As its blog title implies, Wharton MBA for Executives is a blog managed by and written for MBA students of Wharton School?s Executives program. There are actually two blog administrators, although the blog also features guest bloggers from time to time. Basically, the contents of the blog chronicle the authors? experiences in their pursuit of an MBA program.
What makes this blog special
Unlike most MBA blogs, which may be classified as informative or feature blogs that typically discuss basic management and business principles, this Wharton blog falls under the “personal blog” category. For instance, one of the authors wrote about his trip to Marrakech and how price-haggling with souvenir vendors gave him an idea for a paper in his negotiations class. Set on a clean and simple three-column WordPress layout, the blog contains links to the official Wharton EMBA site and other Wharton blogs, as well as the authors? Facebook and LinkedIn profiles. Since the target readers are Wharton EMBA students?and those who aspire to be?other useful links include business journals and news articles on finance.
Navigating through the site is easy, as one of its three columns show the blog categories and tag clouds. This allows readers to find entries only on topics that they are interested in without having to spend too much time digging through the site. The archive link and RSS button enable followers of the blog to find old entries and receive blog updates conveniently.
Areas for improvement
However, the blog still needs tweaking in some areas. The blog description on the header indicates that one person maintains the blog, although its “About” pages show two different authors. Also, simple does not have to mean “boring,” so adding images to the entries will make the page more attractive to readers. Adding relevant widgets will also optimize the blog?s clean look and readership.
Inside HBS is a personal blog maintained by an MBA student at Harvard Business School. In this blog, the author considerably writes about life on campus and in Boston, and a little bit about the MBA program.
What I like about this blog
One thing that you will notice about this blog is that the writing style is consistent with the two functions the blog serves: one, to document the writer?s life as a student at the Harvard Business School; and two, to tell the reader about the sights and the culture in Boston. Unlike most personal blogs in which the writer simply expresses his or her thoughts without the need to explain things to whoever cares enough to read, this one doubles as an informative/travel blog. For instance, in a post about hiking in Blue Hills, the writer tells the readers that it is “the most popular of the Boston-area hiking spots” and that it “may be the biggest of the three major state parks within the I-95 inner Boston loop,” after which he or she embeds a map of Boston parks.
It also contains landscape photos and posts on Boston holidays, as well as the writer?s observation on the attitude of HBS students. The blog layout is a simple two-column, three-page Cutline theme, with links to other HBS blogs. Site navigation is relatively easy, as there are not too many links, and posts are tagged accordingly.
Suggestions for improvement
Although the contents of the blog make for an educational and entertaining read, the layout does little justice to it. Its upbeat tone will work well with “Follow me” or “Tweet this” Twitter widgets or those that encourage more interaction from readers (other than the comment field). The sitemap link displays an error message when clicked, so the link must be broken and needs to be re-configured. Lastly, it will be better if the archive is transferred to the right column, as it is more noticeable there than in a separate page.
An MBA degree is beneficial if you want to enhance your career or you want to change your career. Getting accepted in an MBA program requires you to exert effort in the preparation of your MBA personal statement, resume, exams, and interview. Doing your best to accomplish the requirements mentioned will broaden your chances of gaining admission to the MBA program you prefer. Aside from these, you can increase your chances of getting accepted if you approach alumni of the MBA program that you are interested in.
How to approach alumni of an MBA program
You can inquire if someone in your family, friends, or coworkers graduated with an MBA degree. You can ask them about the admissions process. You can also ask them for some tips on how to write your MBA personal statement so as to increase your chances of being admitted in the program that you really want to enroll in. If you can’t find someone close to you, try to surf the Internet and find sites of MBA alumni. You may also choose to join forums of students, teachers, and alumni of MBA schools. In these forums, you may ask questions regarding the application process.
What you need to ask from MBA alumni
MBA alumni can give you tips on how to pass the interview with flying colors. Aside from asking tips on how to survive the interview, another important thing that you have to inquire about is the techniques on how to write a winning MBA personal statement. You should ask MBA alumni what topics you can include in your MBA personal statement. You should also ask them how to make an exceptional MBA personal statement that would ensure your place in the MBA program you want to enroll in. MBA alumni are also reliable sources of information about a school’s MBA programs, reputation, and faculty.
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There are various reasons why many people pursue an MBA degree. Some people do so to have a wide range of career options. There are others who want an MBA degree to aid them in switching careers. Some take an MBA degree to advance their careers. There are many entrepreneurs, for instance, who pursue an MBA degree for various reasons. Below are some reasons why many entrepreneurs aspire for an MBA degree even though they already have their own businesses.
* An MBA degree will give you better career opportunities
If you are an entrepreneur and you want to apply in a full-time job in companies and corporations, you will have better chances of getting hired if you are an MBA degree holder. You will also have a chance to make it to the top management positions because the company will consider you as a valuable asset. Because your employers know that as an MBA degree holder, you are imbued with skills that you could use for the benefit of the company.
* You can learn various business theories in MBA programs
Another great thing about earning an MBA degree is that it will equip you with the knowledge about various business theories which you can surely use in the corporate world. You can put these theories into practice to contribute to your working efficiency. You can also use these different theories to find the best marketing strategy for your own business.
* You can establish networks if you are attending an MBA program
When you enroll in an MBA school, you will have the opportunity to interact and socialize with other professionals from different industries. Because of your interaction with other professionals, you will gain more knowledge about their experiences and ideas. You can then apply such experiences and ideas when handling your own business.
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If you want to pursue a business and law degree at the same time, you can do so if you enroll in a joint JD and MBA program. Through this program, you can finish two degrees in just four years compared to the five years you have to spend if you are going to pursue the two degrees separately. Pursuing this kind of joint degree will enable you to save more time and money. Enrolling in a joint JD and MBA program will earn you a Juris Doctor and a Master of Business Administration degree.
Why enroll in a joint JD and MBA program
Having a joint JD and MBA degree will open up many bright career opportunities for you. You can actually be qualified for top positions in many companies if you earn this degree. You can also pursue a career as a business lawyer if you opt for this degree. Business is often coupled with legal issues, and if you have a joint JD and MBA degree, you will be equipped with the right training and skills that will enable you to tackle and resolve these legal issues. You will be trained on how to make strategic decisions that will affect daily operations.
How to get a joint JD and MBA degree
If you have decided to pursue a joint JD and MBA degree, you have to research about the schools that offer this type of program. You have to inquire about the requirements and how the program works; does it offer JD and MBA programs simultaneously or does it make you choose a single program that you will be pursuing during your first year? In a joint JD and MBA program, you have to pass the requirements such as your LSAT and GMAT scores. You also have to submit your admission essay if you want to gain admission in to this program.
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An MBA degree is a tool that many people employ to give them more career opportunities and options. If you are not satisfied with your current job and you want to switch to another industry, you may consider getting an MBA degree to help you. However, before making any move to enroll in an MBA program, you have to determine your career goals. Different schools offer various MBA programs so it is best that you spend time in deciding what program will really suit your goals, needs, and situation.
Switching careers through an MBA degree
An MBA degree can be of great help when you want to switch careers. If you want to go for leadership or management positions for instance, an MBA degree can help you land your dream job. When choosing an MBA degree, you may choose a program that can broaden your knowledge. You may also opt for an MBA program that can help you specialize in a certain field.
Tips on choosing an MBA program
If you really want to switch careers, one of the first things you have to do is to choose an MBA program. Because there are various MBA programs you can choose from, you have to consider several factors. You can assess and determine your career goals to guide you in making your choice. You may also do some research about the programs. You also have to consider the school where you are going to get your MBA degree. You may choose to enroll in any MBA school, but it is best if you enroll in a school that has a good reputation. You can also check the teaching methods and the curriculum used by the faculty. Also, inquire about the scholarship and student loan programs offered in case you need financial assistance.
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Many people pursue MBA degrees for various reasons. For one, you will have greater career opportunities if you’re equipped with an MBA degree — being an MBA degree holder increases your marketability. So if you want to enhance your career options, you can choose from various MBA programs. In fact, you can pursue two degrees at the same time and earn an MBA dual degree.
Pursuing an MBA dual degree has many advantages over taking two separate degrees. For one, an MBA dual degree will enable you to save time and money while allowing you to accomplish more. But before you commit yourself in any program, you have to determine first your career goals. The following are some degrees you may pursue along with your MBA:
* Master of Science in Financial Management and Information Systems
Pursuing this degree will give you enough knowledge on business, information system, and fiscal responsibility. If you take this degree along with your MBA, your chances of eligibility for top management positions becomes higher.
* Master of Science in Biotechnology
In this program, you will learn and understand more about issues concerning technology, science, and biotechnology. Some of the courses in this degree are societal issues in biotechnology, biotechnology and the regulatory environment, and molecular biology for business managers.
* Master of Science in Health Care Administration
In this program, you may have to take public health administration, study the legal aspects of health care administration, and health care institutional organization and management courses. Pursuing this degree along with your MBA will also make you more eligible for higher management positions and provide you with enough knowledge concerning different health care fields.
* Master of International Management
Pursuing your MBA degree along with an International Management degree will equip you with knowledge and skills that would help you cope with the changing times. You will also have the chance to deal with people from different backgrounds. Some of the courses offered in this degree are international and legal tax environment, international trade and trade policy, and international marketing management.
When applying for an MBA dual degree, you have to prepare an MBA personal statement. In your MBA personal statement, you can state the reasons why you want to pursue a dual degree. To increase your chances of getting into your dream MBA dual program, you have to write a concise and clear MBA personal statement.
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For some, enrolling in an online MBA program can be more convenient than attending a conventional MBA school. In an online MBA program, students will have more time for their non-academic activities such as their jobs and their social lives. This type of MBA program is also less-costly than the traditional one. However, an online MBA program may not be convenient for everyone. So before you decide to pursue an online MBA program, you have to make sure that you can really benefit from it.
* Some factors to consider before enrolling in an online MBA program
Before enrolling in an online MBA program, you should make sure that the program is offered by an accredited MBA school. You should also take into account the teaching methods and strategies employed by the faculty of the school. Also ask if the class hours are conducted in real time or if you may choose to have your classes on the time that is convenient for you. You also have to consider the tuition and other school expenses.
Although there are many advantages in enrolling in an online MBA program, there are also disadvantages in choosing this type of program. For one, there are still employers who prefer applicants with an MBA degree from traditional schools.
If you still think that taking an online MBA degree is beneficial for you after weighing the pros and cons of getting an MBA degree online, then just go for it. You just have to be careful in choosing a school where you will pursue your MBA degree because there are many diploma mills out there. So when choosing a school where you can pursue an online MBA program, it is best that you opt for an MBA school that is accredited and has a good reputation.
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Pursuing an MBA degree can be time-consuming, and more so if you have a part-time or a full-time job. It is very important that you develop your time management skills so that you will be able to balance the time for your career, studies, and personal life. The following are some tips that will help you take control of your time:
* Know your priorities
It is important that you determine what comes first in your list of priorities, your study or your job. Knowing your priorities would be easy for you to make your choice when you have to choose between these two.
* Make a schedule and be strict in following it
In making a schedule, you have to determine your assignments and activities for the day and how much time you need to accomplish them. If your time will not allow you to accomplish all the goals you have set for the day, you should determine your priority goals.
* Make preparations
Making preparations will help you avoid getting stressed. If you have prepared the night before the things you will need for your morning activities, you don’t have to hurry finding these things.
* Spend some time to relax and rest
It is important that you spend some time to rest and relax so that you will be physically and mentally ready when you resume your other activities that require much effort. You can do some relaxing activities with your friends and family.
* Believe that you can reach your goals
One of the very important keys in succeeding in anything, including in MBA school, is the belief that you can achieve your goals. It is always best not to be discouraged by the amount and difficulty of your tasks. You can motivate yourself by thinking about those people who have already surpassed similar obstacles you now face. So no matter what happens, just believe that you can finish your degree.
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Having an MBA degree opens greater career opportunities for you. If you have an MBA degree, you have higher chances of getting jobs that offer better salaries. Aside from this, you will also have better chances for promotion in the field you choose. As part of your preparation for an MBA program, you should first assess your reasons and motivations. You have to ensure that your reasons are strong enough to make you survive the difficulties when in MBA school. You also have to inquire about the various requirements of the MBA program you want to pursue. Some MBA schools require applicants to have atleast two years of work experience. There are various reasons work experience is important when applying for an MBA program. The following are some of the reasons:
* Having work experience before choosing an MBA program will help you realize the industry you really want to to be in. It will also help you choose among the various specializations in an MBA school.
* Your work experience will also help you gain more knowledge regarding the things you have to know about the business world. If you have a background on a certain specialization, for instance, you will have a broader perspective of it. And this knowledge will be helpful if you really want to excel in the career you choose.
* Your work experience is also valuable when you’re looking for a job. This is because many companies prioritize MBA degree holders with enough work experience, be it corporate work experience or work experience in non-profit organizations.
When applying for an MBA program, you also have to pass other requirements such as your resume and MBA personal statement. In your resume, you have to put relevant information regarding your work experience. And you can explicate this information in your MBA personal statement. You can explain how your working experiences have shaped you in your MBA personal statement.
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