Want to get your MBA? I mean “Masters of Business Administration”, that masters degree that helps you understand business processes and concepts. It is one of the few general degrees you can add to your resume, and instantly improve your chances of landing a job or promotion. If you are considering an MBA, then you might want to hear what I discovered when I took my online MBA, its key advantages, and why you need to check out the school to see if it matches your goals and aspirations.
It’s true that an MBA degree can move your career ahead faster than most things. Yet most people can’t afford the time or money it takes to get an MBA. That, coupled with the development of technology, has led to some very good schools offering online MBA degrees. They are the ultimate in convenience, since everything is done online, right from your home, so you do not need to commute, spend extra money on gas or hotels. They are also effective, since some very well known schools are now offering online versions of their MBA programs.
Online MBA programs are very quick to complete, too. Almost all of them require 2 years or less to get everything done, making them much more efficient that the part-time MBA programs that many schools offer. Of course, once you graduate and put “MBA” on your resume, no one will ever know you graduated from an online program.
The final step before applying to a business school is to check its accreditation and financial assistance programs. The better schools are accredited with many education organizations, and will have dedicated resources to help you with options for funding your education’s costs.
The biggest advantage an MBA degree can give you is to give you that sharp focused business mind that lets you cut through the clutter and know where the important information is. This kind of training is valued in all businesses, but especially in:
- marketing
- accounting
- outsourcing
A great many companies will view your MBA degree as a sign of a serious focused applicant who can make a significant impact.
An MBA degree will also help improve your income, since the statistics indicate the degree adds an average $12,000-$25,000 onto a graduate’s income. The variance in this income improvement depends on your location and the market you work in.
If you are looking for the next step up in your career, getting the MBA degree online might be the convenient, economical way to add those credentials to your resume. I might want to note one important fact before I sign off. . . almost 50% of all MBA graduates quit or are fired from their current job after they graduate. Quite simply, there is a lot of resentment at the office once you improve yourself so much, and often, and new MBA graduate has a vision that makes her current job seem a lot less interesting.

The recent economic downturn has had its effect in all parts of the world, in every sphere of work and the immediate question that arises in people’s mind is that, ‘’Is there any way out?” “Can anything bail you out of recession?”Well, there may not be any definitive answer but an MBA degree can surely help people face this situation with a tough hand to a large extent. Pursuing an MBA degree does not merely equip an individual with academic qualifications but at the same time provides them the ability of multi-tasking, which is extremely important in today’s world. Companies hit by recession will therefore need people who are not only capable of doing jobs in their sphere, but at the same time would be able to handle the challenges offered by the global economic scenario. The two years of intensive training offered by any B-school around the world makes an individual gather knowledge in areas such as marketing, finance, logistics, communication, personnel and strategy. The real life case studies included in the curriculum of management students is also extremely useful for getting the feel of difficult situations faced by various businesses. Therefore, the business strategies and concepts are not only limited to theoretical aspects but are also included in practical training. The MBA degree also helps students develop their leadership skills. In times of recession, only the fittest survives the rigors of economic downturns and the degree equips individuals with the expertise that can make somebody a leader in his or her own field. Moreover, the classes itself expose students to new sets of challenges with rigorous assignments, tasks and projects, making them adept at difficult situations. The researches, innovative and new ideas, gathered from classmates can prove to be extremely useful in later life. In fact, the networking aspect can be of great help in these times of recession, where every bit of information boosts an individual’s career prospects. The internships and projects completed during the training period provide students valuable real life experiences that complete the mental grooming of every MBA. It not only provides a flexible mind set that can be used for switching jobs, which might be a necessity in times of recession, it also makes them stronger in facing the challenges posed by various companies suffering the adversities of recession. Thus, it makes the MBA graduate even more employable. So, the MBA degree not only provides the platform to launch a successful career but also makes an individual survive through the tough times of recession. However, before considering an MBA degree, it is necessary to choose the right colleges and universities. Students can also look forward to 1 year MBA programs that can be completed within a short period of time, giving them an opportunity to start earning as early as possible. Therefore, it can be said that an MBA degree, completed from a reputed B-school does provide the passport to a better life which can even help fight the menace of recession. The different aspects of the degree equip an individual to meet the challenges posed by tough times.

After a proud score of 760, lot of MBA aspirants seek my advice on various topics which revolved around these major questions:

- Am I MBA Material?

- Why MBA

- Where MBA

- When MBA

- How MBA (What is important for MBA admit)

So I am writing this article in difference sections, starting from bottom up.

This is the First part on “HOW MBA”

How MBA:

Before even consdering MBA as a career option, you have to set your ambitions right and your priorities straight [Why you want to do MBA, Where you want to do MBA, What specialization for MBA]. Realize its not a joke and needs commitment and hard work. Once you have accomplished this step, you can start preparing for your Voyage – destination MBA.

The journey starts much before you can start applying to various target universities. These are the prerequisites before you can start applying to universities:

- Work Experience

- A good profile

- Communication skills

- Application Essays

- Application deadlines

Work Experience:

Work Experience is an important part of an MBA application. Almost all of the Top 20 US universities require 2-3 years of work experience on an average. Why do they require work experience? I am not sure of their specific reasons, but I got a few which make sense:

- Experience entails maturity: Mature people make better professionals.

- Clarity of goals: An experience individual would have better clarity of his goals than the person who is fresh out of college. Fresh graduates tend to be fidgety about their career options, if you tell them that “Doing X is a great career option”, they start considering X.

- Competent Program: The competence and quality of program depends upon the quality of students in the program. Experienced professionals offer specialized perspectives along with professionalism and maturity to the program. As a part of MBA program dont expect to learn everything from a text book, students learn from each other. In my MBA program, I would definitely want to work with an experienced individual because then we both have something to offer each other.

- The Genius Factor: Geniuses usually make better scientists and lousy managers. If you have excellent Acads, how would the universities know you are not a genius suitable more to technology than to MBA program? Your work experience in the corporate world allays some of these doubts and helps make you a better candidate.

- The Average Factor: Responsibility and Sincereness of a person with averag/poor acads is always in question. If you have bad/average acads, only work experience can pacify these questions.

Now I hope you see the importance of Work experience for MBA programs. The next question is “How much experience is good enough?”.

According to me 2 years of work experience is minimum for a good university, however for Top 20 universities this has to be backed up by excellent GMAT Score, superb Profile and neat Essays (for application). Needless to say this is not an easy combination. Work experience of >=4 years relaxes these limitations a bit or actually contribute quite a lot to “profile” and hence “Essays”.

Coming Next: A Good Profile

Should I Get An Online MBA?

Read this and other great articles about Online MBAs at http://www. MBAonline. me

Ever greater numbers of students and professionals alike are finding obtaining a Masters in Business Administration essential to reach the professional goals they seek.  While there are numerous types of MBA Programs to choose from the predominant decision is between several types.  Traditionally, the full time, two year Masters Program, the part time and the newer accelerated programs have been given in person at institutions of higher learning.  More recently Online MBA Degrees have been offered raising several questions about both their quality in the learning experience as well as what they gain the degree holder in the workplace.  Quite simply, is it worth getting an MBA online? The answer as with many things is. . . it depends.

While the top ten MBA Programs at Ivy League and select institutions remain the ‘gold standard’ that top Fortune 500 firms recruit from and expect to see on resumes for their executives, for many these institutions are not a realistic option.  While there are numerous second and third tier school programs available, more recently the Online MBA has become a legitimate option to pursue the Masters Degree.  These internet distance learning degrees provide much of the same curriculum and case study material one would find in a full or part time traditional program but enable the student to work at home and often proceed at their own pace.  Homework and assignments are often emailed in and tests are taken with computerized tests.  

But there are trade-offs.  First, Online MBA’s don’t enable the student to take part in valuable real world networking opportunities nor take part in group and one on one interaction with other students.    The skills learned during these types of engagements can be extremely valuable, especially to younger students who are just entering the workplace and don’t have much real world work experience.  

In addition, much of the value obtained from a traditional MBA program is in the intangible things you learn by from your fellow students.  Top MBA programs are reknown for accepting stellar applicants from around the world bringing a wide variety of experience both professionally and culturally all contribute to the learning experience of the other students as well.  Finally, Online MBA Programs don’t usually permit the meeting of real world professionals who they can speak with and learn from in addition to often create mentoring relationships with.   With all the limitations of obtaining an MBA online however, there are situations in which it can be a viable option.  

In situations where a student is already in the workplace and simply needs the credential, distance learning programs are an option.  In addition, when costs are too exorbitant for traditional programs, online learning can provide an inexpensive and fairly thorough academic learning experience but without some of the personal benefits of university programs.  

Finally, with recent improvements in technology, some of the more progressive schools have started trial programs where they offer MBA’s Online with some of the benefits of in-class participation.  This enables lecturers and guest professionals to communicate with students via Telepresence or live video through the computer.  In addition, students can communicate with each other via chat and message board systems, helping add another dimension to the online learning experience.   In summary, while Online MBA programs don’t provide the panache or prestige of traditional top mba programs, they do serve as an important alternative in certain situations.  

One should not be misled that they will obtain all the benefits of the traditional MBA through a distance learning program, but with new technologies helping to flesh out the weaker elements, they are progressing quickly as a viable alternative.  While this might change in the future, for now online programs should be looked upon as mostly an option for those already in the workforce who are more interested in obtaining the credential for advancement, or for those who are interested just in the learning process such as those running their own businesses.  If you fall into one of those two categories then perhaps you should look into forgoing the expense and time commitment of an in-person program and consider a progressive Online MBA.   Read more articles about obtaining an Online MBAs as well as great information and links for Online MBA programs at http://www. MBAonline. me

Many business schools are currently offering MBA degrees. It is one of the most sought after qualification now. To an individual, an MBA degree is a great investment. The cost for a full-time course includes course fees, accommodation costs, living expenses, time spent in studying and loss of earnings. Despite the high price to pay for, it is still considered a worthwhile investment. This is because an MBA degree is a useful qualification to have. It can enable an individual to progress successfully in his or her career. If you are considering whether to enroll in an MBA course, you should find out what an MBA degree can do for you. The following points will enlighten you on how an MBA can impact on your future.

As seen from the above, the MBA degree has many benefits and is a useful qualification to acquire. Besides, the course is an interesting and enriching one. It gives you a fruitful experience of personal development, education and network building. Taking an MBA course is indeed a worthwhile way to spend your money and time

Are you looking to give fillip to your career and add new dimensions to your future prospect? Want to pursue an MBA degree program but do not just have enough time? Perhaps, you should think of an online MBA degree course through distance learning! An online MBA program allows you to study at your own time that means you could hold on to a part- time or even full-time work. Distance learning has become popular, as it saves a lot of time and is cheaper than attending classes at a full-time institute. Everything is downloadable and all you need is a computer that connects you to different university servers to get started with an online MBA program. Online MBA and distance learning MBA programs provide an alternative way of getting an MBA. There are significant differences between distance learning or online MBAs and full time MBAs. The main difference is that of class contact hours, although some online MBA programs do offer class contact at residential weeks. There are therefore some similarities between online MBA or distance learning MBA programs and administrative MBA programs delivered in a modular format.
Now, no matter where you live or what your schedule, you can earn your MBA in as little as 20 to 24 months and get the qualifications and knowledge you need to take your professional life to the next level, without putting the rest of your life on hold.
The Online MBA Programs are designed to help professionals build powerful careers in today’s highly complex and rapidly changing business environments. Online MBA programs provide students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to lead and perform creatively, ethically and effectively within any organization or industry.
Online MBA programs are required to meet the needs of working students who already holds undergraduate degrees in business related programs, and for those holding undergraduate degrees of diversified areas. All work in an online course is completed and submitted through the computer. Written work is usually submitted through an e-mail attachment. It saves a lot of time and energy because students need not to go to traditional classrooms. All the study material is provided through internet and students can submit their assignments through computer as well. You can complete an entire MBA degree from the comfort of your home. You can also have personal meetings with your teacher to sort out your problems related to subject matter or study material. Applying for an online MBA program is quite easy. You need to submit a complete application to the learning institution, application fees, copy of your resume, as well any undergraduate degree certificate. Your GMAT exam score can be helpful in seeking admission to online MBA course. Online MBA program can be costly, but if you are planning to do it from an accredited institute, financial helps are available, in form of loans, grants and scholarships.
It is necessary to have complete information of processes and procedures of any online MBA before final enrolments. Keen desire to learn and with an internet ready computer, online MBA course may be your next educational destination.

Distance-learning programs have been given increased credibility by the spread of information technology. The growth in the number of MBAs awarded in recent years is largely a result of distance learning program in conjunction with the widely acceptance of online degree in the job market. Individual who are looking for higher career achievement can now choose to pursue their MBA online while maintain their career and living style. With the available of online MBA programs, you have no excuses to delay pursuing your MBA just because you are busy with your work. Many online MBA programs are able to fit well into your busy schedule.

When you move along your career path, working experience, skills and knowledge are the most important elements to ensure the success of your career. You gain your working experience in your career field from the first day you start your career and along the way of your career path. Stronger educational background will definitely helps you to move your career steps faster and smoother to achieve the career level you are dreaming for. The higher your career level, the wider of your job scope and the more people you need to face & handle. Hence, interpersonal, people management & communication are among the required skills for these types of job positions. MBA programs with various concentrations which depend on your area of focus can train you with the required knowledge and skills for your career achievement.

If you take your MBA online, your can study at your own time that fit into your schedule, you can learn at home or even while traveling. It gives you the flexibility and convenient to earn your MBA degree online while continue with your career move. Most of online MBA degree programs take12 to 24 months to complete, but there are fast track MBA programs which can be completed in 18 weeks. Although many online MBA enable you to earn your degree 100% online, but there are schools required you to attend a certain hours of face-to-face tutorials.

When you are choosing your online MBA program, it is important that you select an MBA program from an accredited university with a good track record and reputation. Although getting your MBA degree from top-ranked university is the best option but if their MBA courses cannot meet your career goals, you need to select from the alternatives. The rules of thumb for selecting your online MBA program is the school and the MBA program must be accredited by an accreditation agency that is recognized by Department of Education. This is to avoid any trap by degree mills, online degree scams who want to cheat your money without giving you the degree that worth a value.

In additional, distance-learning MBA are becoming increasingly popular among employers. Companies are more likely to provide support in term of scholarships or grants for their potential employees to enhance their management skills through online MBA program. You should check out whether your company does provides this employee benefits, don’t this opportunity to earn your MBA degree for your career advancement or job promotion.

In Summary

Online MBA is a new credibility distance learning program that enables you to earn your MBA degree online from your selected place and at your own pace with your own schedule. It provides a good opportunity for you to plan your career advancement with the required MBA degree.

No matter what industry you’re in you can benefit from having an MBA degree. Getting an MBA degree can prepare you to be a manager or qualify you to be promoted to an executive position within the company that you work for. You could even learn how to start your own business and work yourself if you have an MBA degree. The biggest reason to get an MBA degree though is because you can earn more money if you have an MBA degree. Statistics have shown that a college graduate with a business degree can expect to earn about $45,000 as a starting salary but a graduate with an MBA can except to earn about $75,000 as a starting salary. Companies know that employees with MBA degrees are going to be an asset to the company and can really help shape the company and guide the company so that the company continues to grow and flourish. People that have MBA degrees usually have the skills and the expertise and the contacts to really move a company forward and most of the time companies are willing to pay high salaries to attract competent employees with an MBA degree. Over the course of an entire career the difference between what your salary will be if you just have a four year degree and what your salary will be if you have an MBA degree can be huge. Wouldn’t you rather invest the time and money into getting an MBA degree and collecting big over the course of your career instead of just sticking with a four year degree and staying stuck in the same rung of the salary ladder for your whole career?

With so many different online MBA programs to choose from it’s never been easier or more convenient to get an MBA so why put off enrolling in an MBA program? You can boost your earning potential by thousands of dollars and move your career to the next level of success just by getting an online MBA degree. If you work in a company that offers tuition reimbursement for continuing education you might not even need to pay for your MBA. Lots of companies these days will reimburse their employees for any education expenses if that education is going to directly benefit the company and certainly getting an MBA would be an asset to any company. Since you would be putting all the skills that you learn in the MBA program directly into helping the company that you work for progress chances are good that your employer would be willing to pay for at least part of your MBA degree if not all of your MBA degree although you might have to agree to stay with the company for a certain period of time if the company pays for the MBA degree. Companies that do offer tuition assistance or tuition reimbursement will often ask you to sign a contract agreeing to stay employed for a set time period, usually at least a year, after getting an MBA degree. That way the company can be sure that you won’t take the MBA degree that the company paid for and quit to go work for another company.

Indian Institute Of Management Ahmedabad
Address : Vastrapur Ahmedabad 380 015
Phone : 9179 2630 7241
Fax : 91 79 26306896
Website : http://www.iimahd.ernet.in/

Indian Institute Of Management Bangalore
Website : http://www.iimb.ernet.in/index.jsp

Management Development Institute Gurgaon
Address : Mehrauli Road Sukhrali, Gurgaon – 122001
Phone : +91 124 2349831-36, 5013050-59
Fax : +91 124 2341189
Website : http://www.mdi.ac.in/

Indian Institute Of Management Calcutta
Address : Diamond Harbour Road Joka Kolkata (Calcutta) 700104 West Bengal
Phone : +91-33-2282-4598
Fax : +91-33-2282-1498
Website : http://www.iimcal.ac.in/

Xavier Labour Relations Institute, Jamshedpur
Phone : (0562) – 2852135, 2852045, 2852373, 2852374, 2521584
Website : http://www.xlri.edu/xat_instructions.php

Indian Institute Of Foreign Trade, Delhi
Address : IIFT Bhawan B-21, Qutab Institutional Area New Delhi
Phone : +91-11-26965124 +91-11-26965051
Fax : +91-1126853956
Website : http://www.iift.edu/
Email : iift@iift.ac.in

National Institute Of Industrial Engineering, Mumbai
Address : N I T I E, Vihar Lake, Mumbai – 400087
Phone : 91-22-28573371
Fax : 91-22-28573251
Email : admissions@nitie.edu
Website : http://www.nitie.edu/

Institute Of Rural Management, Anand
Address : Post Box No. 60, Anand – 388 001 Gujarat; India
Phone : 0091- 2692 – 260391 / 263260 / 261502
Fax : 0091 – 2692 – 260188
Website : http://www.irma.ac.in/

S.P.Jain Institute Of Management & Research ,Mumbai
Address : Munshi Nagar, Dadabhai Road Andheri West Mumbai – 400 058, India
Phone : +91-22-2623 7454 / 0396 / 2401
Fax : +91-22-26237042
Email : spjicom@spjimr.ernet.in
Website : http://www.spjimr.org/

Xavier Institute Of Management, Bhubaneswar
Address : Xavier Institute of Management Bhubaneswar – 751 013, India
Phone : 91.674.2300007 Fax : 91.674.2300995
Website : http://www.ximb.ac.in/start/

Question by The S: Family (money) Issues: PLEASE Indians (Adults) answer ONLY?
I would like to get some thoughts from ADULT Indians. These issues are culture specific so the answers differ. I am interested in the Indian cultural perspective only.

OK so here is the situation: My sister’s daughter came over to do her MBA in the US last fall. I have been in the US for a while now. She does not have any financial assistance or scholarship. We are not from a rich family in India, although her dad is definitely better off than us. I bought her a very sophisticated cell phone as soon as she came and pay for monthly bills. I paid her first semester’s Tuition. She wanted to buy $ 2000 laptop. I tried to suggest some websites where she could buy one at a more reasonable price. Her dad paid for the comp she wanted. She has called me just 3 times since she came. I have gave her a credit card and asked her to buy a ticket on it to at least come visit me sometime. She has not come. I am not sure what I am supposed to do! I would still like to be at good terms with my sister!
Lovely Life: Thanks for your response. Most of my time in this country has been spent earning various degrees too. With no financial help from anyone. I was OK with her taking loans and doing odd jobs. Her dad is completely against it. This is not the way education works in India. Will you still fault me? If so what different can I do?
Lovely Life: Thanks again for your concern. Well of course I have explained my point of view to her parents. And since she does not want to call me or anything (she need a summer internship, I can atleast send her resume to some friends. I have told her mom. But she has not sent me her resume), so I have no choice but to leave her alone. It is just that I can see that her parents and she think the same way. And you seem to to agree with them too. I just don’t think what I could have done differently. Or should do differently in the future.
I wish someone else would asnwer too!!! Uptil now the answers seem to say that I am the only one at fault. But I am sure someone must see my point of view too, since I have tried to do what I thought was right!

Best answer:

Answer by lovely life
I understand your point of just Indians and just adults. Which I believe was not necessary for your question. I am not an adult, but Indian. I was in the situation as your sister’s daughter. I now finished my masters and working a full time job.

I would find fault in you and not her.

I have my married sister, two brothers and a sister of my mother settled here in USA and also, My father was well off to pay my Master’s fee, But I choose to take a loan instead. That creates a burden on your head to work hard and get responsible. I had to do all sorts of hard jobs like washing dishes in Dorms and cleaning stadium etc. I learnt a lot from my experience doing such jobs. Now I know to be careful with my money.

I would suggest you not to interfere in her life so much. I know you are just trying to help her. But probably spoiling her. Let her learn things on her own, Give her a chance to try and earn her scholarships and money from part time jobs.
If she needs help she or her parents will knock on your door and that is when you need to help her out. Explain this to your sister and her husband also.
US education for Indian is not just about academics, We can learn a lot from their culture too. That is the way most of the US citizens earn their money for education , let her adapt thier culture of being responsible and independent.
I hope this will help you.

Response 2: I agree with the attitude of her father, Try explaining them your point of view. You can’t go above and beyond to help her out, if she doesn’t value it.
As long as she is getting thing with out her even asking for, She will not value you or your help. Leave her alone till she realizes the need to contact you her selves. Tell her father to ask her to contact you, if she needs any help. Thats the best you can do for her. Let her learn to at least communicate.

And,
I know you know this. But MBA is a tough course, you do not know how busy she is, or what problems she have, that she is not able to come to meet you or call you regularly.
Try to think from her perspective about things, Don’t get to conclusions. That will definitely spoil your relation with her and her family, She belongs to a different generation. She has different thought, problems, issues and attitude.
You cannot be very protective about her here. Let her learn from from her own mistakes, Just support her when she needs it.

Response #3
I am so sorry if you felt I am holding you at fualt. I understand your point.You want to take care of your sister’s daughter, as she is alone here and will definitely need help.
But waste your energy for some one who don’t care. Give her some time to understand your point. Let her realize your importance. Why do you have to send her resume to your friends if she is not responsible enough to even send you her resume.
I support you, and want you to stop worrying about some one who don’t worry about you. But at the same time don’t get hard feeling towards her behavior, she might have her own reasons.

Give your answer to this question below!