Is MBA for me?

Graduate School Business School - MBA
1

<p>I am a third year Civil Engineering student at City College, My current GPA is 3.92 and I intend to graduate with about a 3.7-3.8 (gpa is about 3.5 this semester due to tons of research) I am thinking about MBA programs and am wondering If it would be a good idea to start studying for GMAT starting next semester. I would really like to go to NYU Stern or Columbia but understand that it will most likely not be a possibility since I am coming from a public university. </p>

<p>How is Baruch's MBA program, I pretty much think I would want the MBA in CIS as opposed to a general MBA options, as I am finding myself very interested in the developing technologies in private home security, audio/visual, remote electronic access, etc.. I would like to work for or start a small start up specializing in implementing these luxuries into custom built homes/MDUs. Either way would an MBA in CIS help in regards to those career goals? I've always had a deep interest in this field and it now seems as though it is beginning to show steady growth. I would like to get in it early and take my chances. </p>

<p>I am graduating more than likely Magna Cum Laude, and am wondering what type of work experience would give me a chance at heading into a good MBA program where I can make some solid contacts. </p>

<p>Is Baruch's MBA program decent? From these forums I am under the impression that only the top MBA programs really offer the opportunity MBA students seek, and it would most likely be extremely difficult to get into one of the better Business Schools in NY due to my lack of top tier education. Am I correct in assuming this, thanks for any replies in advance.</p>

2

<p>Top MBA programs are looking for top-notch work experience, not a brand-name undergrad.</p>

3

<p>I doubt that you'd be barred from top MBA programs. Consider working a few years first and then applying, as you could easily get into a top 20 b-school with that GPA (assuming good work and a good GMAT).</p>

4

<p>I wish I had that GPA:(</p>

<p>
[quote]
interested in the developing technologies in private home security, audio/visual, remote electronic access, etc.. I would like to work for or start a small start up specializing in implementing these luxuries into custom built homes/MDUs

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Very good idea. Wasn't Buffet investing in manufactured homes just recently? You should hook up with the old bat and make some bank!</p>

5

<p>Don't settle for a subpar MBA. With quality work experience, you can get into a top business school. As for making this happen quickly, perhaps you should consider going right into this without an MBA...although, I'd say it probably wouldn't be a good time considering that the economy is likely headed to a recession and that is partially due to the poor housing market (double whammy for you).</p>

<p>An MBA with no concentration will suffice if you go to a top school. A CIS concentration would do little or nothing for you. Something related to entrepreneurship would probably be the best, but in reality just go to a top school.</p>

6

<p>The thing is that an IT concentration would be very beneficial. I would definitely plan on offering some sort of service contract, and with the complex networks found in today's homes I would prefer some sort of technological background, from the magazines I have been reading it seems that it is necessary to keep up with the times. With all these new distribution avenues for content, it is beginning to look like in the near future home entertainment will all be handled via the internet. Homes are also becoming more advanced with remote electronic access (I.E. smart homes whose appliances and lights can be monitored and turned on/off from any computer or cell phone around the world) becoming more and more popular isn't some sort of background in IT/networking relevant? an MBA in IT is still an MBA just has a bit of focus on the tech industry.</p>

<p>I would absolutely love to head to a top MBA program but the competition is fierce. I have been looking at my employment opportunity upon graduation and have found that coming from a public school like CCNY it will be alarmingly difficult to land a job up to par with the companies/firms the student body at Stern/Columbia represent.</p>

<p>
[quote]
, perhaps you should consider going right into this without an MBA.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Easier said than done, I come from a lower middle class family and have no money to invest. The only money I will have is the $$ I will have accumulated from my stipend of which I was planning to use to partially fund graduate school. If I end up investing that and losing it, there goes funding for graduate school.</p>

7

<p>B-schools do produce a few new businesses every year. But in reality, most graduates, especially from the top schools, get lured into other fields. So you may find yourself swifting away from your dream once you get in. ;)</p>

<p>Since City College doesn't have a formal business program, my advice is take some business classes, e.g. marketing and account, in the Econ department. Get into business plan competition for seed $$. Don't plan about it. Just do it and see how far it may take you in the next 2 years.</p>

8

<p>
[quote]
The thing is that an IT concentration would be very beneficial.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>The thing is, it really wouldn't.</p>

<p>
[quote]
with the complex networks found in today's homes I would prefer some sort of technological background,

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Then take some networking classes on the side. You can do that at anytime, and certainly don't need to take them in business school. The fact is that networking is only a small part of IT.</p>

<p>
[quote]
becoming more and more popular isn't some sort of background in IT/networking relevant?

[/quote]
</p>

<p>It sounds relevant to me, but completely unnecessary. You can learn about the internet and networks right now in your spare time. What a student learns from MBA coursework is only a small portion of the value of an MBA. Concentrations are nice if you want to show employers that you are focused in a certain area, but you are looking to start your own business. I certainly wouldn't exclude any top schools because they don't have an IT concentration (most schools have an IM/Ops concentration which tend to focus more on Operations than IT).</p>

<p>
[quote]
I have been looking at my employment opportunity upon graduation and have found that coming from a public school like CCNY it will be alarmingly difficult to land a job up to par with the companies/firms the student body at Stern/Columbia represent.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>I can't really speak to that. However, I think you may be underestimating your options. One thing to consider is "job hopping". IE, get a job work it a bit, and be on the lookout for a better job. Another option which may be better for you is to work a normal job (ie not excessive hours) and start your business on the side. If you do that, you could decide that you don't need business school, or you could leverage that experience to help you get into a quality school.</p>

<p>
[quote]
Easier said than done, I come from a lower middle class family and have no money to invest. The only money I will have is the $$ I will have accumulated from my stipend of which I was planning to use to partially fund graduate school. If I end up investing that and losing it, there goes funding for graduate school.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>The worst that could happen is that you'll fail. Risk taking is what being an entrepreneur is all about. That being said, you could mitigate your risk by starting this business on the side. As for graduate school..you don't need money to go. Just get student loans. If you get into a good school, it will be well worth your money.</p>