Opinions please

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by Mr. Engineer, Dec 17, 2005.

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  1. Mr. Engineer

    Mr. Engineer member

    I only have one more class - an easy capstone course next Quarter and I will have my MBA. Do you think it is OK to put MBA after my name on my business card after I complete my last class, or when the degree is conferred (I think in May of next year)? I have already received all of the paperwork stating that all I need is MGT590 to get the degree.
     
  2. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    If you've truly completed the requirements and are only waiting for pomp and circumstance, I suppose I don't see the harm. Put another way, if I hired a person in that situation and found out later they hadn't had it officially confirmed, I wouldn't be upset about it.

    -=Steve=-
     
  3. Susanna

    Susanna New Member

    I agree with Steve but am curious about the "easy capstone course"... do you consider this course easy just for you or in general is this an easy course?

    This is in no way intended to impugn your work, I mean to only inquire about this course. I was under the impression that capstone courses are designed to serve as an outlet to submit a project or thesis that encompasses the entire program's objective.
     
  4. jtaee1920

    jtaee1920 New Member

    I wouldn't see any issue with this if you had completed all requirements.

    I would just caution against putting any degree designation on a business card unless you are a consultant or frequently deal with people outside your company that should be made aware of this qualification. People that know you will already be aware of your qualifications and strangers should be made aware only if it is appropriate to your business dealings.

    An MBA takes a ton of work and you should be proud. We all have things we are proud of that we don't put on our business cards because they are not appropriate to our business. One should just be careful not to come across as ostentatious.

    Of course it is completely appropriate to put the MBA initials after your name on your card in a handful of situations. If you fall into any of the situations where the degree designation would be appropriate, please ignore my discourse.
     
  5. dis.funk.sh.null

    dis.funk.sh.null New Member

    In my case, I did not start using the MBA on my business card until I had completed my capstone... It took a couple of weeks until it was officially recognized by the school but in my opinion, it is better to use the title once you've coverd all requirements for your degree at least. Just my opinion :)


     
  6. iquagmire

    iquagmire Member

    jtaee1920,

    Is this standard business etiquitte? Where would I find more info on that? I know quite a few people that put MBA, MSM, etc.

    I sure don't want to make a foux pas on my first business cards.
     
  7. Guest

    Guest Guest

    I always waited until I received the confirmation letter I had completed all coursework for the degree before using any degree designation.

    Congratulations Walt! You have worked very hard and I am sure Degree Info is proud of your accomplishments!

    We're one big happy (most of the time) family and always take pride when one accomplishes and educational goal!
     
  8. jtaee1920

    jtaee1920 New Member


    Taste is as subjective as it comes. Some may feel a degree listed on a business card is fine and others will disagree. I have a neighbor that lives one block over and he truely believes his PURPLE house looks good. I am just thankful I don't live next door :)

    Would you feel the need to tell every business person you met that you have an MBA? If not, it propably shouldn't go on your card (because that is what you would be doing). Of course the rules are very different for degrees such as MD, JD, PsyD, etc... If you are a consultant selling yourself, you may look at your business card as a sales tool and in that case your degree my be important enough to list.

    A column on Boston.com addressed the degree/card issue briefly but made some great points. Listing a degree after your name on a business card may or may not be appropriate depending on your business. It depends on what you do and what others need to know about you. As the column pointed out, a business card is a contact reference, not a resume. According to the columnist, "I wouldn't put MBA on my card any more than I would put Peter Post, BS (which some people might misinterpret). It just seems a bit tacky to me. Your business card is not a personal advertisement or curriculum vitae. It's a way to give information about you so that people can get in touch with you, and it defines your position. If, on the other hand, you have a professional credential that relates directly to your expertise -- CPA for a certified public accountant, or CFP for certified financial planner -- then this does belong on your business card."
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Dec 21, 2005
  9. iquagmire

    iquagmire Member

    Well said.
     
  10. Shawn Ambrose

    Shawn Ambrose New Member

    I'm going to be in the minority here and say that you don't. I have read in Fortune and the WSJ that most executives and managers believe that listing an MBA on a business card is not appropriate. The business card is not a vita. I hold an MBA and I do not list it on my card. Just my 2 cents...
     
  11. Squirrel

    Squirrel New Member

    MBA on Business Card

    I have an MBA but do not show it on my card, mainly because I am a licensed engineer, and already show "PE" after my name. It depends on what field you are in. If it's a business, management or finance related field, most people would show it. I think it's OK to show it as long as your school has confirmed/approved your graduation petition.
     
  12. Mr. Engineer

    Mr. Engineer member

    A PE - very impressive. For those in the crowd who don't understand the rigors of this test, let me tell you - it blow away even the BAR. The proctors are hired for their ability to belittle you - and you don't get away with anything. It is a very comprehensive and structured test. Very few pass it on the first time in CA, and only a small minority of the engineers I have worked with over the years have even bothered. I took it for kicks - and even though I am pretty much a master at electronics and plasma physics, failed it miserably.

    My hats off to you Squirrel - wear that PE as a badge of hard work. I think I am going to add the MBA to my title (even though I am an engineer). I got the MBA not to actually use it - but to show to a bunch of preppy boy assholes whose rich parents put them through school that any butthead from the streets of east Oakland could get one - and I did! lol - I even bought the most expensive Josten's ring to prove it!

    Walt
     
  13. Mr. Engineer

    Mr. Engineer member

    I had an asshole in my old neighborhood who painted their house kelly green and yellow with an A's logo on the garage door. (for those who don't live in the Bay Area, the Oakland A's uniforms used to be quite colorful). Thanks neighbor for driving down the property values!
     
  14. Guest

    Guest Guest

    Aren't you a libertarian?
     
  15. Dave C.

    Dave C. New Member

    Walt,

    I would ere on the side of caution and wait until all the formalities are complete. You have got this far! Of course you are free to tell anyone you have successfully completed your MBA, a job indeed well done.

    As for putting the MBA on your business card I have thought about this point myself, even though I am 3+ years away from award! My personal feeling though is that I would not, although as others have pointed out it depends on your personal circumstances. As an aside at a previous company (UK based) we had two sets of cards, one without qualification suffixes for the Brits and another with, for business trips to countries such as Russia where evidence of qualifications was helpful.

    All the best,

    Dave C.
     
  16. iquagmire

    iquagmire Member

    What's the etiquette on resumes?

    What if I have three more semesters prior to my degree?

    Could I put

    MBA, My University (In Progress)
     
  17. SMAS

    SMAS New Member

    On a side note, and possibly for reference, the us government allows a person to apply for positions requiring a degree (or substituting a degree for exp) 6-9 months prior to graduation.

    Thats about 1 semester not factoring may-mesters or other.
     
  18. eric.brown

    eric.brown New Member

    I know many people (myself included) that include there "In Progress" education on their resumes. I see nothing wrong with this as long as you make it very clear that you are currently working on the degree.
     
  19. -kevin-

    -kevin- Resident Redneck

    Could you cite your source or post a url reference please. Thanks.

    Kevin
     
  20. SMAS

    SMAS New Member

    sure!

    here is the quote:

    "Applications can be accepted from students who expect to complete qualifying education within 9 months from the date of application. However, agencies must verify that the education was completed successfully before the applicant can be appointed. "

    http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/SEC-II/s2-e5.asp

    **obviously, these are GENERAL policies and instructions. it is up to the hiring dept., office or other to determine if the above will apply. case in point, the DEA is accepting applications at only 90 days before graduation (for Special Agents):

    "Due to identified operational need, applicants majoring in Accounting or Finance may apply 90 days before receiving their degree if all other qualification criteria are met." (usajobs.opm.gov)**
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Dec 23, 2005

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