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| University of South Carolina Darla Moore School of Business |
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1999 Profile Update School Profile School Statistics Graduates' Comments: The career placement center was terrible. No efforts were made to connect the students with alumni. I doubt the Alumni Office would let me have a list of people to call for help in my job search. The best experiences I had were exposure to some excellent professors and the cultural diversity of my class. The administration didn't really add to my experience. Academics at USC are comparable to other top schools, but the career placement and administration drag the school down. --Unemployed I received a MIBS (Masters of International Business Studies) degree, which is separate from the rest of the USC business school in most respects. Elective classes are taken with other MBA students. The best part of the program is a six-month internship overseas. It provides real-world experience for a significant period of time in a different country. --Finance USC's Masters of International Business provides an excellent international education. Unfortunately, the administration and recruiting office are very poor. --No career path given The MIBS program is undoubtedly the best experience I had throughout my academic career. My marketability has been enhanced tenfold. The compulsory internship is the highlight. This is due to the fact that it takes place in an elected foreign language environment and consolidates one's foreign language training. I am now fluent in Spanish, a skill that has been responsible for at least one of my job offers. On the other hand, there is much to be done in upgrading the technology, which is somewhat archaic and barely available due to a paucity of terminals dedicated to the master's level. Also, electives are not reflective of current industrial trends. This is exemplified by there being only one telecommunications-type elective. There are only a couple of courses even related to technology consulting etc. (e.g. database management, etc.). The placement office is sadly understaffed! The two individuals are worth their weight in gold, but they seriously need help! This is not a small issue! --No career path given The international business faculty at the Darla Moore School of Business is indeed excellent. I however feel that there should be a language training course (like the MIBS program has) in the MBA too. It is a wonderful opportunity, and I don't think it is right to charge more for the MIBS just because they do the special language training. In fact, I think there should be just one good international business program at the school, which incorporates the best of both the MBA and MIBS. --Marketing MIBS is a highly successful program due largely to its outstanding international internship opportunity. Although it is true that some of our international business faculty are excellent, what draws companies to MIBS graduates is foreign language ability and overseas business experience. --No career path given USC's MIBS program provides a comprehensive education that intertwines the classwork, cultural studies, language training, and an internship. By the time one graduates from the program, the individual has all the necessary skills to succeed in unique cultures and overseas opportunities. --Marketing I attended the MIBS program at South Carolina, and while the level of internation focus and ability of faculty in that area was superior, the program's administration suffers from old and uninspired leadership. This results partly because MIBS cannot seem to separate itself from the general university and business school. A common complaint heard from classmates was that the administration (MIBS) was unresponsive, inflexible, and generally did not inspire confidence. I personally felt like I was treated as an undergraduate, not as a select student in one of the top two international business programs in the U.S. Instructors are top-notch, the language training is a tremendous advantage as is the extended (six-month), in-country internship. The problem is that MIBS's model is easily duplicated and so MIBS's lofty ranking is tenuous at best. --Information Technology The MBA program should also be recognized for the same faculty and excellent teaching capabilities inherent within the University's structure [as is MIBS]. For the price of a master's degree, this is one of the best state schools in the country. I am continuously disappointed in the business school rankings that fail to accept that these same rankings should change. --Operations The opportunity for international experience at South Carolina is unique. Not only do all students spend a minimum of six months overseas but the program is made up of students from around the world. The interactions between students are a powerful part of the learning experience in the International MBA program at USC. The 14-month duration is also a distinct advantage for those students with significant work experience. It is not a good program for those straight out of college. --Finance I believe that the MBA is best for those with at least three years of work experience. When students have less than that, the entire student body suffers during the job recruiting process. Also, I have found that it is difficult to "have it all," meaning that whereas the USC MIBS program is excellent in terms of language training and practical overseas internships, it is weaker in terms of providing us with practical Information Technology knowledge and leadership skills. For the most part, the weaknesses result from trading off classroom time for internship time. I believe that the trade-off was worth it and that I can learn what I need on the job. --Finance A strong emphasis is placed upon international business throughout the whole curriculum. If students want to experience international diversity, the University of South Carolina is the place to go to school. Over 50% of the entering class of 1996 (1998 graduates) were residents of a foreign nation, or residents of U.S. territories (for example American Guam). This led to not only international exposure through the curriculum, but also through class discussion and extracurricular activities. --Consulting Back to Top 1999 Profile Update School Profile School Statistics |
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