Post online MBA...Real Life Stories.

As a recent graduate of an RA online MBA program, I would like to learn of the post graduation experiences of other recipients. Did your degree open up new career opportunities for you? Did you experience a salary increase at your present place of employment? Were you able to parlay your educational into an entrepreneurial venture?

I would appreciate all feedback on your experiences.
Thanx!

 

Congratulations on your new MBA. That’s a terrific achievement.

In answer to your question, I do not think people typically walk into a fantastic new job immediately after graduating from an online MBA program. In most cases, especially for anyone beyond their 20’s, I think job applicants are judged on their work experience more than anything else. The obvious exception to this broad generalization would be the top ranked graduates of top tier business schools.

In my case, I received a higher than normal pay raise, twice, very shortly after I graduated with my RA online MBA. Specifically, I received two 10% pay raises six months apart, which I attribute in large part to my new graduate degree (and with my being terribly underpaid, previously). However, I think the real value comes with the doors that are not shut to you because of a degree. For me, I was able to successfully jump into two outstanding job opportunities after I graduated from TUI. I believe that I was hired because of my specific skills and work experience, but I know that could have been turned down if I lacked a graduate degree. I am quite sure that they would not have met my salary demands if I did not have a master’s degree.

New graduates should not be surprised if a world of new job opportunities doesn’t spring open immediately after graduation. But, if you start shooting for much higher positions you may be pleasantly surprised at what is attainable with your new MBA. Best of luck!

Steve

 

I have to agree. I was promoted from Field Service Engineer to Area manager to Senior manager. I did not get a tap on the shoulder and told, "Got an MBA? Well, you got a promotion then" It was the knowledge I gained, ideas I contributed, and demonstration to learn and improve that helped me.

 

Did your degree open up new career opportunities for you? no

Like what Steve King has mentioned, people are not expected to a fantastic new job immediately upon graduation and that most of our classmates have already some experience in their area of work. So we are climbing up the same career ladder as it were before, instead of considering other professions like management consultant or investment manager.

The value I found in the knowledge that could be applied in our career settings. Knowledge and vision earned in the study makes my work better.

Did you experience a salary increase at your present place of employment? Not exactly

I was a project manager in a software house when I was studying the programme. Now I take up another position in another software house. I am not very sure if the MBA made up the increment. However, my better understanding about the business make it easier to get this job and the increment.

Were you able to parlay your educational into an entrepreneurial venture? Almost

My b-school is rather famous for entrepreneurship. I have been in talks with other friends about setting ventures. Unfortunately, none of these have been very successful yet. However, I still hope I can set up one some day soon.

Good Luck, MBA graduates!