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GRE_Kickboxer · 11-01-2007, 07:18 PM

Guys, I have an MBA in entrepreneurship from a school that is not AACSB certified. It is certified by a couple of other agencies.

My school "University of St. Thomas" is well respected in MN, but has no national recognition. This is starting to become a problem.

I want to get a degree from an Ivy League school that will help me find a great job much easier. Right now I really feel like I have to sell myself to land hot jobs.

My GRE scores are fantastic Q: 800 V: 740, my GPA is high, and I have a BA in sports psychology. I have taken a lot of math classes, physics classes, anatomy, biology, animal biology, physiology, Calculus I and II, chemistry classes etc.

I am wondering if you guys have any clever ideas on what might be a clever way to get a degree at a TOP institution so that I have less difficulty getting recruited for great jobs.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated. I'm starting to think that PHD in business may not be the smart way to go.

chartreuse · 11-02-2007, 04:15 AM

The PhD route will only procrastinate you because what would happen if you did not get into an Ivy League school? Would you still then be interested in the PhD program if you didn't have an Ivy League brand?

It appears that your education is pretty much done in terms of an u-grad and grad degree. In your case, I think getting a second master's would be the best option. Since you have a good GRE scores and a high GPA, I would also try to apply to schools that are well-recognized even if they are not Ivy League like Carnegie Mellon, Georgia Tech, Georgetown because they will still put you on a more stable footing. How about a masters in finance? There are some good programs out there. I would recommend going down this path instead of going through an uncertain PhD path if you want to boost up your academic credentials.

GRE_Kickboxer · 11-02-2007, 02:47 PM

You give good advice. Yes, I was considering this option, as well. Thanks so much for taking the time to respond. I suppose you recommend a master of finance because the demand is high and the pay is good?

I am truly tired of being snubbed by Fortune 500 companies because my MBA is not accredited by the AACSB and the average GMAT score of people from my MBA program was only 550ish.

The reason I went to that school was because of convenience.

Thanks,

Ramin

chartreuse · 11-02-2007, 04:01 PM

Well, you can't do anything about what's been done in the past. You went to a school thats not well-recognized. Even though it's hard, what you need to do is to not let this snubbing bother you. To "prove yourself", I strongly recommend a masters in finance at a decent school. A bonus to enhancing your resume is to get a CFA. The finance industry loves certifications. Best of luck!

GRE_Kickboxer · 11-02-2007, 08:01 PM

Thanks. You have helped a lot. I think your suggestion makes the most sense. I also responded to your question in another post. I hope I can be of a little help to you, also.

Best wishes,

Ramin

desimba · 11-03-2007, 03:59 PM

Ramin,

If you are looking for more attractive options in industry/ business, then a 2nd masters is the best way to go. There are two options here:
1) If you are relatively undecided about which field of management you want to work in, then go for an MBA. You could make that decision as you are exposed to different functional areas such as marketing/ finance/ operations, etc.
2) If you are pretty clear in what you want, then look for a masters' degree in that particular field when you apply. While you will have to scour the web for more information on which schools offer which program, I remember that some of the best b-schools have good masters' programs. e.g. University of Southern California's Marshall school has a program in Finance which you should consider if you are interested in Fin. So on and so forth. Try and think a little bit more about what you want to do though before you drag yourself through this application process.

SB

GRE_Kickboxer · 11-03-2007, 06:56 PM

Thanks for the advice, SB. So you don't think it would look weird to have two MBAs? Wouldn't that kind of look like someone that is clueless about what they want in life (even if that may have a kernel of truth to it). HEHE

Your second option makes quite a bit of sense.

Ancalagon The Black · 11-03-2007, 06:57 PM

GRE_K:

I think that you would need to look at the payoffs (tangible and intangible) between a second MBA or masters or a PHD.

You could enter a PhD program in a top school and if you realize that half way down that its not worth you, then you could always escape with an MBA.

Your background is really funky... its sets you apart from the rest... plus your scores are excellent, I think that you have excellent chances... any research you have done would also be helpful (care to share?)

However, I know at least one person who got through to Tepper PhD in Information Systems (CMU) without publishing anything !!

GRE_Kickboxer · 11-03-2007, 07:10 PM

Hi Ancalagon! Unfortunately I have no research experience other than working in a molecular biology laboratory as a lab assistant for about 1 year.

I think getting a second MBA would look a bit weird and I don't want to have to take so many of the same classes again.

It seems like I have 2 options: 1) Sell myself hard and find the job of my dreams; or 2) Get a masters degree in Finance or something like that from a really good school.

Do you agree that a second MBA would be a good idea? Plus, I'd have to take the GMAT and I already took the GRE. I have no desire to procrastinate this any longer. HEHE

Ancalagon The Black · 11-03-2007, 07:24 PM

Well,

Here's what you can do...

1. Get into a PhD program of your choice.

2. After 2 years if you feel that you are not good to go on, then you can come out of that program with an MBA from that school.

3. If you think that you can manage it, then look for the PhD.

I would also advise you to look at your age, you current marital status, your financial status and take that decision.

You could obviously also do that MFin or something (Princeton has a brilliant program... just check the average starting salaries there... something around $120 K)

So, ultimately, its up to you... you have some good choices.

I think that your work experience would help in entrepreneurship/strategy programs seeing that i also have a business of my own and I have quite successfully done a lot of innovation in web based project management (earns me my daily bread)

I would ask you to work on your SOP and then think on life in general and apply to appropriate schools... I hoped that helped...

11-01-2007, 07:18 PM	#1 (permalink)
GRE_Kickboxer Within my grasp! Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 465	I have an MBA, but it's an MBA with no national recognition... Advice Guys, I have an MBA in entrepreneurship from a school that is not AACSB certified. It is certified by a couple of other agencies. My school "University of St. Thomas" is well respected in MN, but has no national recognition. This is starting to become a problem. I want to get a degree from an Ivy League school that will help me find a great job much easier. Right now I really feel like I have to sell myself to land hot jobs. My GRE scores are fantastic Q: 800 V: 740, my GPA is high, and I have a BA in sports psychology. I have taken a lot of math classes, physics classes, anatomy, biology, animal biology, physiology, Calculus I and II, chemistry classes etc. I am wondering if you guys have any clever ideas on what might be a clever way to get a degree at a TOP institution so that I have less difficulty getting recruited for great jobs. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. I'm starting to think that PHD in business may not be the smart way to go.

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11-02-2007, 04:15 AM	#2 (permalink)
chartreuse At Crossroads Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 56	The PhD route will only procrastinate you because what would happen if you did not get into an Ivy League school? Would you still then be interested in the PhD program if you didn't have an Ivy League brand? It appears that your education is pretty much done in terms of an u-grad and grad degree. In your case, I think getting a second master's would be the best option. Since you have a good GRE scores and a high GPA, I would also try to apply to schools that are well-recognized even if they are not Ivy League like Carnegie Mellon, Georgia Tech, Georgetown because they will still put you on a more stable footing. How about a masters in finance? There are some good programs out there. I would recommend going down this path instead of going through an uncertain PhD path if you want to boost up your academic credentials.

11-02-2007, 02:47 PM	#3 (permalink)
GRE_Kickboxer Within my grasp! Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 465	You give good advice. Yes, I was considering this option, as well. Thanks so much for taking the time to respond. I suppose you recommend a master of finance because the demand is high and the pay is good? I am truly tired of being snubbed by Fortune 500 companies because my MBA is not accredited by the AACSB and the average GMAT score of people from my MBA program was only 550ish. The reason I went to that school was because of convenience. Thanks, Ramin

11-02-2007, 04:01 PM	#4 (permalink)
chartreuse At Crossroads Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 56	Well, you can't do anything about what's been done in the past. You went to a school thats not well-recognized. Even though it's hard, what you need to do is to not let this snubbing bother you. To "prove yourself", I strongly recommend a masters in finance at a decent school. A bonus to enhancing your resume is to get a CFA. The finance industry loves certifications. Best of luck!

11-02-2007, 08:01 PM	#5 (permalink)
GRE_Kickboxer Within my grasp! Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 465	Thanks. You have helped a lot. I think your suggestion makes the most sense. I also responded to your question in another post. I hope I can be of a little help to you, also. Best wishes, Ramin

11-03-2007, 03:59 PM	#6 (permalink)
desimba Within my grasp! Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 248	Ramin, If you are looking for more attractive options in industry/ business, then a 2nd masters is the best way to go. There are two options here: 1) If you are relatively undecided about which field of management you want to work in, then go for an MBA. You could make that decision as you are exposed to different functional areas such as marketing/ finance/ operations, etc. 2) If you are pretty clear in what you want, then look for a masters' degree in that particular field when you apply. While you will have to scour the web for more information on which schools offer which program, I remember that some of the best b-schools have good masters' programs. e.g. University of Southern California's Marshall school has a program in Finance which you should consider if you are interested in Fin. So on and so forth. Try and think a little bit more about what you want to do though before you drag yourself through this application process. SB

11-03-2007, 06:56 PM	#7 (permalink)
GRE_Kickboxer Within my grasp! Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 465	Thanks for the advice, SB. So you don't think it would look weird to have two MBAs? Wouldn't that kind of look like someone that is clueless about what they want in life (even if that may have a kernel of truth to it). HEHE Your second option makes quite a bit of sense.

11-03-2007, 06:57 PM	#8 (permalink)
Ancalagon The Black TestMagic Guru-in-Training Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Kolkata, India Posts: 971	GRE_K: I think that you would need to look at the payoffs (tangible and intangible) between a second MBA or masters or a PHD. You could enter a PhD program in a top school and if you realize that half way down that its not worth you, then you could always escape with an MBA. Your background is really funky... its sets you apart from the rest... plus your scores are excellent, I think that you have excellent chances... any research you have done would also be helpful (care to share?) However, I know at least one person who got through to Tepper PhD in Information Systems (CMU) without publishing anything !!

11-03-2007, 07:10 PM	#9 (permalink)
GRE_Kickboxer Within my grasp! Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 465	Hi Ancalagon! Unfortunately I have no research experience other than working in a molecular biology laboratory as a lab assistant for about 1 year. I think getting a second MBA would look a bit weird and I don't want to have to take so many of the same classes again. It seems like I have 2 options: 1) Sell myself hard and find the job of my dreams; or 2) Get a masters degree in Finance or something like that from a really good school. Do you agree that a second MBA would be a good idea? Plus, I'd have to take the GMAT and I already took the GRE. I have no desire to procrastinate this any longer. HEHE

11-03-2007, 07:24 PM	#10 (permalink)
Ancalagon The Black TestMagic Guru-in-Training Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Kolkata, India Posts: 971	Well, Here's what you can do... 1. Get into a PhD program of your choice. 2. After 2 years if you feel that you are not good to go on, then you can come out of that program with an MBA from that school. 3. If you think that you can manage it, then look for the PhD. I would also advise you to look at your age, you current marital status, your financial status and take that decision. You could obviously also do that MFin or something (Princeton has a brilliant program... just check the average starting salaries there... something around $120 K) So, ultimately, its up to you... you have some good choices. I think that your work experience would help in entrepreneurship/strategy programs seeing that i also have a business of my own and I have quite successfully done a lot of innovation in web based project management (earns me my daily bread) I would ask you to work on your SOP and then think on life in general and apply to appropriate schools... I hoped that helped...

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