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re: ROI on Masters Programs

Posted on 7/25/14 at 9:31 am to
Posted by Cajun Revolution
Member since Apr 2009
44671 posts
Posted on 7/25/14 at 9:31 am to
quote:

Unless you've changed your viewpoint on networking, you won't get the full value.



What's my view on networking? I find it valuable but I think being technically skilled is also brings its own measure.
Posted by Golfer
Member since Nov 2005
75052 posts
Posted on 7/25/14 at 9:33 am to
quote:

What's my view on networking?


Didn't you start a thread 2 or 3 months ago about how you were getting turned down/not interview for jobs because you felt they didn't care about you being a state employee.

And myself, along with a few others, told you that you needed to get out there first and know these decision makers in the private sector. Your response IIRC was something along the lines of "I just don't see this working when they get nothing out of it."
Posted by TxTiger82
Member since Sep 2004
33936 posts
Posted on 7/25/14 at 9:34 am to
quote:

I find it valuable but I think being technically skilled is also brings its own measure.


They largely come from the same opportunities in grad school. And those opportunities are not necessarily part of any class.

One more thought: Apply for funding. Assistantships, fellowships, internships....anything that might get you full or partial tuition remission. There may be money out there if you look around.
Posted by Cajun Revolution
Member since Apr 2009
44671 posts
Posted on 7/25/14 at 9:35 am to
quote:

you needed to get out there first and know these decision makers in the private sector.


I believe my response would have been it's easier said then done.

And it's impossible to get a job off a fortune 500 companies career section.
Posted by SippyCup
Gulf Coast
Member since Sep 2008
6138 posts
Posted on 7/25/14 at 9:36 am to
quote:

I'm hesitant to some extent as the cost seems expensive and weighing the potential earnings benefits.


I was in a similar situation a few years ago. I was trying to justify a 40k tuition expense. In the end, I went ahead and completed the program. It came down to a combination of pride and additional income. If I was making the decision on income alone, it would have been a no brainer, its not worth it.
Posted by Golfer
Member since Nov 2005
75052 posts
Posted on 7/25/14 at 9:39 am to
You said you knew some company presidents, etc. in the BR area but didn't think reaching out to them would help.

Anyways, the point being made by another poster in here as well is if you just go through the motions of the program, don't seek out leadership roles in the professional societies, outside relationships with your professors, other classmates, fellowships, etc. it won't get the ROI.
This post was edited on 7/25/14 at 9:41 am
Posted by Cajun Revolution
Member since Apr 2009
44671 posts
Posted on 7/25/14 at 9:40 am to
I do. I just don't see myself fitting into their organizational structure based upon my interests. That's the difference.
Posted by Golfer
Member since Nov 2005
75052 posts
Posted on 7/25/14 at 9:43 am to
quote:

I do. I just don't see myself fitting into their organizational structure based upon my interests. That's the difference.



It isn't about their specific company, it's about who they know and how that can help you down the line.

Posted by Ghostfacedistiller
BR
Member since Jun 2008
17500 posts
Posted on 7/25/14 at 9:45 am to
quote:

It'd never thought I'd get in but apparently my resume, recommendations and letter were enough to make up for my General Studies undergrad at LSU. I didn't even take a LSAT, much less GMAT.


I'm jelly. Got denied by GWU with a 3.9 GPA, a 165 LSAT and two letter from sitting US Senators at the time.

Do it.
Posted by Cajun Revolution
Member since Apr 2009
44671 posts
Posted on 7/25/14 at 9:48 am to
I was told this program is more about career arc. I was told specifically, "We don't care about what you did 10 years ago at 20 years old. We care about what you're doing now and in the future."

At 28, I'm pretty much the most competitive candidate for their program. The Admissions Office and Dean pretty much told me I was a shoe in before I even applied.
Posted by Pettifogger
Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone
Member since Feb 2012
79104 posts
Posted on 7/25/14 at 9:50 am to
quote:

I'm jelly. Got denied by GWU with a 3.9 GPA, a 165 LSAT and two letter from sitting US Senators at the time.



What undergrad? It's been a few years ago but GWU wasn't that selective when I was picking a school. It's also massive, so that helps.
Posted by Big Moe
Chicago
Member since Feb 2013
3989 posts
Posted on 7/25/14 at 9:58 am to
$60,000 isn't bad, especially at a prestigious school. I'm starting a grad program that costs about$45,000. Problem that I'm having, and you probably will too, is finding a job that will allow you the flexibility you need to focus on school
Posted by usc6158
Member since Feb 2008
35308 posts
Posted on 7/25/14 at 9:59 am to
It sounds like you want to do it. It might be a short-term risk and ultimately not worth the money, but it's not like you'll end up going backwards in terms of career arc. 28 is pretty much prime time to get a masters if that's what you really want to do.

I'm currently a GW PhD student and the school is extremely well run and efficient.
Posted by Cajun Revolution
Member since Apr 2009
44671 posts
Posted on 7/25/14 at 10:06 am to
I'm pretty pumped about it and excited. I never ever thought I'd be accepted into a legit top 50 school grad program, much less a program administered by a top law school.
Posted by stewie
Member since Jan 2006
3948 posts
Posted on 7/25/14 at 10:27 am to
quote:

It'd never thought I'd get in but apparently my resume, recommendations and letter were enough to make up for my General Studies undergrad at LSU. I didn't even take a LSAT, much less GMAT.


quote:

Procurement/Contracts Law program


It sounds like this is a very specialized master's program. If that's what you are really into and you feel there is enough demand in the job market, go ahead.

Maybe I'm stuck in an old school train of thought but sounds like it could just be a money maker for the school ... enticing kids that couldn't get into a top law or MBA program.

The fact that you didn't have to take the LSAT or GMAT would make me very nervous as to the legitimacy of the program (or at least how serious people will view it).

You aren't getting a JD, so you won't be able to practice, you won't get your MBA...

I don't know, again, if you know of the demand for their graduates and feel comfortable with the risk of the debt, go ahead...I wouldn't.

If it were me, I'd get the JD and look for a combo MBA program...but that's coming from a lawyer.
This post was edited on 7/25/14 at 10:29 am
Posted by Ghostfacedistiller
BR
Member since Jun 2008
17500 posts
Posted on 7/25/14 at 11:01 am to
quote:

What undergrad? It's been a few years ago but GWU wasn't that selective when I was picking a school. It's also massive, so that helps.


Leeds School of Business @ University of Colorado Boulder. I graduated in 2001. I applied to GW Law in 2006. I got into a few decent schools but didn't go. I got a job offer which basically paid for my MBA and am happy how it worked out.

Wait...OP this is not the duel JD/MBA Program? It's not this? LINK
This post was edited on 7/25/14 at 11:04 am
Posted by JudgeHolden
Gila River
Member since Jan 2008
18566 posts
Posted on 7/25/14 at 11:05 am to
quote:

The fact that you didn't have to take the LSAT or GMAT would make me very nervous as to the legitimacy of the program (or at least how serious people will view it).


+1
Posted by Big Moe
Chicago
Member since Feb 2013
3989 posts
Posted on 7/25/14 at 11:12 am to
My school is the same way, about not heavily weighing test score. At some of the exclusive private schools they don't like them because test scores don't apply much to real life situations in their opinion. They would rather have people with real life experience, good recommendations, and show ambition through their essay
Posted by JudgeHolden
Gila River
Member since Jan 2008
18566 posts
Posted on 7/25/14 at 11:14 am to
quote:

duel JD/MBA Program


Posted by Cajun Revolution
Member since Apr 2009
44671 posts
Posted on 7/25/14 at 11:20 am to
I refuse to believe sitting for some standardized test will determine success of a mature experienced prospective student.

The program is new and legit, the grant waivers like most programs. Go check the fine print at most programs for students with consummate experience.
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