Graduate School and MBA - Advice?

[jAZ]

BTW, many of the other students in my class were business undergrads, and for them the experience was far more about just getting the paperwork for career advancement. They seemed less excited by their experience (as you might expect).

[redbrian]

Originally Posted by jAZ

BTW, many of the other students in my class were business undergrads, and for them the experience was far more about just getting the paperwork for career advancement. They seemed less excited by their experience (as you might expect).

Just to add to this if you can find a program which caters to the professional working stiff as opposed to the professional student I think you have an opportunity to get more out of it.

[ChiTown]

This is just my personal opinion, but MBA's are really only good if certain jobs require you to have them.

My employer, at that time, paid for my MBA. I had a dual major of Marketing and Finance. I was living in Chicago and had the opportunity to go to Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. They had a Program that emphasized International Business Study as an Executive MBA. We met for class on Fridays or Saturdays for about 2 yrs. It was somewhat helpful, but really helped my pocketbook more than my business knowledge. I jumped my salary about $20K in the early 90's. Not bad.

Like I said, if you are looking at certain opportunities that require an MBA, or that your main competition will have an MBA, then you might consider it. However, it's costly, time consuming, and may not deliver all that you are expecting. Good luck with your choice!

BTW, I can't write you a recommendation into Northwestern. I wrote a pretty nasty letter to the Dean of the Business School (after I got the MBA) about their lack of flexibility due to my travel. I think I've been blacklisted from ever stepping onto the premises of the Evanston Campus

[WisChief]

Originally Posted by ChiTown

This is just my personal opinion, but MBA's are really only good if certain jobs require you to have them.

My employer, at that time, paid for my MBA. I had a dual major of Marketing and Finance. I was living in Chicago and had the opportunity to go to Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. They had a Program that emphasized International Business Study as an Executive MBA. We met for class on Fridays or Saturdays for about 2 yrs. It was somewhat helpful, but really helped my pocketbook more than my business knowledge. I jumped my salary about $20K in the early 90's. Not bad.

Like I said, if you are looking at certain opportunities that require an MBA, or that your main competition will have an MBA, then you might consider it. However, it's costly, time consuming, and may not deliver all that you are expecting. Good luck with your choice!

BTW, I can't write you a recommendation into Northwestern. I wrote a pretty nasty letter to the Dean of the Business School (after I got the MBA) about their lack of flexibility due to my travel. I think I've been blacklisted from ever stepping onto the premises of the Evanston Campus

My boss is currently in the program at Kellogg thus my "interest" there. He has about 3 months left and he'll be done - 2 years of VERY hard work. He too is doing the International Business program (we're a world wide company).

And as far as you writing a nasty letter - why am I not surprised about that? Sounds like you needed a good ass kick'n then too.

[ChiTown]

Originally Posted by WisChief

And as far as you writing a nasty letter - why am I not surprised about that? Sounds like you needed a good ass kick'n then too.

Whhhhhy I oughta............

I'm actually very glad I did it. Shortly thereafter, they stopped sending me letters to donate money. *****em.

[KC Dan]

Originally Posted by ChiTown

It was somewhat helpful, but really helped my pocketbook more than my business knowledge. I jumped my salary about $20K in the early 90's. Not bad.

Agreed with most of what has been said here thus far. While my job didn't require an MBA, I spent 2 years of extremely hard work and made some fantastic friends and business connections. Though I did not change companies as is the usual course of action for post-MBA'ers within 6 months of degree completion, I did get promoted and my salary jumped 56%. They were afraid that I would leave which I almost did. I work my tail off and travel frequently but so far it has been worth it. Learning more everyday.

[WisChief]

Is your UG in business as well?

BS in Psychology and a second BS in Marketing.

Are you planning to change companies?

Always an option, but I'm "happy" here now.

Will your employer pay the cost of your education? -There are a number of executive MBA programs that accomodate working people.

Our company does offer an Excutive MBA, but... it's very very difficult to get accepted by the Excutive Committee. It is something I'm exploring.

[WisChief]

Originally Posted by jAZ

BTW, many of the other students in my class were business undergrads, and for them the experience was far more about just getting the paperwork for career advancement. They seemed less excited by their experience (as you might expect).

Funny you mention that. I tend to think that the experience, networking and learning are way above the paperwork in terms of what I'm looking for.