Calling all MBAs

[gigag04]

Where did you go and why?

I'm looking at all the professional (night or weekend programs) in the Houston area starting 2014 or 15 but doing research now. While I would like to go to Wharton or Kellogg, I'm not traveling that far for for that long with growing buys that have fun with their daddy.

Currently interested in Rice, UH, A&M, and even tu...but very open.

[fickman]

Where did you go and why?

I'm looking at all the professional (night or weekend programs) in the Houston area starting 2014 or 15 but doing research now. While I would like to go to Wharton or Kellogg, I'm not traveling that far for for that long with growing buys that have fun with their daddy.

Currently interested in Rice, UH, A&M, and even tu...but very open.

I got mine at North Texas. I chose it based on a combination of proximity, cost, and quality.

We had just bought a house, so moving wasn't really an option at the time. I was pleased with the experience and most of the professors; I went out of my way to take the ones with reputations for having a harder course when it was implied that they covered more material or expected more from their students. One of them I still consider a mentor to this day.

Outside of going to one of the super-elite schools, my opinion is that you'll get out of it what you put into it. From knowing your drive just through this board, I'd expect you'll succeed at any of the schools you're considering.

I recommend getting diversity from your undergraduate program. I did my undergrad at North Texas, but it was in a different field, so I was in a new department with new (to me) professors. If my undergrad was in management, I would not have done my graduate work at North Texas.

Overall, I definitely enjoyed my time and feel it was worthwhile. I've second guessed not going to law school instead a few times, but that's a whole other discussion. . . and I know law school grads who second guess not getting an MBA.

Good luck!

[gigag04]

Where did you go and why?

I'm looking at all the professional (night or weekend programs) in the Houston area starting 2014 or 15 but doing research now. While I would like to go to Wharton or Kellogg, I'm not traveling that far for for that long with growing buys that have fun with their daddy.

Currently interested in Rice, UH, A&M, and even tu...but very open.

I recommend getting diversity from your undergraduate program. I did my undergrad at North Texas, but it was in a different field, so I was in a new department with new (to me) professors. If my undergrad was in management, I would not have done my graduate work at North Texas.

Overall, I definitely enjoyed my time and feel it was worthwhile. I've second guessed not going to law school instead a few times, but that's a whole other discussion. . . and I know law school grads who second guess not getting an MBA.

Good luck!

I just had a good friend/adviser tell me to consider law school too. My undergrad was in engineering so either would be a change. Looking at a MBA/Finance.

[mojo84]

May want to consider Rice.

[SigM4]

I went to TCU, as much for proximity as anything. Almost went to LSU but at the end of the day am very happy with my choice. I think any of the programs you mentioned would be a fine choice and serve you well.

[JALLEN]

I just had a good friend/adviser tell me to consider law school too. My undergrad was in engineering so either would be a change. Looking at a MBA/Finance.

If you have to be told to consider going to law school, you don't want to go badly enough.

You shouldn't go to law school unless you want to practice law. Otherwise it's a waste of brainwashing that ruins you for honest work.

[Jumping Frog]

An MBA is one of those cases where "brand name" matters, at least for the first few years. Even 20 years later, a prestigious brand name can help get someone in the door for the interview, but by that stage of their career, actual track record matters more when it comes to actually getting the job.

I'd suggest buying from the best brand that you can afford while still living together as a family.

[Syntyr]

Where did you go and why?

I'm looking at all the professional (night or weekend programs) in the Houston area starting 2014 or 15 but doing research now. While I would like to go to Wharton or Kellogg, I'm not traveling that far for for that long with growing buys that have fun with their daddy.

Currently interested in Rice, UH, A&M, and even tu...but very open.

I may get booed but I got my MBA/IT from University of Phoenix. Entirely online program but it was GREAT! Course work was rigorous and challenging. Yet the process was easy. Took 3 years but the MBA/IT is 53 course hours and the longest MBA I have seen. Most are in the 30 to 35 hour range. Great staff. Graduated in 2003. Just be prepared its not cheap.

[gigag04]

May want to consider Rice.

Currently my first choice - really digging the Energy focus, but still researching.

Thanks for the replies guys. I'm reading them all - keep em coming.

[baldeagle]

This may seem entirely unrelated, but it's not.

Make two columns on a sheet of paper. On one side write down every thing you've liked about everything you've ever done; jobs, athletics, school, military, whatever. On the other side write down everything you've ever hated about everything you've ever done. The list should include things like liked working with people, hated doing the same thing over and over again, really enjoyed being inside, hate crowds, etc., etc.

Once you are done, read through the list and think about what kinds of jobs would check off the maximum number of likes and the minimum number of dislikes. That's what you should do for the rest of your life. Whatever it is, and whatever it pays, it will provide you with fulfillment and remove the drudgery usually associated with work. Choose the major that leads to that career path, and then pursue it with gusto.

[Reds45ACP]

I got mine at University of Nevada, Las Vegas. I actually made a profit getting my degree there through a serious of happy co-incidences. I gave a few things up for the trade on cost though. I explain below.

MBAs are worth it for four reasons (Listed in order of importance):
1) Prestige of the School. As stated previously this can open doors for you all on it's own. (Harvard, Northwestern, Thunderbird, etc...)
2) Network of students and interpersonal networking. This is good for finding work and making professional contacts. (Cornell has a very good networking program for it's Business students all over the US)
3) Quality of the education. Look for an AACSB accredited (No other accreditation actually matters) MBA program that requires a GMAT exam and previous work experience. There are "MBA" programs that aren't accredited and brag that you don't need to take a GMAT. They aren't real predictors of performance but they screen out the folks you wouldn't want in your classes.
4) The rubber stamp. You can show that you have your MBA and that can help you get jobs or move past middle management by getting that rubberstamp.

In my case I gave-up the prestige and the network (got into Claremont's Drucker School but I would have been completely out of pocket) for the cost. I still got the good education and the rubber stamp but that's it.

Hope that helps.

[LSUTiger]

I went to LSU/ Executive Program, because it was convenient for me. I used to live 15 minutes from campus and my wife was also in grad school at the time. It seemed like a no brainer. It really is a good program but has zero name recognition.

If you simply want the knowledge to be able to go into business for yourself or help your current business, I think most any MBA's are comparable. What matter's the most is name recognition if you want to work for someone else. MBA's are a dime a dozen these days, the only thing separating you from a the pack is what school you went to.

If you can't go to a top tier school I would recommend doing something else. I would recommend as Master's of Finance or Accounting, they are valued much more highly than an MBA. If you feel you must do an MBA then at least minor in either Finance or Accounting.

If you are in Houston, I would go to UH, just as good or better than any other non Wharton/Kellog/Harvard etc. top tier school.

Just ask your self what do you expect to get out of it, in your current field it maybe the key to the next step or even a prerequisite, for me as an Engineer it wasn't that big of a deal and did not immediately payoff. I worked 5 more years as an Engineer before moving into a Projects Management role. My Engineering experience mattered more than the MBA and I could have gotten to where I am with out it. I would like to think the MBA helped, only because I spent so much money and effort to get it.

In some cases it even hurt me because some people questioned by committment to staying in a technical field. Bad for an Engineer.

[mojo84]

Another option in the event you have an interest in entrepreneurship is an Acton MBA from The Acton Business School in Austin started by Jeff Sandefer. Here is the website. http://www.actonmba.org/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

They have an excellent MBA program for those that are interested in entrepreneurship. While it is not for everyone, it has proven extremely successful for many of their students. I can assure you it is not your typical MBA program designed for those that are interested in getting a job in the corporate world and then hoping to climb the ladder.

Best wishes with your decision.

[fickman]

I'll echo the statement that I haven't seen a direct payoff (no raise, promotion, or statues were built once I finished school).

I have spent some time thinking about the value of the program and I honestly believe it's indirectly benefited me greatly. I use the knowledge and perspective I gained every day in corporate world.

[Valor]

Short of a "prestigious" school, I cast in Texas A&M Commerce. They are AACSB, the most economical in-state, on-line for convenience and if you are remaining in Texas a recognized brand.