CLASS OF 2000 GRADUATE COMMENTS
Editor's Note: BusinessWeek collected graduate comments in 2000 during its ranking of full-time MBA programs. The next ranking is scheduled for fall, 2002.
I feel that Brigham Young University totally failed me. Some of the reasons why include the poor caliber of students, a grading system that fosters a poor work ethic by guaranteeing no grade lower than B-, and accepting students who do not speak English. The tenured professors are complacent, caring only for their consulting revenues, publishing deadlines, and research. There was a total lack of quantitative-skill instruction, for instance, a lack of vital courses like macroeconomics (I'd bet $1000 that 80% of our class couldn't explain how an increase in interest rates affects the economy), and a heavy repetition of required "soft" classes. There aren't enough electives, especially in finance and operations. The school made NO efforts to assist my job search with only two full-time career-services employees. There's a heavy emphasis on Mormon interpretation of ethics. The school also has an unrealistic view of the working world and workplace culture. I'd like the school represented for what it really is: a forum for mediocrity that awards diplomas like a Pez dispenser. --Finance
I was extremely impressed by the education I received as an MBA student in the Marriott School. Not only is the program top-notch, but the administrators are constantly identifying areas for improvement and actively working to improve them. Students are involved in all aspects of leadership in the program and have added tremendously to its improvement. The faculty values the feedback of students, and responds quickly and sincerely. The professors care about the students and want them to succeed. They not only taught advanced business-theory topics, but they taught me how to think. I learned to think, analyze, challenge assumptions, and solve problems. I would strongly encourage anyone interested in business to go to BYU's Marriott School to get an MBA. --Finance
This program by far offers a better return on investment than any other program currently available. --Finance
BYU's [MBA] program has been great. The administration is committed to constant improvement and gives students the opportunity to make a difference. The program provided an environment for me in which I could explore my career interests, leadership capacity, and academic abilities. My return on investment will be realized within the first year of graduation, and I have a job that I am absolutely satisfied with. Given their limited resources (compared to other top-ranking schools), and low tuition costs, BYU has built an impressive program. --Marketing
Our first year in the program was enormously challenging. We were doing schoolwork on average 14 hours per day, and had to pull all-nighters five or six times. Fortunately, the second-year course load was somewhat more manageable. I would be confident in hiring any BYU graduate. --Marketing
I cannot understate how satisfied I have been with my MBA experience at BYU. It has greatly surpassed my expectations. The students, staff, and administration have been extremely professional. The school has a lot of respect with recruiters, particularly in the area of finance. I am highly recommending the BYU MBA program to others. --Finance
Awesome! I'd do it again. --Finance
I have gained the skills that I expected to, and plan to use them in improving the public-school system in the near future after I work in microcredit and microfinance. Because of my nontraditional track, I still have yet to find the perfect fit for a job. --Nonprofit
My expectations were easily exceeded. I ended up making a total career change as a result of attending b-school at BYU. I credit the professors and curriculum with giving me the direction and insight into this new career path. My salary expectations were more than exceeded as well. --Finance
Low tuition, open access to professors, recruiters from top-tier corporations, and access to diverse recreational activities are just a few of the compelling reasons to consider the MBA program at Brigham Young. The greatest characteristic of the Marriott School for me, however, is the collegial environment engendered among students and faculty alike. --Investment Banking
BYU has some great strengths. The faculty are incredibly open to meeting outside of class. Without a Ph.D. program, MBAs get a lot more of their professors' time than at other schools. The administration is very responsive to student input, and acts quickly on it. BYU's internationally experienced student body is a real plus. About three-quarters of all MBAs at the school speak at least one foreign language. And the smaller student body makes for great networking and student interaction: Everybody knows everybody, and there's an opportunity for everyone to get involved with the program. BYU's weaknesses are there, too: academic reputation and recruiting. Because BYU has no Ph.D. program for business, it suffers from a lack of exposure in academia. As far as recruiting goes -- being located in the Midwest, far from other comparable programs -- means that recruiters have to make an extra effort to come out here. I was surprised, however, at the number of technology companies that heavily recruit here: Intel, Dell, Gateway, Novell, Motorola, HP, etc. BYU has just turned a half of one floor of the business school into a career-placement center that should provide some state-of-the-art recruiting facilities, though. --Finance
I am married and have twin boys. BYU expects so much out of us but realizes that we have families -- striking the right balance between family and school. BYU's foreign-language department is outstanding, so while we aren't ranked as high as a Thunderbird, I am quite certain that the majority of us speak much better than many of the students at other schools, for the large majority of the students speak a second language because of their two-year service in a foreign country. Our understanding of different cultures and diversity is much greater than meets the eye. --Finance
While the Marriott School lacks diversity in its student body, I believe that every effort is made to make the most of the diversity that does exist here, which is diversity of background and perspective. --Nonprofit
The students at BYU are there to assist each other like the professors are. There is no back-stabbing. --Finance
My expectations of BYU's MBA program were met and exceeded. I have gained new skills and found a new area where I excel and that I enjoy. I will be starting a new job at the company of my choice with a much higher salary than I ever expected in an exciting area of the automotive business. I could not be happier with my schooling and am even happier at the low cost of attending BYU. --Anonymous
I had an exceptional experience in the MBA program at BYU. Beyond the academic experience, there were many opportunities for service within the school, community, and also internationally. This, I believe, prepares a student to better contribute to the success of his or her organization as well as to the world around her. --Human Resources
We have excellent administration in the MBA program at BYU. The network of LDS business people is a silent force. The students here are hardworking, honest people with excellent leadership skills. After interning with a venture-capital firm in the Bay Area, I realized that I am equipped to go anywhere. This program has given me the toolkit and skills I need to achieve all my goals. --Venture Capital/Private Equity
This is a very personal program. The faculty and administration are available for and responsive to questions or concerns. I didn't just feel like a number here. The mentor program is outstanding. The program matches a second-year student mentor with a team of first-year students. Mentors help with adjustment to the program, team process facilitation, assignments, and networking. I learned a lot of leadership and teamwork qualities as a result. --Consulting
Fantastic school for the price. I feel like my professors were as good as those at any school, but we didn't have the resources of some of the wealthier schools. We get fantastic professors, better than one that a school of similar financing would draw, because they believe in BYU and its social mission. --Finance
BYU is a great place to go to school despite the weak placement and diversity that exist. I am glad to have gone to such a great school with some great teachers. The new director and assistant director are both wonderful people and great leaders. --Marketing
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Copyright 2001 , by The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc. All rights reserved.
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