University of Phoenix Hits the Nail on the Head

I agree with Andy - Go to the best school you can get into. The large company I work for not only keeps a list of MBA schools that they recruit from but they also keep a special list of select MBA programs where their graduates are given a premium over other MBA graduates beeing hired into the same position. This premium can be 25% or greater of your starting salary. The list is very similar to Business Weeks top 25 MBA programs. Once you are hired, the alumni connections with others from the same school help you bond with others (including higher up managers). If you have a decent personallity, are likeable (fit in) the school's reputation will enhance your mobility and earnings.

 

I guess it depends on where you work. I also work for a fairly large company, however not one person in upper Management has an MBA. I couple of people have gotton their MBA degree and it is not looked upon as any great achievement, which is unfortunate. In order for these people to be recognized they will have to leave this company.

 

Interesting and unfortunate that your company does not recognize the value of an MBA. If you look at the majority of Fortune 500 companies in the US, the MBA or similar graduate degree has almost become a right of passage to enter into mid and upper level management. I realize as with everything, exceptions exist and someone can always name someone who has climbed the career ladder with less or no career credentials. I would consider this the exception and not the norm. At least in most BIG companies, you will find a heirarchy that sets the requirements to play in the sandbox. Also, I hope no one forgets that an MBA is a great learning experience and the case study method is something that employers find very valuable and applicable to the real world. It is this strong educational foundation that great managers leverage and use in their decision making.