I just confirmed my attendance at the Simon School’s part time orientation and registration for June 3rd. After the orientation I will be a part-time non-matriculated MS-BA student.
Some of my job perks include tuition assistance for up to 2 classes a semester (completely free of charge at my university, 80% covered at another school), so it won’t cost me anything to participate in this program; and since I am non-matriculated I have the ability to take classes without formally applying. I can take 4 classes before submitting an application, and the really cool thing is if I maintain a 3.5 or higher GPA they waive the GMAT requirement and practically guarantee admission.
Sounds like a pretty good deal, right?
I am excited, nervous, and not sure what to make of my options right now.
Currently I work as a research technician in an academic lab, and while I really enjoy my job, it doesn’t have much advancement potential other than becoming a PhD student. I love the research aspect: running studies with cool equipment, finding out new things, meeting new people every week, learning about how our visual system and brain interact… it’s all fascinating, but I don’t think I want to study this for the rest of my life. After being an academic researcher for several years I’d like to maintain the research aspects of this job while transitioning to a non-academic environment – and business school seemed like the next logical step.
Simon has both MBA and MS in Business degrees where I could specialize in market research. This would allow me to maintain my interest in research and potentially keep learning about the brain and human reactions. Instead of visual working memory and response priors I would be able to study the effectiveness of product memory and emotional responses. Great… now which program, the MBA or MSBA?
The regular MBA program takes more time, requires more classes, and is more focused on management with a broader skill set (more versatile) while the MS is completed in 1 year full time and has a more focused skill set. And there is always the option of a PhD or Masters outside of business school.
Of the four classes I can take as a non-matriculated student, two overlap with both the MBA and MS degrees. According to the calendar only one of those two is offered in the summer session, but the website has been out of date before and I will verify that at registration. This means I could take the two classes and have the option of either degree. I really don’t know which one I should pursue.
Another question: Is it worth it to get one of these at all?
I have already been at my current job a full year (not counting part time as an undergrad here) and am getting antsy to move on, but where do I want to go? I don’t really have a clear idea of what type of job I want. I know what I like and don’t like about my current position, and I know that of all the business degrees, Market Research is most closely aligned with my interests… But do I need a higher degree to get a good job?
Preliminary searching of careerbuilder and hotjobs shows a lot of jobs that claim to require the degrees and lots of experience, but I am not sure how stringent they are with the qualifications. Having a paper won’t guarantee you a job, just as not having one won’t always stop you. I need to refine my search, but right now it seems like a good investment to further my education.
This is Exciting!
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Good for you!! Even if the classes don’t pan out to a degree, at least you are expanding your knowledge base!!!
As an aside, I have undergrads in my research lab getting jobs at Google and other marketing firms with only a BA in psych. I think it can definitely be done!
When employers offer generous tuition perks, it is much easier to take advantage of more education.
The calculation doesn’t consist of how much money you’ll sink into a degree, but only how much time you are willing to do.
I’ve taken 3 grad classes thus far and plan to continue on for my MS. I wouldn’t go if work didn’t pay for it.
When employers offer generous tuition perks, it is much easier to take advantage of more education.
The calculation doesn’t consist of how much money you’ll sink into a degree, but only how much time you are willing to do.
I’ve taken 3 grad classes thus far and plan to continue on for my MS. I wouldn’t go if work didn’t pay for it.
Sounds exciting!! Good luck
Twiggers: I got my BS in Brain and Cognitive Sciences (and a BA in Linguistics), but I didn’t take anything that would really help me with marketing. Most of my classes were specifically related to brain function and stuff like that – BCS is close to psych but more specialized in a way that isn’t helping here. It’s possible but not easy, especially when I am are limited (for now) to Rochester. Mainly I am excited to be taking classes again and learning new things.
Stacking Pennies: I agree about time and cost. I wouldn’t be taking these classes if they weren’t free.
Canadian Saver: Thanks!
Sounds exciting. I can’t say I know much about a MSBA (or really an MBA for that matter), but I know the MBA has better name recognition and is probably more flexible. It sounds like one question is whether you can put in the time and will have your employer’s support to finish an MBA.
Taking these sorts of classes might be helpful in expanding your repertoire; even if you want/are able to go into research without the MBA or MS, it could be a good way to get your foot in the door, meet people, etc.
Great job on taking advantage of opportunities available to you. I know the girls at the office I work at do the same thing.
(By the way, I’m an undergrad at UR and I thought it was funny when I clicked on Wanda at Well-Heeled’s blog post and saw your post. Coming here and seeing the Simon logo surprised and delighted me.)
Lo.: I am totally excited. My employer is very supportive, which is great. I’m lucky to have a very flexible boss.
Jess: Thanks for checking us out! I went to UR as an undergrad too (class of ’07) Loved it.
That’s a great perk! Not knowing much about the degree’s or how much it will cost you I’d say go with the MBA. Actually, a better idea would be talking to people in the field you’re considering and ask which is better.
In general MBA’s have better name recognition and could give better versatility.
Hope you enjoy being a student again.
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