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 guess MIBS is a great business program for anybody who believes that: 1. Humans are meant to live to work, not work to live. 2. Children make good workers because they are cheap, dispensable, and their small fingers fit well in tight crevices. 3. Healthcare, vacations, and pensions are optional in life. A lack of critical thinking also helps any MIBS students. The more one resembles a sheep, the easier a time one will have at MIBS. Here is the deal: It is important to learn how to run a business profitably. However, it is also important to teach students the value of ethics, patience, and respect. MIBS fails to teach students how to be an ethical, patient, and respectful manager and, therefore, fails to teach students to be effective managers. MIBS, much like other business programs in this country, teaches students the short-term solution to problems. I do not believe that any MBA program that preaches layoffs, child labor, and disbanding of unions as necessary and wise business practices is preparing students to lead a business successfully. -- Non-profit
The international business program at USC is a great "bang-for-your-buck" program. I was making $40,000 before coming to USC and now my starting pay package is $130,000. Not bad, considering I paid $700 in tuition per semester! The school is also going through some big changes lead by Dr. Malhotra and Dr. Shimp, two champion professors in the program. However there are some major weak areas such as the career center, which has no vision. Translated: If you want a job, do it yourself! I was lucky since I am a member of the Black MBA Association. The BMBAA puts on the largest career fair for MBAs every year (over 300 companies) and I received five offers just from the career fair alone. However, many of my classmates still are searching (independently) for jobs -- it's April! But I believe if the restructure of the program goes as projected, we will be the "undisputed" leader in global business. Good luck USC, I'm pulling for you! -- Marketing
The fast paced IMBA program has always been enjoyable and intense. The level of camaraderie among students is incredible and is a result of a well-designed curriculum in Vienna and Columbia. The accelerated program's work level can be stressful but the low tuition and reduced opportunity cost make the investment worthwhile. If the IMBA program suffers, it suffers from inconsistency. Eighty percent of the professors are absolutely outstanding and true leaders in their fields. However, the other 20% can be downright awful. -- Information Technology
The overseas internship and the language training are both excellent. It is what makes the Master of International Business Studies program so unique and valuable to someone like myself. -- Finance
MIBS is a great program at USC, but the administration (including financial aid, career services, and MIBS staff) are not concerned about student needs and experiences. -- Operations
I conducted a tremendous amount of research, including over 30 personal visits to B-Schools around the USA. I settled on the University of South Carolina, specifically the IMBA program, because of the excellent reputation the school had in international business. I have not one day regretted this decision. -- Consulting
My experience at the University of South Carolina was very positive. I believe that no other educational institution in the U.S. could have provided me with a comprehensive, diverse learning experience of equal quality. The professors were top-notch and the administration seems to be making the right steps to keep the business school competitive. I would recommend the school to others and suggest that for the money, USC is a true bargain. -- Investment Banking
Outstanding teachers. Superb infrastructure in terms of libraries and other facilities. Provides good value for money. -- Operations
The University of South Carolina provided me with a good overall experience in the classroom. However, I believe that if it is to compete with other exceptional schools, it needs to restructure its career placement center to attract more companies with suitable jobs for MBAs. More importantly, the administration needs to become more proactive in reaching out to alumni and the lack of interaction with the business community. -- Investment Banking
Because South Carolina is a public school, the experience and education is well worth the financial costs of attending. I'm leaving grad school with zero debt. I doubt this would happen at other schools. -- Marketing
The savings grace of U. of South Carolina's MIBS program is the six month internship abroad. In that aspect, no other school can reproduce this experience. -- Information Technology
Overall, it was a great experience. The program's unique international focus brings much more than just a regular b-school education to the table. It helps to expand our horizons and gain a whole new perspective on the world. In this respect, I think the MIBS program is great. It also got me exactly where I want to be. -- Anonymous
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