MBA or Masters?

Figure out where you wish to apply
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MBA or Masters?

by seippelk » Mon Jun 28, 2010 5:08 pm
Alright by goal in life is to get my MBA from a top 10 school so that part is decided. My problem is that I went to a state school to save money so I am worried about how good my school looks. I want to go to business school as soon as possible so keep that in mind. I am about to graduate from Michigan State University (ranked around 75th nationally) with a 3.8 overall. I have worked at my current job for over a year (full time when not in school and 15-20 hours during). This is a "real" job that has to do with my major so it isn't like some pizza delivery guy or anything (I am not making fun I was one for 2 years in high school) but it isn't a large company that people will recognize. My question is should I try and just work for a year or two and hope that is good enough to get into a good school (of course considering a good GMAT score and essays and such)? Or should I go and get my masters in computer science (what I got my undergraduate in) from a better school to prove I can handle a tougher school. As far as additional background I don't really have much more. I am trying to obtain more leadership responsibilities at work but being with a smaller company they are hard to come by. I am also trying to find a good way to volunteer and gain leadership abilities too but that is hard (so if you guys have any ideas for that too let me know). Thanks and I really look forward to your feedback.
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by southbaynic » Mon Jun 28, 2010 7:03 pm
I think the question is, do you really want a master's degree in computer science? I would only do it because you really want that degree, not as a way to prove you can handle a tougher school. Michigan State is a very respectable university - I don't think you need to worry about that. Your GPA is solid, so if you can get a great GMAT score, that's plenty to demonstrate academic aptitude. If your ultimate goal is a top 10 school, I'd focus the next few years on building solid experience and leadership skills. Even at a small company, you can find ways to lead - in fact, I think it can be easier to find those opportunities than at a large company! As for volunteer opportunities, all I can suggest is to figure out what genuinely interests you, and pursue that in a volunteer capacity, rather than just looking for opportunities that you think will look good on your app.

Also, take it from someone who went to grad school right after college (for an MPA) - I really wish I would have waited, because I would have gotten so much more out of it with work experience. Which is part of the reason why, 6 years later, I'm applying for an MBA. It's probably not what you want to hear, but I just wanted to throw it out there :)

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by aureliema » Tue Jun 29, 2010 2:11 am
Have you ever considered to study your MBA in Europe? The MBA of Rotterdam School of Management is one of the top 30!
It is in this nice city harbour that you can become a thought leader!In Rotterdam School of Management you express your vision, ideas, goals and commitments to lead the world into the next world!
If you want to know more about RSM, visit Business Because website:
https://www.businessbecause.com/rotterda ... gement.htm

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by seippelk » Tue Jun 29, 2010 7:07 pm
I dont really want to get master in computer science so I guess I will make sure I get a good score on the GMAT and continue to try and find good leadership opportunities. At least I know what my weakness will be, now I just need to try and find a way to fix that. What have you guys done as far as showing leadership?