Having done one semester (2 core modules) in DBS, I could find that people who do not have a current job that helps them develop their "soft skills" such as IT technical jobs need more than a distance MBA.

Duncun clearly explains here ..
http://www.find-mba.com/board/22882

So, what are the options available to develop "soft skills" to complement a distance/online MBA?

1. Personal development programmes such as Ashridge AMP or open programmes (Duncan, how good are they? - as we know you are an Ashridge alumni)
2. Personal coach
3. Executive coach
4. Join voluntary /charity organisation to build up people skills. ( eg: I am the treasurer for our local scouts - my son attends there. A chance to meet lot of people and deal with accounting, financial planing etc)

Any other suggestions to "apply" the MBA knowledge and build people/personal skills?

Who said distance/online MBA doesn't have a value?

Today, I got a new job in one of the big 5 banks in the city with a 25% pay raise with a team of 60 people to manage.

Few things to note ..
1. My participation at the last network event with senior management guys sparked the trigger.
http://www.find-mba.com/board/23096

2. Employer looked very favorably that I am building management skills via MBA at DBS while working full time.

Now I get a chance to practice what I am learning in the MBA and will recover the cost of investment before the course ends! Cool :-)

Just to put things in prospective, I have 16+ years experience and in the banking alone about 10+ years in the city.

Now I got to read ..
http://www.amazon.co.uk/New-Leaders-100-Day-Action-Plan/dp/1118097548/ref=pd_sim_b_2

I'm very happy for you Georgep! :-)

Thanks maubia.

Looking back at my first post on this forum..
http://www.find-mba.com/board/20012/2

donho199's prophecy has come true!

Except from that good luck with the MBA, to be honest with you, with that much experience, I think half-of-the MBA modules could be your piece of cake.

George, this is great news. I know you've been weighing up whether Durham is the right choice for you, and perhaps this is also a good choice to re-evaluate that? Of course you'll have a lot to focus on with your job, but don't underestimate what a high quality cohort experience would bring to accelerate you in your day job.

The Ashridge AMP looks excellent. As I understand it, it involves some pre-existing courses including the Ashridge Leadership Process and Influencing Strategies and Skills. After completing the AMP, of course, you can quite quickly complete the Masters in Management by distance learning.