CLASS OF 2004 GRADUATE COMMENTS
I enjoyed my MBA experience for many reasons that existed outside of what I learned in the classroom. The friends I made, the personal relationships I developed with my professors, and the personal development that came out of this program is why I loved it and would recommend it to friends. But I recognize that the reasons I loved my experience are not the end results many people look for when choosing to get an MBA. The program I was in was small and allowed for a different level of interaction. Some people want that personalized feel, and others don't care about that. I would -- and have -- recommended Kogod to many people, but I do know that there are some who are looking for a more rigorous program, and Kogod may not be for them.--Consulting
[Recommend program to friends/colleagues?] Absolutely! Due to the user friendly environment at the Kogod School of Business, I was able to cater my experience to meet my needs. I have friends at the "top 25," and I always felt when speaking with them that they were working on projects for work's sake. If one of their friends was working 10 hours on a project, they felt like they had to do 15. At Kogod, I certainly spent my share of time working on all the projects, but I made it a priority from day one to become directed and find an opportunity that aligned with my post-graduate goals. I was successful and I received an offer better than most for where I am going to be living. Also, the idependent study I performed was remarkable, a once in a lifetime opportunity.--Finance
If someone has the ability to get into a better school, he should go there. I wasn't impressed by the professors or the students. However, for students considering the JD/MBA who are interested in corporate/securities law, I would recommend the program. The joint degree program is a good deal because most joint degree students go the law route, therefore, the business school's reputation is irrelevant.--Not Available
[Did consulting project enhance learning?] It was a valuable experience to work with a client. Seeing what we are taught in the classroom translate into a real project not only makes the academic part more tangible, it also helps you develop important professional skills.--Not Available
For Management of Information Systems, we had to develop an IT system for an existing company. It helped bring a real-world approach to the classroom, and the step-by-step process of walking a client through his problems, and helping develop a solution was useful.--Consulting
[Did consulting project enhance learning?] Coming from SAIC, my full-time work experience was exclusively with large Fortune-500 companies. In our Management Information Systems class, our team selected a small, local, defense logistics contractor founded by three high-ranking ex-military officers. The firm consisted of 20 employees, and it functioned so differently than what I was used to. It was a challenge to assist them with identifying project management software and developing protocol for RFP's, RFQ's, BAFOs, and recompete and extension business while keeping in mind that they had far more limited resources than larger firms. It required coming up with creative and innovative ways of financing and implementation. The experience was incredible.--Finance
I couldn't have asked for a better experience or MBA program. Though Kogod may not be a "top tier" school, I wouldn't have chosen any other school, even if given the opportunity. The mixture of races and cultures was an added bonus to an already great program that I don't think I would have found anywhere else. Though we may not be "ranked" as a top school, Kogod is the best choice around. The quality of professors, the access to business and political leaders from all over the world, as well as my owm personal involvement in school events and government made this the best decision of my life to date.--Consulting
Kogod has a beautiful campus and outstanding location in Washington, D.C. with easy access to the northern Virginia technology center. There are lots of activities and things to keep the average student busy when he/she is not consumed with school work.--Finance
Kogod is a program that is heavily influenced by the student body. Ideas of improvement and projects are taken seriously and embraced by the administration. With full support of the faculty, I was able to co-host a radio show and interview CEOs of emerging industries. Also, I managed a $75,000 equity fund and hosted weekly portfolio strategies. Since the program is growing in stature, it feels like running a small business, where your initiatives make a big difference. Plus, the Washington, D.C. area is an amazing and dynamic business community, where the role of politics in business can be analyzed and experienced thoroughly.--Finance
[Recommend program to friends/colleagues?] The vast exposure due to its location in Washington, D.C. and its highly diverse student body along with the quality of some of the faculty members makes this a good school. And I would most likely recommend it to my friends who lack the international exposure.--Finance
For a course in Management Information Systems, we did a project for a firm in D.C. This consulting project helped in acquainting us with how we can analyze a firm's requirements and recommend solutions. Also, it enhanced our ability to use the latest IT technologies for coordinating work and having virtual meetings.--Finance
|
=Subscribers Only
Copyright 2004, Bloomberg L.P.
Return to Full-Time Profiles
