Zurich hosts third MBA fair

Zurich's Kongresshaus is bringing together some of the world's most prestigious universities on Tuesday for the city's third MBA fair.

The event is jointly organised by the US embassy and the worldwide leader in test preparation, Kaplan, and brings together the heavyweights of the international education.

Among those hoping to sell their courses to aspiring business executives are the US’s Georgetown, Berkeley and Robert Kennedy universities, along with Swiss institutions such as the Swiss Business School, City University and the University of Geneva.

Sandor Galambos of the US Commercial Services Department says the fair is in response to the growing demand for MBA courses.

“There seems to be an increase in MBA seekers throughout Switzerland and we believe that there’s a lot of potential for US and European schools to showcase their products and courses here in Zurich.”

MBAs aim to equip today’s managers for the ever-increasing demands of executive management, and the qualification is seen as almost essential for those wanting to make it to the top of the corporate greasy pole.

“It appears that an MBA is key to advancing to senior corporate positions,” says Galambos. “It’s almost the equivalent of a doctorate. A course includes economics classes, accounting, management and, of course, everything to do with the Internet and e-commerce.”

“The institutions present will be informing visitors about all kinds of preparatory courses you have to take to be able to sign up for an MBA course,” says Galambos.

The fair expects to attract 300 to 400 people.

written by Michael Hollingdale