Done and Thank you

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by ITJD, Mar 29, 2011.

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  1. ITJD

    ITJD Active Member

    Just sent in my final presentations and project in my last class for the MBA from UMass. I'm a couple months ahead in terms of assignments and still need to take part in discussions, but all deliverables are complete.

    Thanks to everyone who gave insight back in 2008 on UMass's program, even though I didn't register until later.

    Next up MSIA from WGU. I'm a skeptic of the overall value of their programs but you can't beat the price. They require you to orally defend a thesis and it won't be my last degree. It did take a while for me to decide tech over business though.

    Thanks again,
    ITJD
     
  2. Randell1234

    Randell1234 Moderator

    Way to go! This is great news!
     
  3. AUTiger00

    AUTiger00 New Member

    Congrat IT.
     
  4. mark74

    mark74 New Member

    Congratulations!

    How did you like the program overall? I am finishing up a more technical MS and am thinking about an MBA when I am done (or like you, some other more tech focused option). I am from MA too, so UMASS is one of the obvious options. I actually took the Information Management class a couple of years ago, but on the HCC campus instead of online.
     
  5. Shawn Ambrose

    Shawn Ambrose New Member

    Another one in the MBA club! Congrats!

    Shawn
     
  6. ITJD

    ITJD Active Member

    Mark -

    The program was solid. I'd make the following recommendations if you choose UMass for a MBA.

    1. Go Amherst. The other campuses have sexier sounding MBA programs and options but Isenberg is the flagship for a reason and you can if you're careful plan around the adjuncts with the faculty catalog.

    2. Faculty: Shmerling: Great, Peters: Great, Nakosteen: Awesome, Ball and Skaggs: Phenomenal. Only person I was slightly ticked by was Pam Trafford and in her case it was more that the class was tedious to begin with (Financial Acctg) and made near torturous by the way she chose to deliver the content. I thought I was being waterboarded.

    3. I've learned quite a bit, but the most important lesson for me was that I'm not interested in being a high-level manager or executive if all I do with that title is business. I think I'd be bored stiff if I had to work for another big company in a senior role. I need to get my hands dirty and am best suited to franchise or start my own firm. But I'd never have known that if it weren't for this program.

    Because of this epiphany I'm headed back for another Masters in IA and I believe the consulting or high level services work before finding my calling. I feel pretty strongly that UMass will test your stamina and "learn you" into what you need to be at the end. That's valuable and worth the tuition.

    Last thing, I've already advised mods (read: Kizmet) that I won't be around the site for a while, probably until I'm done with WGU. If anyone wants to chat or connect PM this account with an email address or linkedin account and I'll connect. I figure there's a few people around here that are in the MA area and like beer.

    Best,
    IT
     
  7. Maniac Craniac

    Maniac Craniac Moderator Staff Member

    Congratulations! That really is a big accomplishment. An MBA, and from the prestigious UMass, Amherst, even. Aren't you cool?

    I figure they're a few people around here that would travel to MA just for some beer.
     
  8. edowave

    edowave Active Member

    congrats! :party:
     
  9. rcreighton

    rcreighton New Member

    Congratulations on a great accomplishment. Be sure to celebrate your achievement!!
     
  10. truckie270

    truckie270 New Member

    Congratulations.
     
  11. AdjunctInstructor

    AdjunctInstructor New Member

    Congratulations!
     
  12. Abner

    Abner Well-Known Member

    Way to go!!!!!!!!!!!! Congrats.

    Abner :)
     
  13. Fortunato

    Fortunato Member

    Congrats! I'm sure it feels like a weight has been lifted from your shoulders. Enjoy your accomplishment!
     
  14. ryoder

    ryoder New Member

    Congratulations ITJD!
    Please post about your experience with WGU MSISA. I was this close (pinching fingers) to selecting that as my degree program. I even bought the CCNA study guide and studied it plus audio for a couple of weeks since the CCNA is one of the first domains required.
    I also bought a CEH book.
    Good luck and please let us know how it goes.
     
  15. mcjon77

    mcjon77 Member

    Congratulations, ITJD.

    How long are you planing on taking for your MSISA? I am considering trying to knock out that program after I finish my first masters. If one can finish within 3 6-month terms, it is a real bargain. If one can finish within 2, it is an absolute steal.
     
  16. mrmarcus

    mrmarcus New Member

    Congrats! How long did it take you to complete? A great friend of mine is looking into gaining his online as well.
     
  17. ITJD

    ITJD Active Member

    So I'll preface this with "This is my last post here til the end of the WGU program. I might lurk on occasion but I won't post."

    Hi mcjon -

    I plan on it taking 3 semesters. Why?

    1. Capstone is going to be a significant project that carries into a PhD program.
    2. Undergrad capstone took me four months and I'd like to build off of it in a certain way which will probably take a full semester to itself.
    3. I want to do it leisurely. Since I already have a CISA, CISSP and MBA I expect to blow through assessments. We'll see what happens

    Maybe two, but I think it's safe to say three.

    To Ryoder -

    I'm sorry to say I won't be posting here during the program. Partly because I have a significant problem with one particular moderator, and partly because I need to get on the path to publishing and writing. I will be blogging about the program regularly as well as other infosec matters as a way to get into the groove. If you want to be aware of that blog when it goes up, just drop me a PM. I'll get it via email.

    Thanks,
    IT
     
  18. mark74

    mark74 New Member

    ITJD,

    Thanks for the info - it is helpful. I had Shmerling for the class I took.

    Sorry to hear you won't be posting here in the near future. This is the most sensitively moderated board I have ever frequented, so I think I can understand your issues.

    I will PM you my linkedin info. If you think of it, shoot me your blog link when it is up...

    Mark
     
  19. eilla05

    eilla05 New Member

    Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
     
  20. Maniac Craniac

    Maniac Craniac Moderator Staff Member

    We have very, very (very) few rules here, but some people are compulsively defiant. Some people only learn the rules just so that they can break them. The real life example of GG Allin and the DegreeInfo example of thomas_jefferson come to mind.
     

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