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 was impressed by the high level of personal attention received from faculty and staff. The course work presented challenge and drive, yet the environment added support and encouragement. My experience at Katz furnished me with many valuable skills that I can carry into the workforce. More importantly, the support of career services and my advisers helped me to find professional direction and fulfillment that I had been seeking. The program helped me to grow in many ways, including confidence, analytical skills, organization, and determination. Furthermore, I found a strong network of friendship around the world. --Marketing
The one-year intensive program at the Katz School was perfect for someone who did not want to take too much time out of their career. --Anonymous
Since I had over 10 years of work experience of several job types, such as corporate strategy, marketing, etc., in both Japan and the U.S., I decided to come to Katz. It saved me time and money because of a great one-year program. I could learn a lot of the latest business theories, skills, and ethics before I really take a management position. Faculty and students here are fantastic. We always study hard and play outside. Experiences and memories I got at this school must be a powerful tool for my career path. --Anonymous
The one-year program at Katz was difficult at times. However, I learned so much and it flew by so quickly, those difficult times are a distant memory. KGSB is so inexpensive, I do not understand how anyone could undervalue this program. In addition to excellent professors and curriculum, there is a real community at the school. With an average of 150 students in the full-time program, the faculty and staff know you by your first name. You can go anywhere for help and advice, and you will find it. I was even able to be involved with several extracurricular activities. Katz is also committed to constant improvement, and even though I am jealous I will not be able to experience it firsthand, I plan to stay involved with the school through fund-raising and other ways. I have even invited some of the faculty, staff, and fellow students to my wedding later this year. I have recommended the program to countless people, including my undergraduate sorority chapter. If anyone had a less than good experience at this school, it is only because he or she did not try to help himself or wanted to have a bad experience. I have no regrets about not applying to top-10 B-schools, because I believe there is absolutely no way their two-year experience could come close to my one-year program. In some ways, Katz is almost a boot camp for business, with its intensity and real-world experiences. I am ahead of the other students graduating from different B-schools financially, emotionally, and maturity-wise. In addition, how many 2000 B-school graduates will be working with weather derivatives this year? I can bet, not many. --Finance
The experience at Katz was very positive. Initially, I had plans to go to a two-year MBA program, but I did a last-minute change that in my opinion was one of the best decisions I've ever made. It is very impressive how, just one year after, I am returning to the working environment in a better position that emphasizes management and technology with a strong international focus. During my career search, I never felt that the prospective employers perceived the one-year program differently from a two-year program. Furthermore, with a five-year working experience, a position as marketing program manager, and a previous grad degree, I felt that I didnít need to spend so much time in core courses -ñ as in a two-year program ñ- or in an internship. Lastly, I will recommend a one-year degree for those people with enough working experience, a previous graduate degree, or previous studies in business administration, and that value for the time in this fast-paced global environment. --Information Technology
The Katz School was great. However, the career-services center sucked. I got a job on my own without any help whatsoever from them. During the year that I was at Katz, I was continually let down by the lack of effort on their part for all of the student body. This is not an opinion that I hold alone. In fact, whenever students were in a bad mood or worn out by the general pace of things, the most frustration would be evidenced about the failures and shortcomings of the career center. Three or four times, I asked for appointments with the director of career services only to never get a response from her. There was only one person in the career-services office that knew me by name. The typical response of career services to people seeking employment outside of the Pittsburgh/Mid-Atlantic area was that they were on their own. As one of four or five students seeking employment in the West, I was pretty much told they couldn't help me. Nothing about the program was negative except for career services. I imagine that students from Katz who have complaints will all be complaining about this same subject. --Finance
In addition to the school's strong finance department, the Katz program is an excellent place to develop one's leadership, team, and communication skills. The program is very well-rounded, fast-paced, and intense. The finance faculty is first-rate, and the students are extremely bright with diverse work backgrounds. In addition, the school has strong ties to the Pittsburgh business community, so throughout the year, Fortune 500 executives visit the school and share their experiences and knowledge. I recommend this program for people who are pursuing careers in all areas of finance and for those who are ready to face the challenge of a one-year program. --Finance
To all Katz Faculty, especially Dean Fredrick Winter!!! I have a message for you: Be nice to international students, listen to their concerns, and TALK to and SMILE at them!!! --Accounting
I went back to school after being out in the workforce for 18-plus years. It was the best decision I ever made. The learning experience and training skills that I received at Katz really brought my education into this new century. I would recommend that anyone considering going back to school do so, and this program of 11 months of study is definitely worth it. --Marketing
I think Katz is a great school. The program is rigorous with room for learning and team building. I did not think much of the program till I actually started working. I think the program is top-notch and is very relevant in the business world. --Information Technology
The one-year MBA program simulates a working environment in that an academic concept is learned and then you are expected to apply that knowledge in projects and classroom assignments. Katz gave me the skills and toughness to successfully operate in today's fast-paced workplace. I could not be more satisfied with the knowledge I gained and the quick return on my investment. It should be noted that this program is not for the faint of heart, and you better be ready to WORK! The payoffs are well worth the grueling workload. --Operations
The career-services department spent 85% of their effort trying to secure employment for the top third of the class and telling the other 66% that they should, in essence, "take what you can get." Rather than trying to understand my career aspirations, they told me to return to my previous field of work because my chances for employment were not good in another field (something that I would have liked to have known prior to my acceptance). Instead of working through the [office], I accomplished my employment goals on my own. The teaching and curriculum were first-rate, and the quality of the class was very good on the whole. I am quite proud to call myself a Katz grad. --Marketing
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