The job is to be brought on as a partner in a multimillion dollar business so yea I think it would help. The notion of hiring managers and the standard corporate hierarchy doesn't apply in this situation.
How Much Does Where You Get An MBA Really Matter....
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Last: 2 yr ago by AgGrad99
I got a chance to teach at a MBA diploma mill. DO NOT DO THAT.
Maybe there is some chance that you get ahead just because you checked a box, but you absolutely won't get anything worthwhile out of it. Not because the curriculum is bad, as someone else mentioned most teach the same thing probably with the same textbooks, but because the other students are bad. Least common denominator issues in a classroom drag down the learning experience for everyone. There wasn't a single person in my class that I would have considered hiring, yet most of them will end up with a MBA. If a resume with that school ended up on my desk touting the MBA I would straight laugh and throw it in the trash, and I apply that assumption to most other diploma mill schools too.
Maybe there is some chance that you get ahead just because you checked a box, but you absolutely won't get anything worthwhile out of it. Not because the curriculum is bad, as someone else mentioned most teach the same thing probably with the same textbooks, but because the other students are bad. Least common denominator issues in a classroom drag down the learning experience for everyone. There wasn't a single person in my class that I would have considered hiring, yet most of them will end up with a MBA. If a resume with that school ended up on my desk touting the MBA I would straight laugh and throw it in the trash, and I apply that assumption to most other diploma mill schools too.
If you want to do an MBA, I'd say get into the best one you can. And prepare to pay for it. I did mine from a Top 3 school - part time. I am happy I did that. I paid $110k in tuition, paid it myself with no loan. I learned enough about investing that it made up for what I paid the school.
Overall, it was very difficult to work and study but I am happy I did so. I have the degree in my office next to my TAMU graduate degree in Engineering.
I find that I am now able to see pros and cons and see dangers quicker than most people at work. Sometimes however the bosses don't recognize this and think I might be negative, but I am almost always right in the end.
Overall, it was very difficult to work and study but I am happy I did so. I have the degree in my office next to my TAMU graduate degree in Engineering.
I find that I am now able to see pros and cons and see dangers quicker than most people at work. Sometimes however the bosses don't recognize this and think I might be negative, but I am almost always right in the end.
Sea Speed said:
...if you aren't going to one of the top tier business schools?
I was told the other day that if I had an MBA I would be the absolute number one candidate on paper for an open position with 80+ applicants for a position i am seeking.
My first reaction was to look in to getting an MBA, but it will have to be online as I cant take a 2 year break from work. There are 100+ online MBA programs ranging from $12 grand to $150 grand and directional state schools to top tier institutions.
My window to get the position I am looking for is closing rapidly, so time is of the essence. This is going to play a pretty major role in choosing a school. Outside of that, does it really matter where you get an online MBA from if you aren't going to one of the top tier schools? If you're just trying to check a box, what does it matter if you're degree is from directional state U? I would love to hear any and all input on this matter and greatly appreciate the insight.
Aggie MBA here. When I was in Mays it was a top 30 program in the country but has fallen off. It has landed me exactly zero jobs but was the best educational investment I have ever made. I'm in medicine so not a lot of business training there. I think differently than my colleagues and have felt more confident starting my own practice.
Getting a bigger brand MBA wouldn't have helped except for networking. I do scoff at the online MBA programs. Most of what I took away came from the back and forth in class absolutely no way to simulate that online.
I would look at class make up, teaching style, and job placement for the program over the name.
Getting a bigger brand MBA wouldn't have helped except for networking. I do scoff at the online MBA programs. Most of what I took away came from the back and forth in class absolutely no way to simulate that online.
I would look at class make up, teaching style, and job placement for the program over the name.
As a side note, we have some extended family that works for 3rd party online testing administrators.
Every. Single. MBA program has international students pinging their testing location from china or whatever east asia country they're from. Maybe they're using a firewall, but then the tests are always taken during weird US hours that only make sense if you live across the world. And there are different writing styles on exams than other work.
The person we know has approached their bosses about it saying - they're obviously cheating. They were told to stay in their lane. The few times the cheating has gotten so bad that the company has approached the universities the schools told the company- Thank you, stay in your lane.
Its all a scam. On the online end its just crap where you're not learning anything you can't teach yourself. On the high end its just a networking and institution brand scam.
Every. Single. MBA program has international students pinging their testing location from china or whatever east asia country they're from. Maybe they're using a firewall, but then the tests are always taken during weird US hours that only make sense if you live across the world. And there are different writing styles on exams than other work.
The person we know has approached their bosses about it saying - they're obviously cheating. They were told to stay in their lane. The few times the cheating has gotten so bad that the company has approached the universities the schools told the company- Thank you, stay in your lane.
Its all a scam. On the online end its just crap where you're not learning anything you can't teach yourself. On the high end its just a networking and institution brand scam.
OP. Just chiming in, a little late. I went to Columbia, which is generally in or around the top 10, and has been in the top 5 at various points. IMHO, it makes more sense to choose the school that is aligned with your needs. Some of the B schools are geared towards management, with a large portion of graduates going into consulting type careers, or trying to climb the industrial corporate ladder. Some are geared more towards Wall Street careers (actually why I chose Columbia). Some are geared towards career switchers that are wiling to take a full two years off work to facilitate the change, While others are geared towards working folk that can't take time off to pursue the next degree.
One thing for sure, though, once everyone is in their forties or fifties (maybe earlier), and degrees are well in the rear-view mirror, no one really gives a hoot where your degree comes from. Se even an MBA from a small "just pick one up" school is more than sufficient if it helps you get to the next level, particularly if you are already doing well (which it sounds like you are).
One thing for sure, though, once everyone is in their forties or fifties (maybe earlier), and degrees are well in the rear-view mirror, no one really gives a hoot where your degree comes from. Se even an MBA from a small "just pick one up" school is more than sufficient if it helps you get to the next level, particularly if you are already doing well (which it sounds like you are).
Sea Speed said:ThreeFive said:
If you're going to spend the money and time, I'd encourage you to get into a prestigious university. When I see someone with an MBA from a lower tier university, I just assume they were trying to check a box or couldn't score high enough to get into a decent university, both of which are obvious negatives.
Also, a lot of what you're going to get from an MBA is the network and connections you meet in the program. Online programs really limit this. Just something to consider.
I get the networking thing. I'm nearly 40 and have 3 young kids so online is basically the only option for me. I cant walk away from what is a very good career.
I would try to get in the best school possible. Just had a colleague finish MBa from Kellogg. Same age and 3 kids and a FT job. I think it required them to go to NW campus one weekend a month.
jaggiemaggie said:Sea Speed said:ThreeFive said:
If you're going to spend the money and time, I'd encourage you to get into a prestigious university. When I see someone with an MBA from a lower tier university, I just assume they were trying to check a box or couldn't score high enough to get into a decent university, both of which are obvious negatives.
Also, a lot of what you're going to get from an MBA is the network and connections you meet in the program. Online programs really limit this. Just something to consider.
I get the networking thing. I'm nearly 40 and have 3 young kids so online is basically the only option for me. I cant walk away from what is a very good career.
I would try to get in the best school possible. Just had a colleague finish MBa from Kellogg. Same age and 3 kids and a FT job. I think it required them to go to NW campus one weekend a month.
Why? If the only point of an MBA is to get a specific job he's already qualified to do, I'd suggest finding the cheapest, most convenient program that fits that position.
If he was looking for something new outside his career track, sure.
I've had this exact same debate with myself.
I've done some teaching, and would like to teach at a University level when I retire (or maybe part time before I retire). I am not looking at teaching at a top University, and making it a second career. It's just something I enjoy doing, and I'd like to 'give back' in that way. (these were some of my best professors when I was in school). But you have to have a masters to teach at that level. Even at most community colleges.
I determined that the smart move is to get the cheapest Masters I can, from a 'recognizable' University. And by that, I mean it wouldn't matter if it says Arizona State, Texas Tech, or Florida Atlantic. Just a school, with a name that people recognize. Not an online diploma mill like University of Phoenix.
If I were younger, looking to move up in a very competitive environment, and others had graduate degrees from Wharton or Kellogg, etc...or if it would pay dividends to get a better degree (faster mobility, network or $$)...I would absolutely choose that route. But otherwise?...why? What would be the benefit of spending more $ for zero additional return. Often you just need the piece of paper to open a door, so you can talk about your past experience.
Someone mentioned the negative optics of just 'checking off the box'. Other than certain circumstances, I question if that is really a factor in most cases. Typically you're considered for a higher position because of your history; what you've accomplished. I cant fathom looking at a very successful candidate with 15 years of a track record, and saying, 'welp, I'd hire him, but he went to Arkansas for grad school instead of XYZ'. Often you just need the piece of paper to check off the box.
I've done some teaching, and would like to teach at a University level when I retire (or maybe part time before I retire). I am not looking at teaching at a top University, and making it a second career. It's just something I enjoy doing, and I'd like to 'give back' in that way. (these were some of my best professors when I was in school). But you have to have a masters to teach at that level. Even at most community colleges.
I determined that the smart move is to get the cheapest Masters I can, from a 'recognizable' University. And by that, I mean it wouldn't matter if it says Arizona State, Texas Tech, or Florida Atlantic. Just a school, with a name that people recognize. Not an online diploma mill like University of Phoenix.
If I were younger, looking to move up in a very competitive environment, and others had graduate degrees from Wharton or Kellogg, etc...or if it would pay dividends to get a better degree (faster mobility, network or $$)...I would absolutely choose that route. But otherwise?...why? What would be the benefit of spending more $ for zero additional return. Often you just need the piece of paper to open a door, so you can talk about your past experience.
Someone mentioned the negative optics of just 'checking off the box'. Other than certain circumstances, I question if that is really a factor in most cases. Typically you're considered for a higher position because of your history; what you've accomplished. I cant fathom looking at a very successful candidate with 15 years of a track record, and saying, 'welp, I'd hire him, but he went to Arkansas for grad school instead of XYZ'. Often you just need the piece of paper to check off the box.
Bingo.
A good friend I got my MBA with was sitting in an executive staff meeting. His new VP told him (director of IT) that the only thing holding him back was needing an MBA (he graduated with me years before).
The CIO told the dumb ass new VP that if he was going to create fictional hurdles not to promote a good employee, he should probably check to make sure said employee hadn't already checked the box. He had no intention of promoting him even if he got an MBA.
It almost feels like that might be the scenario here. My gut says that if an MBA made you "the guy", they would have most likely already hired you and paid for your MBA.
I only say this because unless they guarantee you a job (and they would have mostly likely hired you and paid for it if so) I want to caution against paying $100K, stressing your marriage and job for 2 years, for something that may not happen.
Have you tried offering to get it an MBA if they hired you?
A good friend I got my MBA with was sitting in an executive staff meeting. His new VP told him (director of IT) that the only thing holding him back was needing an MBA (he graduated with me years before).
The CIO told the dumb ass new VP that if he was going to create fictional hurdles not to promote a good employee, he should probably check to make sure said employee hadn't already checked the box. He had no intention of promoting him even if he got an MBA.
It almost feels like that might be the scenario here. My gut says that if an MBA made you "the guy", they would have most likely already hired you and paid for your MBA.
I only say this because unless they guarantee you a job (and they would have mostly likely hired you and paid for it if so) I want to caution against paying $100K, stressing your marriage and job for 2 years, for something that may not happen.
Have you tried offering to get it an MBA if they hired you?
To that last point, the biggest cashing in on the MBA will need to be within a few years of getting it if you're using it for anything more than "checking the box." I used one to change my career and industry. In that regard, it was excellent. The pay bump didn't hurt either, but I was earlier in my career and I would not do the same thing now at my age with a family and it would no longer deliver a pay bump by itself.
I joined a solid network too, but if I were to be in such a niche field as I think you are, OP, I don't think that the network will matter as much.
I joined a solid network too, but if I were to be in such a niche field as I think you are, OP, I don't think that the network will matter as much.
one MEEN Ag said:
As a side note, we have some extended family that works for 3rd party online testing administrators.
Every. Single. MBA program has international students pinging their testing location from china or whatever east asia country they're from. Maybe they're using a firewall, but then the tests are always taken during weird US hours that only make sense if you live across the world. And there are different writing styles on exams than other work.
The person we know has approached their bosses about it saying - they're obviously cheating. They were told to stay in their lane. The few times the cheating has gotten so bad that the company has approached the universities the schools told the company- Thank you, stay in your lane.
Its all a scam. On the online end its just crap where you're not learning anything you can't teach yourself. On the high end its just a networking and institution brand scam.
Had a guy in my MBA program that totally cheated his way in. His name was Tan. Claimed to have graduated Columbia. Epically failed the first round of exams. He was in my small group for all of my classes. He stopped coming to class or group project meetings. When a group mate went to his apartment, he claimed he was missing because he had typhoid.
Needless to say, Typhoid Tan got a visit from the health department
Dr. Horrible said:
I got a chance to teach at a MBA diploma mill. DO NOT DO THAT.
Maybe there is some chance that you get ahead just because you checked a box, but you absolutely won't get anything worthwhile out of it. Not because the curriculum is bad, as someone else mentioned most teach the same thing probably with the same textbooks, but because the other students are bad. Least common denominator issues in a classroom drag down the learning experience for everyone. There wasn't a single person in my class that I would have considered hiring, yet most of them will end up with a MBA. If a resume with that school ended up on my desk touting the MBA I would straight laugh and throw it in the trash, and I apply that assumption to most other diploma mill schools too.
What is an MBA diploma mill. Can you list some of them?
I'm getting my MBA for about $12,000. It's just to make sure I can check the requirement for any future roles. In my experience, my performance at the companies I work for are a bigger factor in compensating and promotions.
jh0400 said:ThreeFive said:
Is this really the case? Whenever I see someone with a Harvard extension that tries to play it off like they actually went to Harvard I don't think it's that impressive.
Same.
This. It's really offputting to see someone's school listed as "Stanford Graduate School of Business", in their LinkedIn highlights only to scroll down to education and realize they went to a for-profit college for their bachelors and took a single certificate course from Stanford that lasted 2 months, no MBA no less. LinkedIn really should put protections around this.
Also, the "[name], MBA" in the LinkedIn title is awful.
I can't take anyone seriously who does either of the two above.
bmks270 said:Dr. Horrible said:
I got a chance to teach at a MBA diploma mill. DO NOT DO THAT.
Maybe there is some chance that you get ahead just because you checked a box, but you absolutely won't get anything worthwhile out of it. Not because the curriculum is bad, as someone else mentioned most teach the same thing probably with the same textbooks, but because the other students are bad. Least common denominator issues in a classroom drag down the learning experience for everyone. There wasn't a single person in my class that I would have considered hiring, yet most of them will end up with a MBA. If a resume with that school ended up on my desk touting the MBA I would straight laugh and throw it in the trash, and I apply that assumption to most other diploma mill schools too.
What is an MBA diploma mill. Can you list some of them?
Any of the for-profits like Grand Canyon University or University of Phoenix. Also, really any university that offers an MBA outside of the top 50 ranked programs falls under this umbrella.
I would also argue a lot of the part-time and executive MBA programs are like this, even the ones affiliated with the prestigious universities. Not all, but a good majority.
Example, former colleague got accepted into Berkeley Haas part time with a 510 GMAT at sticker price.
But really, as others have said, if you're getting it to check the box. Doesn't matter where from.
I will also add… plenty of M7 grads have no business having the degree they have from their programs. One of the senior leaders on my team has a Wharton MBA (full-time, real deal). Except he's entirely ineffective and willfully ignorant about our business. It's pretty shocking.
Just because you have the name doesn't mean ****, and people will figure it out.
But will it help you get a role or switch industries? Sure.
Beyond that, it doesn't mean jack squat.
Just because you have the name doesn't mean ****, and people will figure it out.
But will it help you get a role or switch industries? Sure.
Beyond that, it doesn't mean jack squat.
Yep. I know someone with an MBA from A&M, who is a freaking moron.
They're great at getting A's in school, because they can regurgitate info. But they cannot think/reason, or utilize a little common sense to save their life.
They're great at getting A's in school, because they can regurgitate info. But they cannot think/reason, or utilize a little common sense to save their life.
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