Tag: grad school

How to Combine an MBA Program With a Rotational Internship Program

If you’re thinking about getting your MBA, you might be wondering about the best way to set yourself up for success during the program. Is there something you can do to maximize your experience and ensure that you’re learning as much as possible while in business school? The answer is yes. In addition to traditional internships and externships, a great way to get some hands-on experience in a variety of different roles is through a rotational program. A type of internship designed to give you a feel for several areas of a business, including marketing, finance and sales, rotational programs can last anywhere from six months to two years, with rotations typically lasting between three to six months.

Interested in adding a rotational internship program to your MBA degree? Here’s how to combine an MBA program with a rotational one.

Research rotational programs related to your MBA program

With many large companies recruiting MBA candidates directly from business schools, the best way to find a rotational program is by researching the programs that are affiliated with your school. Set up some time to speak to a program adviser and ask them about the various aspects of each program including the duration, management structure and the exact roles to which you’ll be exposed. With this knowledge under your belt, you’ll be able to narrow down your options to the ones that are most relevant to you.

Select a program that matches your desired industry and position

Once you’ve done your research, it’s time to create a shortlist of the programs that closely match your career goals. This means selecting programs that are within your chosen industry — for example, technology or finance — and also programs that fit your desired duration. The best way to do this is by making a list of eight to 10 programs that interest you and ranking them in order of preference. While we recommend applying to as many of these as possible, you should aim to apply to at least five in order to give yourself the best chance of success.

Work with program administrators to create an optimal schedule

The final step in seamlessly combining your MBA program with a rotational program is to discuss your course load and responsibilities with program administrators on both sides of the equation. This is a great way to ensure that everyone is aware of your full workload and that they can accommodate any issues that may come up.

Combining an MBA program with a rotational program is a wonderful way to gain hands-on experience in a number of different roles. By following these tips, you’ll be able to expand your skill set and maximize your time in business school.

Next, learn more about grad school such as What Are the Different Types of Graduate Degrees? and get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as 3 Common Internship Mistakes and How to Avoid Them.

What Are the Different Types of Graduate Degrees?

With 2.4 million jobs predicted to require graduate degrees by 2024, application rates for grad schools have increased significantly in recent years. If you’re thinking of going to grad school, you might be wondering about the different types of degrees available and how each one lines up with your specific interests. For example, what can you expect from an MBA program and how can you decide whether it’s right for you.

Here are the most common types of graduate degrees.

Master’s Degree (M.A., M.S., M.F.A, MBA)

The most common type of graduate degree is a master’s degree. Typically consisting of one to two years of study, master’s programs cover a wide variety of specialties including arts and humanities (M.A. or MFA), science and technology (M.S.) and business (MBA). These programs generally combine structured coursework with independent study and often require you to submit a thesis in order to complete the program’s requirements.

Good to Know: In recent years, MBA programs have increased in popularity due to their reputation for helping candidates develop skills that will help them advance in their careers and earn higher salaries. In fact, MBA graduates typically earn 45 percent more than candidates with a bachelor’s degree.

Doctoral Degree (Ph.D.)

Another common graduate degree is a doctoral degree (Ph.D.). Spanning a wide variety of subjects such as psychology, history, computer science and engineering, doctoral degrees are designed to expand your understanding of a specific subject by building on the knowledge gained during a master’s program. These degrees are also a requirement for anyone wishing to become a professor or to have a research career in academia.

Good to Know: Although many of those who complete a Ph.D. go on to work in higher education, this is not the only available career path. Industries like management consulting, investment banking and tech are constantly looking for candidates with a specialized academic background.

Juris Doctor Degree (J.D.)

For those who are interested in a career in law, going to law school and getting a juris doctor degree (J.D.) is a great first step toward a legal career. A three-year program with a focus on both general legal principles and specific types of case law, a juris doctor degree prepares you to work in all aspects of the legal field and advocate on behalf of others.

Good to Know: Not all lawyers become practicing attorneys. Other career paths include finance and business, with many non-practicing lawyers focusing on entrepreneurship.

Doctor of Medicine Degree (M.D.)

One of the most prestigious types of graduate degrees is a doctor of medicine degree (M.D.). A four-year program combining coursework with clinical practice, medical school expands on the knowledge gained during an undergraduate education and develops the skills needed for a career as a physician.

Good to Know: In addition to earning an M.D. degree, physicians are required to complete a residency program lasting three to four years to gain hands-on experience in a clinical setting.

Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree (D.D.S.)

Similar to an M.D. program, a D.D.S. program is a requirement for those who wish to become dentists. Structured as a four-year program combining clinical practice and academic study, dental school teaches dental anatomy and patient care and prepares aspiring dentists for a career as clinicians.

Good to Know: Like medicine, dentistry has a high earning potential, particularly for more specialized areas like oral surgery. These areas often require additional postgraduate study but they also open up additional career opportunities.

Choosing a grad school program can be one of the most important decisions of your career. By knowing what each program entails, you’ll be able to pick a program that’s right for you.

Next, learn more about grad school such as How to Pick an MBA Program and get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Get the Job You Really Want.

What Is Grad School?

Whether you’re just starting college or about to graduate, you might be wondering whether you should go to grad school. This could be especially true if you’re considering a career in law or medicine, fields that require significant postgraduate education.

Before you decide, here are some of the key things you need to know about grad school.

What is grad school?

Grad school (or graduate school) is any form of postgraduate education that focuses on one particular area of study. Depending on the subject you choose, this can be anything from business to law or even the humanities. Designed to deepen your understanding of your chosen subject and turn you into a specialist in your field, grad school can vary in length from two years for a master’s degree to seven years for a Ph.D. and usually includes a combination of coursework and independent study.

How is grad school different from college?

While college gives you a broad overview of several subjects and helps you identify which subject you’re truly passionate about, grad school allows you to become an expert in that subject and to explore it in detail. Depending on the program you choose, grad school also has a different structure than college, generally consisting of classes, independent study and a final project such as a thesis or dissertation.

What types of grad school programs are there?

Grad school programs vary depending on the academic subject and the type of degree. Popular programs include Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) programs for medical students, Juris Doctor (J.D.) programs for law students, Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) programs for business students and a broad range of master’s and Ph.D. programs in subjects including psychology, biochemistry and history.

What should I consider when deciding whether to go to grad school?

Deciding whether to go to grad school comes down to two things: 1) Your desire to continue your course of study and 2) Your career goals. For example, if you’re passionate about law, going to law school to pursue a Juris Doctor degree is a must if you want to become a lawyer. The same goes for those wishing to me doctors who must attend medical school and get a Doctor of Medicine degree in order to practice. For others, such as creative writers or computer programmers, a graduate degree is not required in order to advance in the field though some may choose to do it in order to develop their skills and knowledge.

Pro Tip: Beyond your career goals, two other important factors to consider are time and cost. Since grad school typically requires a minimum two-year commitment in addition to tuition costs, it’s important to have a clear understanding of how this degree can help you before entering into a graduate program.

A great way to boost your knowledge and expand your career options, grad school can be a powerful way to develop new skills. By knowing what to expect and what factors to consider, you’ll be able to decide if grad school is right for you.

Are Online Ph.D. Programs Worth It?

With more than 28 percent of students currently taking an online course, online education is becoming increasingly more popular every year. This includes everything from undergraduate programs to graduate master’s and Ph.D. programs. If you’re thinking of doing an online doctoral program, you may be wondering whether it’s worth the time and money.

Here are some things you need to know about online Ph.D. programs.

Many top universities offer online Ph.D. programs

When online education first began in the mid-1990s, online programs were not as popular as they are now. In fact, although the level of education was comparable to campus-based programs, online degrees were often talked about as something that anyone could get if they were willing to pay for them. Twenty years later, many top-tier schools offer both undergraduate and graduate online programs in a variety of subjects, making it easy to find a program that fits your interests without having to relocate.

Online programs offers students more freedom and flexibility

Another reason many students choose to pursue an online Ph.D. program is the flexibility. Since online programs are structured to fit around your schedule, you’ll be able to decide when you want to complete your coursework and schedule one-on-one time with your professors. This is a great way to adapt the program to fit your needs while still maximizing your time with faculty.

Online programs are more affordable than campus-based programs

In addition to the freedom to design your own schedule, online programs also tend to be more affordable than campus-based programs which can cost between $40,000 and $120,000 depending on the degree. In comparison, online Ph.D. programs can cost anywhere from $18,000 to $70,000, with the average being around $35,000.

Employers recognize online Ph.D. degrees

As online education has continued to expand and top-tier schools have created their own programs, online degrees (especially doctoral degrees) have become increasingly more valued by employers across all industries. This includes science-focused industries like biochemistry and arts-focused fields like design. This means that employers are considering all Ph.D.-holding candidates as being equally competitive when it comes to making hiring decision, which is great news for graduates of online programs.

With registration for online programs increasing at the rate of 4 percent per year, online learning is becoming increasingly popular and respected by employers. If you’re considering getting your doctorate and want to have a flexible schedule, an online Ph.D. program could be the right choice for you.

Next, learn more about grad school such as How to Get a Mentor at Work and get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as Tell Me About a Time You Failed.

How an MBA Program Works

With the increased popularity of MBA programs in recent years, you might be wondering whether or not an MBA is right for you. Is an MBA likely to increase your career prospects and your earning potential? The answer is usually yes, although it does also depend on your industry.

Before you decide whether to apply, here are some of the key things you need to know about an MBA program.

What is an MBA program?

Also known as a Master’s of Business Administration Program, an MBA is a two-year graduate program designed to help professionals develop business management skills. Covering subjects such as finance, accounting, management and marketing, an MBA program gives you an opportunity to deepen your knowledge and skills for future professional growth.

What are the different types of MBA programs?

MBA programs typically have a lot of things in common. Focusing on the same subjects, they’re structured to provide a business management education while helping students develop their analytical and problem-solving skills. That said, not all programs are the same and picking a program often comes down to a student’s individual needs and goals. For example, for young professionals who already have a full-time job in addition to studying for their MBA, a part-time program might be a better fit. For those who want to focus on a specific industry, specialized MBA programs are also available in subjects such as marketing, healthcare or human resources. Many programs also help students find relevant internships or rotational programs, giving them the added on-the-job training they need to advance to the top of their industries.

How much does an MBA program cost?

The cost of an MBA program varies depending on the school and the type of program. For example, online MBA programs are typically less expensive than traditional programs, ranging between $10,000-$90,000. Traditional MBA programs often cost upwards of $100,000 with most ranging between $120,000-170,000. So what’s the upside of a traditional MBA? Recognition. Traditional MBA programs are more highly regarded by employers and can make it easier to get to the next step in your career.

How can an MBA program help you succeed in your career?

Due to the high level of skill and knowledge MBA graduates develop during their programs, they are often among the most sought after candidates in any field. These skills allow them to take leadership roles in almost any organization, successfully leading teams and creating processes that help organizations run smoothly. These position also come along with another bonus — a much higher salary. In fact, MBA graduates typically earn $45,000 more per year than their colleagues without MBAs.

A great way to develop new skills and expand your career options, an MBA program can help you make big leaps in your career. By knowing what to expect and what factors to consider, you’ll be able to decide if an MBA program is right for you.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Set Career Goals (and Meet Them) and find answers to common interview questions such as What’s Your Dream Job?

How to Pick an MBA Program

Picking an MBA program is one of the most important decisions you can make when it comes to your career. Designed to improve your understanding of business administration and help you develop managerial, analytical and problem-solving skills, an MBA program will make you a competitive candidate in almost any industry. So how can you ensure that you’re picking a great program and taking every factor into account? The answer is to have a solid game plan in place before you start your applications.

Here are the key steps to take when selecting an MBA program.

1. Determine what you want from an MBA program

In order to get the most from any MBA program, you need a clear, focused goal. This means having a strong sense of what you want to do with your degree and finding a program that will help you develop the skills you need to get there. For example, if you’re interested in working in a particular industry, you may find that a specialized MBA program in an area like marketing, accounting or human resources might be good be a good fit for you. On the other hand, if you’re not sure how you want to apply your MBA degree, a general MBA program could be a better fit, particularly if you’re in the process of changing careers or considering doing so at some point down the line.

2. Research different types of MBA programs

Once you have a sense of what you want to get out of your MBA program, it’s time to start researching different types of programs. This includes learning about more specialized types of MBA degrees, looking at both part-time and full-time options to determine which one fits your schedule and also determining whether you want to go with a traditional program or an online one. Although you might already have a clear idea of what type of program you want to pursue, doing this type of research will ensure that you’re making a truly informed decision and finding the program that best fits your needs.

3. Ask for advice from current MBA candidates and graduates

Getting advice from other MBA candidates is a great way to gain a better understanding of different programs and to find out what you can expect from business school in general. The best way to approach this is by reaching out to friends or peers who are currently enrolled in an MBA program or have recently graduated from one. If you don’t have any friends in business school, that’s okay too. You can ask program administrators at school you’re considering to put you in touch with a current MBA candidate who can answer your questions.

4. Pick an MBA program that closely matches your needs

With all the information in place, it’s time to assess the different programs you’re considering and find the one that best fits your needs. This means taking into account your schedule, goals and personal finances and determining which programs work best for you. Although you’ll undoubtedly have a top choice, be sure to apply to at least three to five programs to give yourself the best chance of success.

Picking an MBA program requires a focused approach and an open mind. By following these tips, you’ll be sure to find the one that’s right for you.

Next, learn more about grad school such as How an MBA Program Works and get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Set Great Internship or Job Goals.

Top 3 Tips for Getting Into an MBA Program

Getting into an MBA program might seem challenging at first. After all, how can you ensure that you have a strong application and that you’re setting yourself up for success? Fortunately, there are some concrete steps you can take to make yourself stand out as an applicant and to get into the MBA program of your choice.

Here are the top 3 tips for getting into an MBA program.

1. Research all types of MBA programs

When it comes to finding a great MBA program, the importance of doing your research can’t be overstated. From knowing what kind of program you want to pursue (for example a general program vs. a specialized one) to deciding whether you’d rather take on a part-time or full-time course-load, doing your research will help you clarify your options and narrow down your decision.

Pro Tip: Once you’ve identified the programs that are a good match for you, it’s time to go a bit more in-depth with your research by attending open house sessions on campus and speaking to current students and alumni. The best way to go about this is by contacting the program directors and asking to be put in touch with a current student who can answer your questions. Then, use your campus visit to learn more about the faculty and the program structure.

2. Consider taking both the GMAT and the GRE exams

With many business schools increasingly accepting GRE scores along with the more traditional GMAT ones, a good way to broaden your options is by taking both exams. Although this will mean additional exam prep and added costs, the time and money investment will pay off when it comes to finding the right program.

Pro Tip: Before taking your exams, find out the specific requirements for each program you’re applying to and, whenever possible, submit your highest score. This is a great way to strengthen your application and make yourself stand out from the crowd.

3. Choose references who can speak your personality and experience

Picking the right references might seem like a no-brainer — after all, you want someone who knows your work and can speak to your best qualities — but the truth is that many MBA candidates don’t pick the right right people when asking for references. Instead of focusing on finding a person with an impressive resume or job title who might not know you very well, it’s important to pick someone who knows you well and can give the admissions board a clear sense of who you are and what you can bring to the table.

Pro Tip: When picking your references, make a list of 3-5 people who have impacted your academic and professional careers. Write down a few notes about your relationship with each one and figure out what parts of your work and personality they can speak to. This is a great way to ensure that your references will create an accurate and balanced view of who you are while positioning you in the best light.

Although getting accepted into an MBA program might seem a bit intimidating at first, by following these tips and knowing what to expect you’ll be sure to get accepted into a program that’s right for you.

Next, learn more about grad school such as How to Pick an MBA Program and get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as The Art of Networking Offline.