MBAs and Unemployment

Kathy called because she was having a hard time getting a job. She was certain earning an MBA would open doors, but employers haven’t been calling. In fact, many of her classmates had failed to land a new position in the last year. Kathy had made an error in thinking that just getting the degree would be enough. She elected to attend an online program without pondering what employers think of that college with no classrooms.

Many people have raced into online MBA programs recently, without understanding that they are not all created equal. When I asked two HR directors their thoughts they both were extremely skeptical about online MBA programs. One noted that the people they had hired from a couple of the online programs did not seem to have the knowledge most MBAs got in classroom programs. Their Fortune 500 Company had downgraded several of the online/distance learning programs for poorer quality and lack of a strong curriculum. They no longer gave employees or applicants who’d earned the online degree attention in their hiring process.

Online programs can be a perfect solution to a working person, but they also have many limitations and the quality can be questionable.  Online programs are also very weak in helping you find a job once you have completed the online study.

Where you graduate from makes a big difference in your employment options.

Last month, I taught a full day job search seminar for The MBA students at Pacific Lutheran University (PLU).   The college had just learned that the Princeton Review had selected PLU the as one of 15 business schools nationwide that was most highly rated by students. It was significant honor for the program. This recognition will also be something that positively influences employers when making hiring decisions on these MBA grads in the future.

Robin Ryan’s Job Search Tip

It takes years and a great deal of money to earn an MBA. Investigate the school carefully before you begin. Review the placement records on its last two graduating classes.  Pay careful attention to how the program is rated by outside agencies. Ask HR managers their views of the different colleges’ programs. Ask more recent MBA graduates their opinions too.

Know what you are paying for so you don’t end up spending tens of thousands of dollars and going in debt to find that employers think poorly of the college you chose to attend and devalue your hard earned degree.

Note: My next eNewsletter is on MBA job search….with details on how to more effectively manage your job search.