |
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Glenski wrote: |
eIn0791207912 wrote: |
About your comment that foreign MBA's are highly regarded in Japan. That's the first I've heard of that. |
Reread my post:
"Foreign MBAs are usually not looked upon with great acclaim in Japan"
Quote: |
nd does it not stand to reason that a person with extensive knowledge and experience both inside and outside of the country is deemed more valuable to that company no matter where he/she may be placed or is currently representing that company? |
Intrinsically, it makes sense, but when you have situations like the Toyota debacle, and the Japanese office falters on admitting fault (like companies do here all the time), it's pretty clear whose culture dominates the office.
Many/Most J businessmen who return to the home office are given a cooling off period and re-brainwashing so that they don't try to bring back too many foreign notions about how to do business in Japan.
These are the kind of questions that keep me up at night. It makes me constantly question if this is the right move or not. I want to work corporate in Japan. But not for a lifetime. I want to be able to go back to my home country or be marketable for another position if it were to open somewhere else in the world. Is there not a path to take that earns creditability both inside Japan and out that doesn't go through an Ivy League school? |
[/quote]
That's what I meant. Typo. |
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G Cthulhu
Joined: 07 Feb 2003 Posts: 1373 Location: Way, way off course.
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Posted: Thu Oct 07, 2010 1:18 am Post subject: Re: U. of Hawaii Japan-MBA |
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eIn0791207912 wrote: |
The program claims to offer the fundamental basics for an MBA and then additional courses are added that focus on Japanese business culture, language, as well as foreign investment and marketing, and international and Japanese corporate and entrepreneurial law. That sounds like something that would set someone up quite nicely in Japanese company, but I could be entirely wrong. |
You are. Theory (and what they simply *advertise*) and reality are two very different things.
Quote: |
About your comment that foreign MBA's are highly regarded in Japan. That's the first I've heard of that. What I have heard constantly, is that Japanese MBA's (which I've also looked at getting) aren't very well regarded outside of Japan.
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You've heard that Jpns MBA's aren't well regarded so that makes you think non-Jpns are? Aside from the gross logical error, again, you're simply listening to the wrong people. IME, and I say this as someone that works in HR for a global company for a living, MBA's from *anywhere* simply don't mean jack in Japan. Corporate Japan *IMO* simply doesn't care about MBA's.
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This seems to be an incredible limiting factor. If you get your MBA in Japan, you can pretty much only work in Japan. If you get your MBA outside of Japan, your limited to work mostly outside of Japan.
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Sorry, that's rubbish. If you're going to obsess about MBA's then the global rules are very simple: Ivy League Name Schools and global equivalents (eg. INSEAD) and The Rest.
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These are the kind of questions that keep me up at night. It makes me constantly question if this is the right move or not. I want to work corporate in Japan. But not for a lifetime. I want to be able to go back to my home country or be marketable for another position if it were to open somewhere else in the world. Is there not a path to take that earns creditability both inside Japan and out that doesn't go through an Ivy League school?
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How does the MBA address that goal (& I'd have words about that goal, personally, but maybe it was just badly expressed)? The MBA doesn't do *anything* to address the goal. *That* goal is addressed by connections, determination, ability, and sheer luck. I've said it before, but I think you would be better served, especially if you have an undergrad business degree, by getting a straight Master's in a focused area. *That* makes you stand out globally these days. MBA's are simply wallpaper. |
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MrCAPiTUL
Joined: 06 Feb 2006 Posts: 232 Location: Taipei, Taiwan
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Posted: Thu Oct 07, 2010 4:27 am Post subject: |
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I actually have an MBA (Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University; one of the top 10 in Europe and in the top 30 globally by Financial Times) and will reply to some of your questions specifically, and then give a general opinion.
Quote: |
Has anyone here ever heard of someone working in Japan having graduated from the Japan-focused MBA at the University of Hawaii? |
No, sorry.
Quote: |
I've been doing a bit of research on it and it appears this specific MBA is very well regarded. In 2008 it was ranked in the top 25 internationally focused MBAs in the world. Out pacing even some international MBAs at Ivy League schools. |
With the exception of Thunderbird in Arizona, there aren't too many US schools that are very well regarded as being international. This was a big reason I studied in Europe and not the US.
Quote: |
The Japan-focused MBA does standard coursework in Honolulu and then a guaranteed 3 month corporate internship in Tokyo. The goal is to create graduates that will work in Japan or with Japanese companies back in their home country. |
During my MBA I exchanged in Japan. Even still, I am not working in Japan now. Factually, the MBA in Japan (and Asia as a whole) isn't as valuable as it is in the West. This isn't really an MBA culture out here (actually, even in Europe, with the exception of London, it isn't quite as valuable as the States, though it is gaining ground quickly there). Will doing an MBA in Japan build your JP network? Sure. However, keep in mind that nearly all the Japanese who do an MBA are basically doing it as a 2 year holiday and its given as a 'Thank You for your Service' by their company. Many go back and hold the same positions they had prior to MBA. The exception to all of this, though, is if you land a job with a Western Company or a very liberal Asian firm (but then the reputation of your school still is the big deal - in Asia ,even more than the west, image and prestige is HUGE).
Quote: |
Anyways, if you do/are, I have a few questions. Did the MBA prepare you to work in Tokyo? How is corporate life there? Does the salary match you might earn back home? Are you advancing up the ladder at a Western pace (according to your skills and abilities) or at the traditional pace for Japanese workers (based on seniority and time at the company?) Where in the corporate spectrum do you work, marketing, finance, accounting, m&a, etc.. ? |
I'll answer these in order:
- In some ways MBA would prepare you with new ways to face challenges
- Corporate life in Tokyo, as with most places in Asia, generally sucks. You work long, long, long hours with very few days holiday.
- As a Foreigner, your career will not advance at a western pace in Japan. It is not as merit based as it is in the West. Most employees bow to their bosses and do whatever the boss says, and then, when the time is right, the boss will help push your career forward. Why do you think you'd move faster if you are working directly for a Japanese company? They have a deep talent pool. If you want to advance your career quickly, look at trying to find a job in China.
-I'm a Global Marketing Manager for a TW'ese company and work closely with Japanese vendors and our country marketing team there.
Now, in general: I'm all for studying internationally and I support the idea of an MBA. But, as mentioned, go to a school that definitely has some clout in the world. Make sure the programme fits your needs, of course, but make sure it has clout, too. It's important. Also, don't think too much about internships in Japan - generally, it isn't an internship based culture. Unless you get one with a big organization like the UN or something, you probably will not be hired on afterwards (nobody I know has, to be honest).
Now, I'm not saying its impossible for it to work out, but I think you need to be aware of the challenges that exist.
By the way, some additional: the MBA is NOT a ticket to a job in most cases - your previous experience is (unless you go to a school with a closely knit alumni base).
Also, I'd say 90% of foreign expats I ever met had very little language ability compared to the locals. It isn't the selling feature that most people think is. They have access to 125m Japanese speakers - do you really think your Japanese is going to be the tremendous value add? It helps, for sure, but don't bank on it. |
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Glenski

Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN
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Posted: Thu Oct 07, 2010 4:36 am Post subject: |
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http://www.daijob.com/en/columns/terrie/article/453
I talked to the school Director Scott Maltby about why people
would want to do an MBA in Japan, when they could be doing the
same thing back home. Scott highlighted an interesting point: that
part-time "in-situ" learning allows people to apply what they've
learned the very next working day at the office. This has a huge
reinforcing effect on what might otherwise just be a bunch of
theory. He predicts that moreand more MBA schools will move to
part-time advanced learning, simply because it seems to work so
well. I certainly agree that this removes some of the reputation
(not necessarily deserved, but in a tight market often repeated)
that freshly minted MBAs often get for being expensive "trainees".
There is another reason why McGill is interesting. As many readers
will know, when people, and essentially employers, think of Asia
these days, Japan is not necessarily at the top of the list - rather,
the mind share tends to be taken up by China instead, or in fact the
overall region as a whole. Therefore, if you are going to get an MBA
for strategic reasons, it's probably a good idea to choose a school
that can offer a strategic selection of locations.
The McGill folks came to this conclusion several years ago, and
from this year, will be offering block courses not only at their
campus at Sophia University, but also in Beijing and Seoul. Thus,
coming out of a McGill program will rightly allow you to say that
you have regional experience and exposure. Of course, if you happen
to like Canada, or indeed are Canadian, then another reason to look
at McGill is their Japan+Canada study program. This option has you
getting started here in Tokyo, then finishing up the second year in
Montreal.
http://www.daijob.com/en/columns/terrie/article/339
http://www.daijob.com/en/columns/terrie/article/454
http://www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/content/may2009/gb2009057_863933.htm
Japan: Slowly Warming Up to MBAs
Japan offers more business school programs than ever, but Japan Inc. remains skeptical of the value of an MBA
it's difficult to make the case that Japan Inc. embraces employees with MBAs. On the contrary, many big companies still prefer to hire grads fresh out of college and mold them into the type of managers they want, rather than hiring B-school grads. Meanwhile MBA holders sent to B-school by companies find it tough to put newfound skills into practice when they return to work.
Corporate Japan doesn't seem convinced of the merits of MBAs. Many companies still have a lifetime employment system with pay and promotions based on seniority. That means MBA holders can't expect rapid progression or improved compensation.
the notion that MBAs can be bad for business, while not widespread, goes down well in Japan. Last fall, Takayuki Yasui, a columnist for the Asahi Shimbun daily, attributed some weakness of Detroit's auto industry to U.S. companies tendency to promote managers with MBAs, whereas more successful companies like Honda (HMC) for example, fill their management ranks with engineers. |
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chongalice49
Joined: 29 Jun 2010 Posts: 17
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Posted: Thu Oct 07, 2010 5:29 am Post subject: |
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eIn0791207912 wrote: |
chongalice49 wrote: |
If you go through with it and attend UH, trust me, you will have choke opportunities in regards to Japan brah, probably more than anywhere else in the states. |
Forgive me if not quite up to date on the new hip lingo you crazy kids use these days. But what exactly constitutes "choke?" |
Sorry! I assumed you were from Hawai'i, lol. That was Hawaiian Pidgin for "many." You may wanna read up on Pidgin if you're going to attend UH
Also, I've met people who've graduated from Shidler and gotten jobs in Asia. I actually did a news piece on it a few years ago. I've also taught (TOEFL practice) a few Japanese people who were going to be doing their MBAs at UH.
I'm not an expert on Shidler or anything, but I did graduate from UH and I do know that the program is probably the best Asian-focused business school in the nation. Additionally, their Japanese language programs (actually the entire EALL department) is the best in the US.
Like anything, it's not going to take you to Japan automatically, but if you put in the time and effort and make connections in Hawai'i (there are a ton if you want to get to Japan), then you should be able to do it. |
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