<p>My employer has 100% tuition reimbursement and I'm thinking of going to USC for an MBA right after I finish my MS in civil engr, hopefully by the end of the year.
I keep hearing that unless you go to a top 10 (or 7?) an MBA is not worth it.</p>
<p>Initially I was leaning towards their MPP program since their public policy school is rated pretty high; however, after a long considering I kindda decided against it...</p>
<p>So.... Is an MBA from USC worth it if my employer is paying 100% of the tuition? Considering the $$$, it seems like a good deal; however, I don't want to waste 3 years not getting as much in return in comparison to going to other schools.</p>
<p>If it’s top 7, that’s saying an MBA from Dartmouth, Columbia or Yale isn’t worth having. If it’s top 10, that’s saying NYU, Duke, Michigan, UCLA, CM, Virginia, Cornell, Texas, Georgetown, UNC, and USC aren’t worth it.</p>
<p>In other words, what you’ve heard is very wrong.</p>
<p>It seems like you’re looking at California schools exclusively. In that case, can you get into Stanford or Berkeley? However, you’re also looking only at So Cal, so I assume even those are farther than you want to go. If everything is paid for, maybe look at going out of California.</p>
<p>Where do you think you would want to go? Where do you think you could get in?</p>
<p>Also, USC and UCLA would both be worth your time. It should only be 2 years, btw. I don’t think there’s much difference between the two, especially since your job right out of school is already lined up, so just go to whichever you like more.</p>
<p>Sorry… just to clarify, since my employer is paying, it will be the USC part time program. I have to continue to work for the duration of the program + 1 year after the completion of the program. Therefore, my only options are UCLA or USC, but leaning toward USC because it’s closer to work.</p>
<p>Don’t get me wrong, both schools are excellent, but as I am getting older and I can’t turn back time, I’d just like to know if USC is worth the time and effort, especially if my employer is paying for it…</p>
<p>Sure, it’s free. UCLA may be considered slightly better by some, but it’s marginal and USC has the better network. If you’re not planning to take off two years at some point to go to a very top program, this is a good deal.</p>
hmom,
Taking off work for a period of 2 years would total up to be more than $200k lost in salary, benefits and perks, and all those are in addition to $100k in tuition.
Assuming a very conservative scenario that I get my old position back, I calculated that it would take me about 10 years to recover my “losses”.</p>
<p>I am very very verrrrrry verrrrrryyyyyyyy scared and don’t have the guts to do so…
I was thinking maybe… maybe… a one-year MBA program at insead or oxford for the best value/deal. But even this is risky and I would be loosing sleep before I hand in my resignation… o.O</p>
<p>
If you don’t mind, what do you mean by this? Why is there a difference in PT or FT program if it’s from the same school?</p>
<p>I love doing engineering and the past three or so years I’ve been privileged to work on small projects all the way to high profile projects around LA area. Nonetheless, I kindda want to venture outside of engineering…</p>
<p>So here’s my million $ question (I hope you don’t mind giving me inputs)…:
So, how does an MBA from a top school open more opportunities for me if I don’t want to continue doing engineering?
How does the risk look like for someone to switch out of engineering to a different field?</p>
<p>Honestly the money is worth it. The ‘lost’ money is recouped pretty quickly. A stronger career rises at more of an exponential curve vs. an arithmetic one. I’ve heard the average "payback’ is more like 3-4 years, after which its all benefit.</p>
<p>I have to disagree with slipper. I think going to USC PT doesn’t equate to going to fourth tier MBA PT. If you are already working at a company where you get opportunities to switch from pure engineering into management after your MBA, then you should continue with your present company.</p>
<p>If your future prospects with your company seem limited even with an MBA, then you should try a regular top MBA where there are more opportunities with career switchers. Going to a PT MBA program with full time employment will prevent you from interning in a different field.</p>