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Message
Making MBA Choice in Next Few Weeks. Advice Needed
Posted on 12/29/12 at 2:29 am
Posted on 12/29/12 at 2:29 am
First- Vet and program is payed for. Window for transferring benefits to my child will be closed once my child is 18. My wife already has a masters in Food Science, so I either use it or lose it.
Second- I will not be attending a top program. Looking at ULM,UND,LSU,Ohio U,Miss State,Texas A&M Commerce, U Michigan Dearborn are the programs to which I will be sending applications. All programs listed are online except LSU.
Third- I am currently in the Liquor/Wine industry at the distributor level. I am aiming for a supplier position with a top supplier (Diageo, Brown Forman, Gallo, etc...) that will one day lead to a national management position.
Just looking for any advice. If anyone has any tips, ideas, or past experiences to help me reflect on this topic it would be greatly appreciated. Hidden Flask, I know you have given me sold advice on this subject before. Any other thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks Money Board.
Second- I will not be attending a top program. Looking at ULM,UND,LSU,Ohio U,Miss State,Texas A&M Commerce, U Michigan Dearborn are the programs to which I will be sending applications. All programs listed are online except LSU.
Third- I am currently in the Liquor/Wine industry at the distributor level. I am aiming for a supplier position with a top supplier (Diageo, Brown Forman, Gallo, etc...) that will one day lead to a national management position.
Just looking for any advice. If anyone has any tips, ideas, or past experiences to help me reflect on this topic it would be greatly appreciated. Hidden Flask, I know you have given me sold advice on this subject before. Any other thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks Money Board.
This post was edited on 12/29/12 at 2:34 am
Posted on 12/29/12 at 6:31 am to ragacamps
Sounds like you have a plan to couple the MBA and your current work experience for continued professional growth in that industry. Which is using the mba the exact way it should be used. Go tear that program up!
I was a headhunter for years and the mba is basically useless without solid work experience/growth in levels of responsibilty within a specific industry.
Have you explored any "executive mba" program's? They often offer very flexible schedules...i believe southeastern has one.
Good luck!
I was a headhunter for years and the mba is basically useless without solid work experience/growth in levels of responsibilty within a specific industry.
Have you explored any "executive mba" program's? They often offer very flexible schedules...i believe southeastern has one.
Good luck!
Posted on 12/29/12 at 7:38 am to ragacamps
You should avoid the online options, if possible. I just finished the executive program at LSU, and I found that I learned a lot from my classmates' experiences. That would be totally lost in an online program.
Posted on 12/29/12 at 9:18 am to flamot1
I wouldn't say that it's entirely lost in an online program, but you have to look into what type of team work you will be able to do with them.
It sounds like you should look for a school with a strong program in Supply Chain Management. I believe NC State has one that you can do online as well.
It sounds like you should look for a school with a strong program in Supply Chain Management. I believe NC State has one that you can do online as well.
Posted on 12/29/12 at 9:38 am to flamot1
quote:
You should avoid the online options, if possible. I just finished the executive program at LSU, and I found that I learned a lot from my classmates' experiences. That would be totally lost in an online program
I think you may be right but I had a buddy complete UNC's online MBA and received an awesome education. I have explored executive MBA programs. I am looking for a marketing concentration program.
Posted on 12/29/12 at 12:15 pm to ragacamps
UNC is a different tier of MBA program than you are considering. It is one of the better programs in the country and there are differentiators that come with that ranking (and cost).
Texas A&M is a strong supply chain management school. We hire a lot of undergrads from there for that service line. Mays is not a top tier MBA, but would be better than most you have listed.
Strongly recommend a full time or executive MBA...the classmate interaction is arguably the most important part of your education. Creating a larger network and learning from that network's experiences is a game changer for your career long term.
It is very good that you have a distinct goal in mind. Look for MBA programs that are being recruited by the companies you eventually want employment...even if it isn't right out of the program, you will have recruitment exposure.
Texas A&M is a strong supply chain management school. We hire a lot of undergrads from there for that service line. Mays is not a top tier MBA, but would be better than most you have listed.
Strongly recommend a full time or executive MBA...the classmate interaction is arguably the most important part of your education. Creating a larger network and learning from that network's experiences is a game changer for your career long term.
It is very good that you have a distinct goal in mind. Look for MBA programs that are being recruited by the companies you eventually want employment...even if it isn't right out of the program, you will have recruitment exposure.
Posted on 12/29/12 at 1:39 pm to lynxcat
Thanks for the advice everyone. I greatly appreciate it.
Posted on 12/29/12 at 1:47 pm to ragacamps
Another consideration...where do you want to live? Lower ranked MBAs are recognized locally much more than nationally, so this will help you get the most out of the recruitment opportunities.
Again, figure out the companies you want to work for and then find out which programs they recruit. Basically, you just work backwards to ID the schools that make the most sense for what you are trying to accomplish.
How much work experience do you have right now? After about 5-6 years of experience, executive MBA programs can really start making more sense depending on your earning potential right now and how comfortable you are in your current position. In short, weekend, in-person programs allow you to continue work while still gaining the personal component of the degree. It can be tough on your personal life though to be gone a lot of weekends and always doing schoolwork during free time.
I'll be going to FT MBA route in the next 2-3 years, but I am still very early in my career and my earning potential still has years to peak (less opportunity cost of taking two years off from working).
Again, figure out the companies you want to work for and then find out which programs they recruit. Basically, you just work backwards to ID the schools that make the most sense for what you are trying to accomplish.
How much work experience do you have right now? After about 5-6 years of experience, executive MBA programs can really start making more sense depending on your earning potential right now and how comfortable you are in your current position. In short, weekend, in-person programs allow you to continue work while still gaining the personal component of the degree. It can be tough on your personal life though to be gone a lot of weekends and always doing schoolwork during free time.
I'll be going to FT MBA route in the next 2-3 years, but I am still very early in my career and my earning potential still has years to peak (less opportunity cost of taking two years off from working).
This post was edited on 12/29/12 at 1:49 pm
Posted on 12/29/12 at 1:55 pm to lynxcat
quote:
UNC is a different tier of MBA program than you are considering. It is one of the better programs in the country and there are differentiators that come with that ranking (and cost).
Totally agree with you. I think the delivery methods are rapidly evolving for most online MBA programs. Not that it is of great importance, but more and more online programs are gaining AACSB accreditation. That being said, I am obviously not looking at a super elite or top tier program, but I do believe I can earn a quality MBA from some of the online options. The ULM MBA is very appealing because of how affordable it is (one of the cheapest in the nation). ULM will result in still having a good chunk of GI bill funds remaining after I complete. This leaves my wife with the possibility of using some of the GI money if she ever chooses to pursue her PHD.
I think online is the method that offers the flexibility (scheduling) I will need because of the hours I work now. During the holidays I am completely stomped and often work 7 days a week from September through to the end of the year.
Posted on 12/29/12 at 2:01 pm to ragacamps
Do any of the online programs ever allow for in-person interaction a few times during the program? I do know these programs are becoming more creative in making it interactive and it sounds like it is the choice that makes the most sense given your life circumstances.
You should definitely make sure it is an accredited program.
Good luck!
You should definitely make sure it is an accredited program.
Good luck!
Posted on 12/29/12 at 2:15 pm to lynxcat
quote:
Do any of the online programs ever allow for in-person interaction a few times during the program? I do know these programs are becoming more creative in making it interactive and it sounds like it is the choice that makes the most sense given your life circumstances.
Yes. They have a few different options during the final few classes of the program. From what I understand, and I will verify this before any decision is made, successfully completing the program is contingent on a team project during the final portion. I am not sure what it entails.
Posted on 12/29/12 at 8:02 pm to ragacamps
I'm enrolled in the online master's program at Belhaven University. The professors give out their phone number/email and encourage students to call. I have spoken to several when something is not clear. Lot's of former military at this school.
Posted on 12/29/12 at 8:06 pm to matthew25
By the way, can you recommend the top 2 players in your industry (possible stock market purchase).
If you are looking at an executive MBA, Millsaps College just announced that Steve Rogers, former president/CEO of a major real estate firm (Parkway) would be teaching in residence. Mississippi doesn't have many stalwarts in the business world, but Rogers is one of the few.
If you are looking at an executive MBA, Millsaps College just announced that Steve Rogers, former president/CEO of a major real estate firm (Parkway) would be teaching in residence. Mississippi doesn't have many stalwarts in the business world, but Rogers is one of the few.
Posted on 12/29/12 at 10:27 pm to matthew25
Diageo
Brown Forman
Beam Global
Pernod Ricard
Constellation
Gallo (private)
Wine Group (private)
Concho y Toro
Majestic
Brown Forman
Beam Global
Pernod Ricard
Constellation
Gallo (private)
Wine Group (private)
Concho y Toro
Majestic
Posted on 12/30/12 at 4:14 pm to lynxcat
quote:
Do any of the online programs ever allow for in-person interaction a few times during the program?
Not necessarily in-person, but my most of my MBA classes involved at least one group project that involved web conferences/conference calls.
Posted on 12/30/12 at 9:12 pm to ragacamps
(no message)
This post was edited on 4/6/13 at 1:08 pm
Posted on 12/31/12 at 12:42 am to bigblake
Completely agree with that advice. I am targeting FT and I would almost stop at Top 15 being the barrier I really want to consider. UT at Austin and Notre Dame would be stretches for the national value, IMO.
If the top school can't happen, then it is all about a check the box.
If the top school can't happen, then it is all about a check the box.
Posted on 12/31/12 at 5:07 am to ragacamps
ragacamps, you get lots of credit for planning your future. I see some really good advice already in this thread. I did my MBA at a lower tier accredited school part time at night over 6 years and it paid off big time.
My advice is to never stop learning, pick an area you like, maybe logistics or marketing, and strive to become the best. Always be out in front with new technology or concepts. Don't every say stuff like, 'because this is how we always did it'. Listen to others and learn from them.
I am not sure about the online programs. I agree with the posters saying that interaction and networking are important. This is true in school and in your career field.
My advice is to never stop learning, pick an area you like, maybe logistics or marketing, and strive to become the best. Always be out in front with new technology or concepts. Don't every say stuff like, 'because this is how we always did it'. Listen to others and learn from them.
I am not sure about the online programs. I agree with the posters saying that interaction and networking are important. This is true in school and in your career field.
Posted on 12/31/12 at 10:55 am to ragacamps
There is a lot of MBA snobbery out there just like any other major. If you plan on working on Wall St or are being groomed to be a C-Level employee at a Fortune 500 company then I'd certainly say your best route is an MBA from a Top-25 program. You should also be prepared to be buried in debt when you finish(that is unless your employer is picking up the tab). I personally dont believe that there is enough seperation between the post graduate salaries from the #26-#100 MBA programs to justify any significant additional expense. Opinions certainly vary on this though.
An AACSB accredited MBA program is the only way to go. There are many Business schools which are regionally or otherwise accredited offering MBA's. There is certainly some truth to the statement that name recognition matters. A major and well known University typically carries more weight than a 2nd or 3rd tier University/College.
An AACSB accredited MBA program is the only way to go. There are many Business schools which are regionally or otherwise accredited offering MBA's. There is certainly some truth to the statement that name recognition matters. A major and well known University typically carries more weight than a 2nd or 3rd tier University/College.
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