Marquette MBA

[Benny B]

Screw the MBA and go to dental school.  Look at 4ever, he's a DDS and is barely literate.

Post of the week nomination.

[Babybluejeans]

Thanks for all of the responses all. I guess I can shed more light on my situation, and from there you can all tell me I'm an idiot or I'm on the right path in looking into an MBA.

I graduated from SIU with a degree in Finance. During my last year there, I worked alongside the controller of the Alumni Association. I completed a project that dealt with their investments. It was really cool because it directly tied to classes I was taking that year such as portfolio theory. In fact, I would go to my professor's office hours and help students with a big project we had since I was a leg up on them. Upon graduation, I considered staying down there and starting my MBA right away. After talking to peers and my boss at the time, I pretty much came to the conclusion that it would be a waste to pursue right out of undergrad (as someone had mentioned earlier in this thread). I ended up finding a job back in Chicago that I started right after graduating.

I work for a produce wholesaler. We buy produce from all around the country on a wholesale basis and sell it to retail and food service. We do actually sell to a few customers in Milwaukee (V Marchese and Tony Machi if anybody is familiar). My current title is Financial Director, and I'm in charge of all of the accounting that we do in-house. I report to the President and work alongside our CFO, as well as the accountant we use outside of the company to reconcile components of our balance sheet. We are a very small company of about 50 people, with 7 in our office. There are 2-3 people that report to me on a daily basis.

So why an MBA? Well first of all, in my eyes it will help me network and potentially leave my current job for a new one. I feel as if my work here is so specialized that it wouldn't really carry forward if I were to move on. Therefore getting an MBA would not only help me network, but also sharpen my business acumen on a broader scale. I'm also interested/excited to work with like-minded individuals on group projects and become a better leader that way.

As I mentioned earlier, I currently live in NW Illinois but may be relocating to Milwaukee. I've looked at several programs in Chicago, but some like Booth are just way out of my price range. My old roommate went to Booth, and the amount of money he had to borrow is something I don't think I could ever do. Even with my current salary (I make over 100K) and stability, I would crap my pants if I ever borrowed that much money for anything other than a house. I've looked into DePaul as well, but the cost there seems insanely high as well. Marquette seems to be in a comfortable price range for me, and without knowing much about it I figured it would be the best option in or near Milwaukee.

Thanks again guys, I really appreciate the time and help.

First, you need to consider what it is you want to do (with an MBA or otherwise). If it's to work in finance, and you can get into Booth, you should go. Don't overthink it. It's a large investment, sure, but there are few investments in your life that will pay off like that one will. Booth will connect you to a network to which you simply do not have access right now. I disagree with anyone who said the networking angle is overplayed--forget about the rich alumni network, the platinum credential, and the world-class faculty--your classmates will be titans in finance, economics, and tech. These will be your friends and your colleagues. It's a no-brainer. 

[mu03eng]

Bottom line it's a cost-benefit analysis in terms of what you want to get out of life. I have, and I am certain will in the future, gone head to head with M7 trained individuals in business and held my own just fine. I also have no doubt that I would be in a different job and place if I was M7 trained, but I really like what I do and where I am....doesn't mean that also wouldn't be true of an M7 type job, but it wasn't what I wanted out of life.

So like any of the mentorees I have(I know I'm shocked they let me talk to other humans too) I'd say, decide what lane you want to drive in for the next 5-10 years and then do whatever makes that lane the most viable/fun/interesting

[Eagles22]

My advice, wait until you're 35-40, do an executive MBA at a top 25 school, and use it to network, springboard your career or change career.  Read the ROI ratings, they are meaningful.

This is interesting advice. Anyone on the board do an EMBA? Like my job and advanced at my company past the point where taking a couple years off (or spending 3-4 years to get the MBA part time) makes sense... but feel like everyone the next level up or so has the credential so starting to think about it.

[keefe]

One thing I didn't see mentioned here is that prospective employers will offer summer interns from top-tier MBA programs complete two-year tuition reimbursement if you sign on before you start the second year.

This is done by leading I banks and corporations. PepsiCo has an active, aggressive talent acquisition program at Penn, HBS, Tuck, and Kellogg. If you sign up they wipe the slate clean on all incurred tuition expenses; second year invoices are actually sent directly to Purchase where PepsiCo pays the schools directly. (This includes all associated expenses from the Coop - pens, lap tops, software, HP 12Cs, etc...)

People look at the cost of tuition and are staggered. But the reality is that competition for talent from the very best programs is fierce and most employers factor picking up the two-year tab as a cost of doing business. Freshly minted MBAs often leave school debt-free.

[Bocephys]

I did the Wisconsin Evening MBA recently if you have questions about their program.  I agree with pretty much what everyone here said, I chose Madison because it carried a much better reputation for the same cost as Marquette.

At the end of the day, it's what you make of it.  We've all run across a thousand people with MBAs still doing their same job as before.  They largely expected the MBA to be a magic pill that gave them a high-earning career automatically upon graduation.  What the better schools give you is a higher percentage of your classmates that are committed to performing the other side of that equation at work every day, which increases the value of your network post grad.

[Herman Cain]

Thanks for all of the responses all. I guess I can shed more light on my situation, and from there you can all tell me I'm an idiot or I'm on the right path in looking into an MBA.

I graduated from SIU with a degree in Finance. During my last year there, I worked alongside the controller of the Alumni Association. I completed a project that dealt with their investments. It was really cool because it directly tied to classes I was taking that year such as portfolio theory. In fact, I would go to my professor's office hours and help students with a big project we had since I was a leg up on them. Upon graduation, I considered staying down there and starting my MBA right away. After talking to peers and my boss at the time, I pretty much came to the conclusion that it would be a waste to pursue right out of undergrad (as someone had mentioned earlier in this thread). I ended up finding a job back in Chicago that I started right after graduating.

I work for a produce wholesaler. We buy produce from all around the country on a wholesale basis and sell it to retail and food service. We do actually sell to a few customers in Milwaukee (V Marchese and Tony Machi if anybody is familiar). My current title is Financial Director, and I'm in charge of all of the accounting that we do in-house. I report to the President and work alongside our CFO, as well as the accountant we use outside of the company to reconcile components of our balance sheet. We are a very small company of about 50 people, with 7 in our office. There are 2-3 people that report to me on a daily basis.

So why an MBA? Well first of all, in my eyes it will help me network and potentially leave my current job for a new one. I feel as if my work here is so specialized that it wouldn't really carry forward if I were to move on. Therefore getting an MBA would not only help me network, but also sharpen my business acumen on a broader scale. I'm also interested/excited to work with like-minded individuals on group projects and become a better leader that way.

As I mentioned earlier, I currently live in NW Illinois but may be relocating to Milwaukee. I've looked at several programs in Chicago, but some like Booth are just way out of my price range. My old roommate went to Booth, and the amount of money he had to borrow is something I don't think I could ever do. Even with my current salary (I make over 100K) and stability, I would crap my pants if I ever borrowed that much money for anything other than a house. I've looked into DePaul as well, but the cost there seems insanely high as well. Marquette seems to be in a comfortable price range for me, and without knowing much about it I figured it would be the best option in or near Milwaukee.

Thanks again guys, I really appreciate the time and help.

If you can get into U of C GSB aka Booth you should do it. Don't worry about the cost. You are on a good career path already and getting your MBA from a top school will increase your upward trajectory .  This will be the best investment you will ever make. The intangible benefits are too numerous to list out. Remember your resume is of value in many ways in your business career . Lenders, Investors, customers, employees etc

[Buzzed]

The first question is what do you want to do with your MBA?

Second question is where is your ideal job located?

Let me first say I am just finishing up my MU MBA and work in Illinois for a Fortune 500 wholesaler in finance, but not in produce.  I know people and work with those that attend/attended the top schools mentioned Booth and Kellogg.  Generally speaking if you are under 40 get a masters as it is basically the new bachelors for younger generations.

If you are looking to stay in corporate finance stick with the best alumni network for the area you want to end up in.  A lot of the people I work with got their MBA at Northern Illinois in Hoffman Estates, Depaul, and Loyola in that order.  They are just checking the box for a promotion as virtually no recent director or above does not have a masters say my comment.  The elite schools like Booth and Kellogg really only pay off if you are looking to switch careers.  If you are looking to go into consulting, or high finance an elite school really helps with networking.  That is where the big risk and money is.  You  already mentioned you were a director making over six figures I'm not really sure there is much up side for an elite school with a starting salary in the low six figures median.  I personally work with several Booth and Kellogg alums that make the same as any run of the mill MBA graduate.  My advice if you are looking to stay in a similar job go to MU if you want to end up in Milwaukee.  Do the ACG Cup if you attend.  If you want to stay in the Chicago area apply to all the big ones and run the cost benefit analysis.  I would do part-time as I'm not sure how much salary bump you will get if you are already over six figures.  For everyone that went to Booth and made $200k in private equity, there is another one making $75k as a healthcare manager.  Remember alumni salary reporting is skewed because it is voluntary and people like to gloat.

[4everwarriors]

Dude, wear you bin at all deez yeers, hey?

[dgies9156]

Here is my take on MBAs - getting a credential for the sake of getting one, any one, is a fool's game.

My advice is to take two years to invest in your career. Get into a top 20 program or don't bother.

Keefe, I don't completely agree with this.

I have an undergraduate degree in Journalism from MU. Worked in the field for a decade and, while I was working in Chicago, discovered my employer would pay for 75 percent of an MBA. Went to Loyola in the 1980s and earned an MBA in 1987.

Started a career in finance after I was graduated. Have done OK for myself since then! It worked because I had an MBA and paid attention. Yes, I worked on my career, very, very hard. But I also had the skills I learned from a good but not great MBA program.

Morale of the story: MBAs won't replace hard work and effort. They will make the path easier, if you pay attention and use what you learn.

[Frenns Liquor Depot]

Keefe, I don't completely agree with this.

I have an undergraduate degree in Journalism from MU. Worked in the field for a decade and, while I was working in Chicago, discovered my employer would pay for 75 percent of an MBA. Went to Loyola in the 1980s and earned an MBA in 1987.

Started a career in finance after I was graduated. Have done OK for myself since then! It worked because I had an MBA and paid attention. Yes, I worked on my career, very, very hard. But I also had the skills I learned from a good but not great MBA program.

Morale of the story: MBAs won't replace hard work and effort. They will make the path easier, if you pay attention and use what you learn.

I won't speak for Keefe, but in my experience what you just described was not getting a degree for the sake of getting one.  It was with a purpose of career/function switching. 

I think Keefe's advice is dead on - the only thing I would add is if enrolling into a local program is a means for you to obtain career sponsorship within your company a lesser program may be ok. 

Really the important thing is knowing why you are getting an MBA (i.e. career switch, sponsorship, network, top tier credential, etc).  Just getting to put MBA after your name is not worth the cost.

[dgies9156]

I won't speak for Keefe, but in my experience what you just described was not getting a degree for the sake of getting one.  It was with a purpose of career/function switching. 

I think Keefe's advice is dead on - the only thing I would add is if enrolling into a local program is a means for you to obtain career sponsorship within your company a lesser program may be ok. 

Really the important thing is knowing why you are getting an MBA (i.e. career switch, sponsorship, network, top tier credential, etc).  Just getting to put MBA after your name is not worth the cost.

Depot, I read your postings with enjoyment when I see them. But in this case, I said I don't completely agree...

My point was twofold. You have to have a purpose for an MBA. If it is acquired from a diploma mill as an alternative to being a good corporate politician, hard worker and thoughtful professional, then Keefe is right, it's a waste of time. My ole buddy the Warthog pilot and I concur on this point.

Second, where I take issue is whether you have to have an MBA from an Ivy or near-Ivy to make a difference. No amount of corporate backside kissing, hard work or  late nights before a deadline can make up for not having the tools to do a job. That's what Loyola and the Jesuits there gave me. I had a mentor beginning in the mid-1980s who leveraged my writing and financial skills and a second mentor who forced me into sales. The result was, well, very good.

What I will say, and I hope JimDub is tuned in, is that the undergraduate degree I obtained from Marquette was tremendous in opening my mind and teaching me how to think. The nature of my degree was such that I had been exposed to a wide range of subjects and ideas that went a long way in formulating my ability to grasp and understand business concepts.

JimDub, you said you went to Southern Illinois University (I assume in Carbondale). You went to a great school, as both of my children go there now. I would encourage you to ask what you will learn in an MBA program -- any MBA program -- that you don't already know from your experience and your education. As I said in the beginning, what's your purpose?

In the meantime, GO WARRIORS!!!!!!!

[Efficient Frontier]

This is interesting advice. Anyone on the board do an EMBA? Like my job and advanced at my company past the point where taking a couple years off (or spending 3-4 years to get the MBA part time) makes sense... but feel like everyone the next level up or so has the credential so starting to think about it.

You want to get an MBA as soon as possible, if you choose that path. If you take a top program's pay boost, you're looking at moving from roughly $80k-$140k from the MBA. If you get that boost at 28 versus 38, that is ten additional years to reap the benefit of the investment.

Add on that an EMBA is likely not adding a boost in salary and tends to cost MORE than a 2 year degree.... only really makes sense in very specific circumstances where your employer is paying for it.

If looking at an MBA I'd recommend not forgoing a program in your 20s to attend an EMBA later on in your career.

[RideMyBuycks]

Does anyone have any experience with an online master's program that includes 3-4 weekends on campus? I have a few colleagues and friends in the programs now and they are enjoying the experience. I'm looking into master's programs (specifically supply chain) and Marquette's curriculum looks to be ahead of the curve compared to larger state schools - my friend at Target claims the University of Minnesota MBA supply chain classes were still talking 80s Toyota as of last year.

Marquette is also actually significantly less expensive than the Michigan State program I'm also looking at. With my employer's contribution, MU scholarships and the relatively low starting cost of MU, it looks like I would be able to get through the 2-year program for ~13K. Michigan State's sticker price is ~55K compared to ~36K at MU.

Looking to hear if anyone has any contacts that have gone through a focused online MS program either at MU or else ware or if they do/don't see the value.

[UWW2MU]

Does anyone have any experience with an online master's program that includes 3-4 weekends on campus? I have a few colleagues and friends in the programs now and they are enjoying the experience. I'm looking into master's programs (specifically supply chain) and Marquette's curriculum looks to be ahead of the curve compared to larger state schools - my friend at Target claims the University of Minnesota MBA supply chain classes were still talking 80s Toyota as of last year.

Marquette is also actually significantly less expensive than the Michigan State program I'm also looking at. With my employer's contribution, MU scholarships and the relatively low starting cost of MU, it looks like I would be able to get through the 2-year program for ~13K. Michigan State's sticker price is ~55K compared to ~36K at MU.

Looking to hear if anyone has any contacts that have gone through a focused online MS program either at MU or else ware or if they do/don't see the value.

Can I ask why you're opting for the online?   

Despite some of the horrible takes earlier in this thread about lack of networking in MU's part time masters programs, the networking really is one of the greatest benefits of these programs.   If you're in Milwaukee metro area, Marquette's programs are definitely better at this than other area universities and colleges.  Plus the student population is of a higher caliber.

If you're outside of Milwaukee metro, I'd find a similarly recognized national program in your area.   Top programs are great if you have the means to pay for it or are in a profession that can really take advantage... but any school with a strong network would be great.

[Benny B]

Can I ask why you're opting for the online?   

Despite some of the horrible takes earlier in this thread about lack of networking in MU's part time masters programs, the networking really is one of the greatest benefits of these programs.   If you're in Milwaukee metro area, Marquette's programs are definitely better at this than other area universities and colleges.  Plus the student population is of a higher caliber.

If you're outside of Milwaukee metro, I'd find a similarly recognized national program in your area.   Top programs are great if you have the means to pay for it or are in a profession that can really take advantage... but any school with a strong network would be great.

I second this.  Networking aside, collaboration is also one of the most significant benefits of any MBA program. 

Online MBA's are essentially diploma mills... doesn't matter if it's DeVry or Wharton.  If you simply need a degree to advance your career, online is fine; if you need education to advance your career, online is a waste.

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

I second this.  Networking aside, collaboration is also one of the most significant benefits of any MBA program. 

Online MBA's are essentially diploma mills... doesn't matter if it's DeVry or Wharton.  If you simply need a degree to advance your career, online is fine; if you need education to advance your career, online is a waste.

Collaboration happens on line all of the time these days. 

[RideMyBuycks]

Can I ask why you're opting for the online?   

Despite some of the horrible takes earlier in this thread about lack of networking in MU's part time masters programs, the networking really is one of the greatest benefits of these programs.   If you're in Milwaukee metro area, Marquette's programs are definitely better at this than other area universities and colleges.  Plus the student population is of a higher caliber.

If you're outside of Milwaukee metro, I'd find a similarly recognized national program in your area.   Top programs are great if you have the means to pay for it or are in a profession that can really take advantage... but any school with a strong network would be great.

Fair question. There are a couple of main benefits pushing me that way. Convenience is one, but curriculum is a big one. The most prestigious program in my area doesn't have the curriculum that I'm interested in. I see an online program as a way to seek out the material I'm interested in regardless of geographical location.

I view focused (online as well) programs as the wave of the future. Many on this thread have remarked that MBAs are a dime a dozen, but there are only 20-30 students in the Master's of Supply Chain programs I'm reviewing. While the networking opportunities might not be as readily available as sitting in a physical business school, you still connect directly with your cohort via conference calls, video calls, the 3 on-campus workshops, etc.

[RideMyBuycks]

Collaboration happens on line all of the time these days.

I would agree. While I prefer to connect in person, I can't ignore the trends. I don't think the "online doesn't count" argument quite reaches the "get off my lawn" mindset, but it's close.

Not that I'm dismissing the feedback, I just would like to hear if anyone has any feedback on the content of similar programs of if they've been beneficial/not beneficial in their careers. I understand that people focus largely on the networking aspect.

[Dr. Blackheart]

I would agree. While I prefer to connect in person, I can't ignore the trends. I don't think the "online doesn't count" argument quite reaches the "get off my lawn" mindset, but it's close.

Plus, rather than a Milwaukee only point of view that is a limit of in-person, online opens one to wider perspectives, industries, and connections.

[FruitStandJim]

I don't think I've posted since I created this thread, which was quite a while ago.

I work in produce, and I have a pretty wonky schedule. I'm up and out the door by 4am, in the office around 430am, and out the door by 1pm. Therefore, going the brick and mortar route really isn't an option for me, as classes would run way too late for my schedule.

Though the Marquette online MBA program doesn't do this, a lot of programs now incorporate live sessions into their courses. You meet once a week, just like you're going to class, with your professor and classmates in a video conference for 1.5-2 hours. It's pretty neat.

As far as the Marquette online MBA program, which I am a part of, it's been hit and miss for me. I'm over a year into it, some classes I've enjoyed while some I could have done without. Overall, I've enjoyed my time and I really like the people at Marquette.

[RideMyBuycks]

I don't think I've posted since I created this thread, which was quite a while ago.

I work in produce, and I have a pretty wonky schedule. I'm up and out the door by 4am, in the office around 430am, and out the door by 1pm. Therefore, going the brick and mortar route really isn't an option for me, as classes would run way too late for my schedule.

Though the Marquette online MBA program doesn't do this, a lot of programs now incorporate live sessions into their courses. You meet once a week, just like you're going to class, with your professor and classmates in a video conference for 1.5-2 hours. It's pretty neat.

As far as the Marquette online MBA program, which I am a part of, it's been hit and miss for me. I'm over a year into it, some classes I've enjoyed while some I could have done without. Overall, I've enjoyed my time and I really like the people at Marquette.

I appreciate the feedback. MU's supply chain department is a known quantity for me being one of my undergraduate majors.

There's definitely a benefit to shopping around and connecting with program directors at multiple institutions so you're not going into the curriculum or faculty blind.

[Benny B]

Plus, rather than a Milwaukee only point of view that is a limit of in-person, online opens one to wider perspectives, industries, and connections.

I would think that geo-diversity has more to do with the institution rather than in-person/online. 

[Dr. Blackheart]

I would think that geo-diversity has more to do with the institution rather than in-person/online.

Milwaukee industries are skewed toward finance (banking, insurance) and manufacturing (engineering).  Other industries like tech, media/entertainment, software is under represented to what you could attract online.

[Benny B]

As I was thinking about this over the weekend, are we, as a society, starting to misplace the emphasis we're placing on networking? 

I was first introduced to the concept of networking before the Internet, initially in the context of B2B sales & word-of-mouth advertising and later in the context of discovering job opportunities.  When the Internet came along it completely overhauled the B2B world but perhaps only moved the needle for job opportunities half as much, at most.  I still get networking "inquiries" for business purposes, but most talk of networking I hear today falls into the realm of job opportunities.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not discrediting networking in any form, but could we be going to far?  For example, if employers are relying exclusively on their (or their employees') networks for hiring, is this at risk of becoming a different strain of nepotism and/or discrimination?  I'm not saying this is happening today, but it would seem that if there's a job opening somewhere that cannot be found by a qualified candidate without networking, it's not technology that's impeding progress.