College of Business
What Next, an MBA?
By Shawn Guy, Newsletter Staff
Many WGU Business College students choose to move on to the MBA program after completing an undergraduate degree. Today’s competitive job market has everyone thinking, “How do I get ahead?” It’s a valid concern people have at all different levels of employment, and there are various ways to address it. First, think about where you currently are with your career or position. You could be someone who has their undergrad degree in business and have worked your way up the corporate ladder. If you
have years of experience in management and an undergraduate degree, this mixture of skills will likely push you ahead but may not be enough to get you to the management level you are seeking. Or, perhaps you’re a bit greener in the business world and have just completed your undergraduate degree. The MBA might give you a bit of an edge more quickly than putting in five additional years (not that five additional years would hurt, it would just take longer). Or maybe you recently completed an undergraduate degree and your parents own a business they plan to have you begin managing. Basically, it boils down to each individual’s personal situation. An MBA will always be an asset to people in all of these situations and many others, but might not be required or desired – and that’s acceptable as well.
An MBA will give you the skills needed, or hone your current ones, to help you with your current position, or to prepare you for higher level roles with more responsibility. For example, if you own a small family-run business, it can’t hurt to delve deeper into human resource practices and laws to prepare you for growth and future hiring of non-related employees. Or, you might be a manager of a particular program at a non-profit association and it could be beneficial to develop even more in-depth marketing knowledge to aid you in communicating more effectively with your marketing personnel. Or perhaps you’re leading a branch in large bank chain and would like to better understand how strategic processes and relationships can help your location to get ahead in customer recruitment. The MBA is beneficial to all of these scenarios and makes a wonderful addition to your current business skills.
Here are some options you can consider when you’ve completed your undergraduate degree.
- Continue immediately into the MBA program. This option is great for students who already hold leadership positions within an organization that are looking for individuals with an MBA to create more opportunities for advancement within their company.
- Take a break for a few months to assess your career possibilities and options and to set goals and establish a timeline for achieving your career ambitions. This option is great for students who are not in their desired career path who need a little time to establish a plan for their future before continuing their education to meet their ultimate career goals.
- Take a break for a year or two to gain some practical business experience before completing the MBA degree. This option is great for students who have just obtained their undergraduate degree in business but have no business work experience. With the newly obtained degree, it will be easier to land a position in a business environment where business concepts can be applied in a practical way.
Ultimately it’s up to you to decide how quickly you move into an MBA program, if you choose to do so. The MBA degree might not be for everyone but is something worth considering in today's economy and job markets. It would be a huge asset to you whether you need it for a promotion or to simply enhance your education. Good luck in your current studies and perhaps we’ll even see you in the WGU MBA program! For further information about the WGU MBA program go to http://www.wgu.edu/business/online_business_master.
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Student Profile: Shelly Naraysingh
College of Business
Shelly lives in central Florida and started WGU in December 2007. She is a student in the Human Resources program. At first, Shelly was afraid to "get into the water" of online education, but now says she is "glad she took the plunge." Working in the WGU domains is a constant reminder that her degree will be well earned.
So far, Shelly's favorite aspect of being a WGU student is getting a well refined education. She tells us, "I truly love the idea that I am getting a quality, top-notch education for the same cost, and in some cases, less than some state schools." When thinking of obstacles she faces as a student, she says, "I thought long and hard about obstacles and all I could think about were those pre-objective exam-jitters. I don’t mind taking tests, but since there is so much work to cover in a single competency, I get nervous days before taking the exams. I’m always wondering if I’m able to recall what I’ve read/studied from the earlier modules in the COS or GLT." So far so good for Shelly. She has maintained 100% SAP and continues to move forward.
After she finishes at WGU, Shelly plans to gain some experience with human resource management and continue school. Her ultimate educational goal is to get a Ph.D. in human resources. Outside of work and WGU, Shelly loves spending time with her family. She elaborates, "Time is such a rare commodity being a WGU student, so when I am not being a student, I’m being a Mom to two toddlers (Aidan and Aaron). We love going to church, the library, the beach, and theme parks as they are just minutes away." She also highly enjoys the arts (performing, visual, and fine arts). She says, "I’m an artist but have not been able to practice my craft. Being a Mom and a student, there’s not much time for anything else - no complaints. My art studio is now my office/study, but it will become an art studio again, one day."
Shelly loves continuing her education and considers herself very fortunate to have a husband who truly supports her in her endeavors. She says, "If anyone should ask me where I want to be 5 years from now, my reply would be
happier and more successful!"
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Student Profile: Pam Milke-Haefner
College of Business
Pam lives in St. Louis, Missouri, and started the Human Resource Management program in September 2006. She chose WGU because it was affordable, entirely online, and had the degree she was searching for. Other schools were too costly for her or entailed physical class time which her schedule would not allow.
Each student at WGU has a personalized list of struggles. In describing hers, Pam says, “The obstacles I’ve faced are my lack of formal schooling for over 15 years, and laziness. I found out very quickly you need to be disciplined.” She also shares with us her favorite aspects of being a WGU student, “I'd say the independence is one of my favorite characteristics, but also having that contact with a student or two and of course the mentor.”
When Pam finishes her degree, she plans to pursue her dream of finding a position in human resources where she can grow and learn. On May 3, 2008, Pam passed the Human Resource Certification Institute's Professional in Human Resources exam (PHR). She will also be taking her education to the next level and pursuing a master’s degree in either business administration or human resources, “after taking a well-deserved year off,” she says.
In her spare time, Pam likes to write (she’s a published author), enjoys gaming, hiking, and shooting pool.
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Faculty Spotlight: Elisa Chavez
Academic Mentor, College of Business
Where are you from? I’ve been all over, but spent most of my life in Seattle, Washington, where I consider home.
When did you join WGU? August, 2006
What do you enjoy about WGU? I get such satisfaction working with students and helping them achieve their goals. I share their joy with each step toward their degree, rejoice in their graduation (been known to shed tears watching students walk across the stage), and feel a pang when the going is hard. What’s not to love about something as rewarding as this? I also appreciate the flexibility WGU provides - I can work from anywhere at any time, as long as my students are getting what they need.
How do you see WGU’s programs different from traditional universities? The “anytime/anyplace” processes and being able to capitalize on one’s set of life/work competencies while still maintaining academic rigor sets us apart from other programs.
What are your leisure activities? Leisure time? What is that? I’m also a student, working toward a doctorate in organizational leadership. But when I do get a few minutes to myself, I LOVE football, reading Stephen King novels, and hangin’ with my Executive Chef honey (especially when he cooks).
Favorite vacation spot:
Having just moved from Barbados (Eastern Caribbean), it’s hard to imagine any spot with more beautiful beaches on which to lounge! I can’t wait to go back as a tourist.
More on Elisa: I have been in the field of developing people since 1996 after having transitioned from bank management. My professional travels have taken me through the industries of food and beverage, health insurance, journalism, and now higher education. My degrees include a bachelor's degree in political science and a master's degree in organizational development. I also hold several certifications in training and development. Currently, I am pursuing my doctorate in organizational leadership, making me a student just like you. My family traveled around a lot when I was younger (my father worked for the government) and we eventually landed in Seattle, where I lived for the better part of 26 years. I truly consider Seattle my home. Currently I'm living in Vancouver, British Columbia with my partner, Patrick. In my free time, when I'm not studying, I enjoy reading, writing, and exploring my new home.
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