...Pursuit of an MBA Marvin Conway MGT/521 1 April 2010 Construct and Support an Argument Decision to Pursue an MBA To some, pursuing higher education is a waste of money and time. Others, such as me, may argue that it is an accomplishment and the benefits from acquiring a degree are worth the efforts and hard work. With the current national unemployment rate at 9.7% (US Department of Labor, Feb 2010) and steadily rising, it seems improbable that finding that “ideal” job is likely. During these tough economic times, I find myself with a bachelor’s degree at a low paying job with a child to take care of. It is because of this situation that I have chosen to pursue a Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) degree with an emphasis in Accounting; receiving higher education could be the answer to my problem. According to the job outlook by education 2006-16 (Occupational Outlook Quarterly), increased earnings and lower rates of unemployment are trends associated with additional levels of education (Liming & Wolf, 2008). After taking the Jungian 16-Type Personality Self-Assessment test, scoring ISTJ, I found that my results support my decision to pursue my MBA with an emphasis in Accounting. A person scoring ISTJ are found to be organized, compulsive, private, trustworthy, and practical people. Their possible career choices are office manager, accountant, business manager, tax agent, and public servant (Pearson Prentice Hall, 2007). I recognize that I possess...
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...The Stress-free Pursuit of an MBA Anonymous Student MGT/521 March 27, 2011 Phoenix Instructor The Stress-free Pursuit of an MBA The decision to pursue a postgraduate degree can turn into a decade-long odyssey. In my case the competing factors of time and finances always seemed to have the upper hand. In fact, it would be significantly easier to present all of the arguments against going back to school at this time. One could argue strongly that several significant life-changing events experienced recently would be reason enough to delay the initiation of the Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) program. Issues related to family loss and job change could be used as evidence in favor of postponement. Financial strains could also be presented as yet another reason that the time, effort, and expense required for an MBA would not be a necessary use of resources. However, despite all of the very valid arguments supporting a delay or abandonment of this goal, now is the time to begin my pursuit in earnest. In presenting the rationale for my decision, particularly related to all of the major life change I am going through, I am confident that the reader will concur that I am prepared to face the challenges of a postgraduate degree. According to The American Institute of Stress (n.d.), Dr. Hans Selye defined stress in 1936 as "the non-specific response of the body to any demand for change” (para. 2). Whereas the causes of stress and the responses to it...
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...Thinking Ahead: The Pursuit of a MBA Thinking Ahead: The Pursuit of a MBA Brandon L. Smith University of Phoenix Thinking Ahead: The Pursuit of a MBA Even though I do not need a MBA to be successful, the MBA will enhance my career because the MBA is worth more than the Bachelor's degree. The MBA will also give me a deeper understanding of management and leadership. This will help me better understand the business environment around me and assist me in developing better managerial skills. I will use the experience and knowledge that I gain in my pursuit of a MBA to further my career and enhance my quality of life. A master of business administration degree will help advance my career. The MBA will provide me with the tools that will make it easier to market myself to potential employers. Employers are “looking for the 50,000 foot view—the strategic thinker who takes an analytical approach” (monster.com, 2009). There are many more opportunities to advance in my industry with a MBA. The MBA is the next step in my professional development and offers additional qualifications for higher level management positions. Some people say that a MBA will not help me advance my career but however it will give me a greater advantage over individuals without a MBA. Over the past year of job searching, I have experienced, firsthand, the demand for MBA’s and the preference of an employer that a potential candidate have a MBA. Today’s job market requires individuals to diligently...
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...Why I Chose to Pursue an MBA Abstract This paper will outline the reasons I chose to pursue an MBA. I will construct and support an argument for my pursuit of an MBA. I will support my decision of pursing an MBA with references and data of individuals who have written articles regarding the pursuit of an MBA for African Americans. This paper will include my Jungian results from the 16-Type Personality Insights questionnaire to see if I have the qualifications of a manager. Why I Chose to Pursue an MBA I decided to pursue an MBA to start a new career and to achieve a personal goal. I have a best friend who persuaded me to further my education. She would tell me, “Seles, this world is going to require that individuals who seek employment have a Master’s degree.” I began to think how my goal would be achieved and what university I attend. Wondering and worrying about the cost of this type of education caused me to have many sleepless nights and much stress. My concern was finding the time between allocating times with my six year-old son, working part-time as a volunteer and taking care/assisting my parents who are 70. Also my biggest issue I had was who would hire a recent graduate who is almost 50, African-American single parent of a six year-old son and who have never worked in the corporate world. So I prayed and asked GOD to authorize my pursuit of a Master’s degree. I talked with my advisor Lance Thorsen and he eased my mind and encouraged me to...
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...MBA: My Bachelor’s Ain’t…enough! Management 521 MBA: My Bachelor’s Ain’t…enough! Pursuing an MBA is simply another way of saying, “My Bachelor’s degree just Ain’t enough!” Obtaining a Bachelor’s degree should be considered an amazing accomplishment. However, many have come to the realization that it is, in fact, inadequate. The status of the current economy is a leading indicator that something beyond a Bachelor’s degree is needed. A potential stepping stone beyond a Bachelor’s degree is an MBA, which opens up a great deal of opportunity compared to a Bachelor’s. Many reasons exist for an MBA to be sought out and why a bachelor’s just “Ain’t enough.” Some of the top reasons to pursue an MBA are that a Bachelor’s degree does not provide the potential to make enough money, give the education to be marketable enough, or give enough prestige to the degree holder. A study in the Journal of Marketing for Higher Education led by Lynn Dailey, MBA, PhD, marketing professor at Capital University, Columbus, OH, showed that career advancement, financial security, and elevated social status/prestige (see Table 1) are within the top 5 reasons to pursue an MBA (Dailey 148). Because of the current trend and these economical times, a Bachelor’s degree is just not enough. Pursuing and obtaining an MBA is an excellent way to make more money in the long run, to make one more marketable, and to give one more prestige than with a bachelor’s degree. One of the top reasons heard most for the...
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...Why Pursue an MBA? MGT/521 Why Pursue an MBA? Deciding to pursue an MBA degree can be a daunting decision, especially after recently completing an undergraduate degree. Many positives and negatives to consider before making such a life altering decision. This essay will examine several casual circumstances on both sides and answer the question, “Why Pursue an MBA?” Reasons for pursuing an MBA are: 1. Pursuing an MBA is a long-term goal. 2. Pursuing an MBA can assist in a needed career change. 3. An MBA can lead to more money in the job market. Reasons against pursuing an MBA are: 1. The time, cost, and commitment requirements involved. 2. No guarantees that earning an MBA will lead to advancement on the job. 3. A perception exists that there are to many MBAs in the job market. Reasons for Pursuing an MBA Deciding to pursue an MBA has been a long-term goal for some time. Most long-term goals are often never realized. As a result of the 9/11 tragedy the government decided to assist veterans who wanted to continue his or her education. This assistance and the downturn of the economy placed this long-term goal squarely in the forefront. This scenario fell into place, as career change thoughts were starting to surface. Pursuing an MBA can assist in a needed career change. In 2008 the United States economy and the housing market begin to severely decline. This was just four years after embarking on a rewarding and lucrative...
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...Schumpeter: Taking the long view | The Economist 24/08/13 12:14 AM More from The Economist Subscription Log in or register World politics Business & finance Economics Science & technology Culture Blogs Debate Multimedia Print edition This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Review our cookies information for more details Schumpeter Comment (77) E-mail Print Reprints & permissions Taking the long view The pursuit of shareholder value is attracting criticism—not all of it foolish Nov 24th 2012 | From the print edition Tweet 262 Advertisement HE IS the chief executive of a multinational corporation, but Paul Polman sometimes sounds more like a spokesman for Occupy Wall Street. The boss of Unilever (an AngloDutch consumer-goods firm with brands ranging from Timotei shampoo to Ben & Jerry’s ice cream) agonises about unemployment, global warming and baby-boomer greed. He puts some of the blame for these ills on the most influential management theory of the past three decades: the idea that companies should aim above all else to maximise returns to shareholders. He appears to mean it. Since taking charge in 2009, Mr Polman has stopped Unilever from publishing full financial results every quarter. He refuses to offer earnings guidance to equity analysts. He has introduced a lengthy “sustainable living plan” and attracted a new cadre of long-term investors, particularly...
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...The decision to pursue my MBA degree was never a difficult one. When I first entered the business world in 1994 I soon knew that in order for me to achieve my personal and professional goals in life further education was going to be necessary. However, I did not think it would have taken me seventeen years to begin my journey to accomplish this goal. So far in my professional life, I would consider myself to be a success. I have worked for three companies since receiving my Bachelor of Science degree in 1994 in two different industries. I have earned accolades and awards for sales and marketing performance from all three companies and I have been told that I am seen as a leader with potential for upward mobility. After taking the Jungian 16-Type Personality test, I received a score of ISFJ. This fits right in line with my past work experience because this test shows that I am loyal and willing to make sacrifices for the greater good. I was surprised to find I was introverted because typically successful sales people are extroverts. They reach out to clients and look for ways to connect with people where introverts mostly keep to themselves. However, during the last few years my personal job satisfaction has been low and the pharmaceutical sales industry has been enduring massive layoffs (Brice, 2009). Although, my current company is somewhat “bucking the trend” regarding reducing sales force sizes, I believe that all companies are not immune to the trend. So, the...
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...The Pursuit of Happiness and Success Angela Morrow MGT/521 May 5, 2010 Donald Wicker “Success is not the key to happiness, “Happiness is the key to success; if you love what you are doing, you will always be successful. (Albert Schwetzer). Happiness is defined as a state of mind or feeling characterized by contentment, love, satisfaction, pleasure or joy. Success is defined as an event that has accomplished its intended purpose in mind. Happiness and success is what I am aiming for in life. To be able to have a life that is full of happiness is the ultimate achievement and I feel that if I am happy in what I am doing I will truly be successful. In saying that I feel that earning my Masters of Business in Administration degree will enable me to both be happy and successful. About 15 years ago while working for the federally funded program Head Start, My love for children was established and I just knew I wanted to teach, however there was one major road block in my way; no degree. So I returned to school to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education. After I received my degree I was promoted to a teaching position. I was so happy but not satisfied; I once again returned to school and this time I obtained a bachelors degree in Psychology. I chose these two combinations because I always envisioned myself owning and operating my own preschool that would afford opportunities for the lower socio-economic spectrum of children in our society to engage...
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...Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) overview and the Effective Research and Writing at University of Phoenix Modules are two introductory tools used to help emphasize the importance of the MGT/521 course. They are also guides and directional maps to steer new students to the appropriateness of understanding the necessities to achieve success in this MBA program. The MBA overview encompasses multiple concentration of the program as each tab delves into the specifics of what each focus entails. Effective Research and Writing Modules take a similar pathway as it describes the didactic approach to produce a graduate student quality research paper with the proper American Psychological Association (APA) writing style. This paper will demonstrate the summary of the interest of two functional areas of business. In addition, an explanation of the role managers would have within these areas of business will be described. With the use of supporting peer-review articles from University of Phoenix, an effort will be made to illustrate in detail the appropriate use of the aforementioned points to give the readers the clear understanding of the MBA student’s perspective. Furthermore, students pursue furthering his or her education for various reasons, for example, career growth, personal goal or to start a new career, therefore it is significantly important for each student to use the necessary tools in the most efficient and effective manner to achieve his or her ultimate success of...
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...Career Advancement or Waste of Money? MGT/521 Career Advancement or Waste of Money? Obtaining a masters degree is an honor than many people may never experience. In addition to the honor of holding the degree, an MBA will generate greater chances for promotion, accelerated leadership opportunities, and best of all, higher pay. This decision is not without its drawbacks. After completing 26 undergraduate courses to obtain a bachelors degree over the last three years the choice to return to school after a two week break was not without trepidation. However, the two main reasons I have chosen to return to the University of Phoenix to compete my Masters in Business Administration are financial and self-worth. I can not afford to pay my finical aid back yet, so by continuing my education I can defer my payments two more years, until I complete the program. Second, I never thought I would accomplish an associates degree let alone a bachelors degree, so by accomplishing an MBA, I will surpass any personal goals I previously set for myself. Jungian 16-type personality assessment One of the tools UoP uses are the computer-based assessment programs. Pearson/Prentis Hall provides a series of quizzes in a self-assessment library that provide in-depth analysis of a variety of manager based personality traits. The Jungian 16-type personality assessment computes personality and interpretations to help the student better assess career choices. My assessment combination was ENFJ. This...
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...Career Advancement or Waste of Money? Michelle Boldt MGT/521 Career Advancement or Waste of Money? Obtaining a masters degree is an honor than many people may never experience. In addition to the honor of holding the degree, an MBA will generate greater chances for promotion, accelerated leadership opportunities, and best of all, higher pay. This decision is not without its drawbacks. After completing 26 undergraduate courses to obtain a bachelors degree over the last three years the choice to return to school after a two week break was not without trepidation. However, the two main reasons I have chosen to return to the University of Phoenix to compete my Masters in Business Administration are financial and self-worth. I can not afford to pay my finical aid back yet, so by continuing my education I can defer my payments two more years, until I complete the program. Second, I never thought I would accomplish an associates degree let alone a bachelors degree, so by accomplishing an MBA, I will surpass any personal goals I previously set for myself. Jungian 16-type personality assessment One of the tools UoP uses are the computer-based assessment programs. Pearson/Prentis Hall provides a series of quizzes in a self-assessment library that provide in-depth analysis of a variety of manager based personality traits. The Jungian 16-type personality assessment computes personality and interpretations to help the student better assess career choices. My assessment combination was...
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...Decision to Obtain an MBA MGT/521 October 12, 2012 Abstract According to CBS Money Watch (2007) as it pertains to an MBA Degree, “ When it comes to the practical value of the degree, the once-lonely voices of dissent have, in recent years, grown into a chorus of criticism. Among their accusations: The degree is over-hyped, MBA curricula are out of touch with real-world demands, and many programs have a culture that turns a blind eye to cheating. If the business world starts paying attention to these naysayers, that $100,000 tuition or the decision to pay big bucks to hire an MBA may start looking like less of a sound investment.” Decision to Obtain an MBA The decision for an individual to obtain his/her MBA can be both personal and professional. There are many negative connotations regarding the pursuit of an MBA. There are questions regarding whether or not it increases the pay range of an individual with an MBA vs. those individuals without an MBA. According to Brewer and Brewer (2012) “In a study involving MBA students, Simmering and Wilcox (1995) identified five factors that largely influence the decision to pursue the MBA graduate degree. These factors center around the personal prestige associated with the MBA, career exploration opportunities, goals for developing and improving interpersonal skills, entrepreneurial aspirations, and increasing career mobility.” The “[Graduate Management Admission Council] GMAC...
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...Decision in getting an MBA Decision to get an MBA At a young age, my initial dream profession is through the imagination in becoming a successful teacher, and later changes my mind in visualizing, pursuing my education Health Care Management and finally ended the ultimate decision on pursuing on MBA. The decision-making development headed for accomplishing my MBA entails heavily preceding the optimistic side; in comparison to the opposing objection. It has been three long years ever since I graduated and achieved my bachelor’s degree in Workforce Education and Development. The raising objection is in conjunction with the various contemplations came to mind, afore the explanations the motivation why my decision concluded to concentrate an MBA program. In today’s economy, the competition is rather difficult without a graduate degree, struggling together, is the United States Navy. The Navy mandated several policies toward downsizing certain ratings for personnel staffing, luckily enough, my rating is not on the planned policy. The continuation advantage in the development of my professional and personal growth in pursuing MBA is fundamentally marketable as an active duty military and enhance potentially in civilian life. Taking into consideration the majority of years’ experience, as military active duty Logistics Specialist, MBA program willpower me an opportunity to strengthen my global business background, expanding my networking...
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...Construct and Support and Argument The Decision to pursue an MBA MGT/521 August 26, 2010 Making the decision to pursue a college degree takes a commitment and determination. I set a personal goal to obtain my first degree because I saw that my children were growing up, and I wanted to have a college degree before they did. As of the present time I am in the pursuit of my MBA. People question me about why I would I still want to attend college. My reasoning, I want to continue to improve myself. I am dedicated to the commitment to succeed. I have several arguments that I believe supports my decision to receive my MBA. Pursing my Master’s degree will offer many rewarding possibilities. The time I will invest to receive a Master’s will give me the knowledge to excel in my career path with potential earning potential. The first argument I have for pursuing my Master’s Degree is it will give me credibility with business peers. Working on my MBA demonstrates my commitment to the organization because I have chosen to invest a substantial amount of my time that it will take to obtain my degree. With my personality type of being a determined individual, I can achieve any goal I set forth for myself. There was a time when getting a college degree was a choice, it was not necessary to have a degree to obtain a good paying job, in today’s business market a degree is a necessity. My second argument for obtaining a Master’s Degree it gives me a more competitive edge...
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