3 Mistakes MBA Aspirants Make In The Personal Interview For The Indian Institutes of Management

Blaming your College/School Professor for low scores: You are always 100% responsible for your grades. If you have low scores then don’t ever state that your teacher did not clarify the subject or rushed the topic. Do you think studies at IIM’s or any MBA institutes are designed to be studied in an easy relaxed spoon fed manner? Wrong the MBA curriculum is a real test of your abilities to stay awake and perform at your best. If you blame your teachers – you are out.

2. Blaming ill health: What are you LOSER NO 1? If exam days give you bad health, how will you be able to achieve corporate profit targets? Unless you are actually physically handicapped you cannot be expected to fall ill under mysterious circumstances whenever pressure builds around you. Even if you were truly sick - try to come out with some other reason for your lack of extra curricular activities or low scores.

3. State hobbies just for the heck of it: OK so you enjoy cricket. Do you know the technical details of the game? How many members are there in the BCCI governing council? The IIM professors do not appreciate mere couch potatoes. Hobbies are not merely for adding spice to your CV. State only 2 hobbies and try to learn everything there is to that hobby.

The MBA Personal Interview is actually tougher than job interviews. In job interviews they actually need manpower so they don’t ask tough questions. Here you are being SHORTLISTED against equally capable competitors so they are trying to find means to NOT SELECT you. So be careful with your replies.

Priyanka is a MBA from IIM- Bangalore and works as a communication specialist. Her website http://www.mbainterview.in provides useful tips for MBA aspirants to succeed in the MBA Group Discussion and Personal Interview.

Looking to Get a Raise: Get Your MBA

According to most salary researchers and guides, getting your MBA can mean a $10,000 to $30,000 salary increase, but don't let the numbers get you too excited about the possibilities; there are still other factors to consider when calculating the potential for and the size of a salary increase if you get your MBA.

Timing

Timing is everything when you're trying to get your MBA. If you get the degree too early in your career, you may have trouble finding a job that offers a salary comparable to what you deserve for your advanced degree. At the same time, if you wait too late, you simply may not need it or may not be able to find an employer willing to pay for you to go back to school.

A Free Degree

The advantage to working for one company for a while is that they may be willing to pay for your degree. Then, not only will you be getting a pay raise, but also you'll be getting a free degree out of the bargain that will come in handy in the future. Just realize that your current employer will want you to promise to stay for a certain amount of time or they won't pay for the degree. If you do leave the company early, you'll owe them the cost of at least part of your tuition and sometimes even a hefty interest payment. So, if you're thinking about leaving soon, think again about allowing the company to pay for your degree.

Get Some Real World Experience First

In most industries, experience is worth much more than a degree. If you're looking for a significant pay increase, it's best to work for a while before getting your Masters. Your experience will usually add quite a bit to your new pay, and it can be nice to start a new job with experience and credentials so that you get the highest salary possible starting out. Then, you have nowhere to go but up.

Is the Increase Worth It?

For some people, the salary increase simply isn't worth all the work. Perhaps you've already reached the top of your salary spectrum or maybe as a high ranking executive a simple MBA just doesn't make sense. You may want to choose a different degree that would better add to your experience and increase your knowledge.

For some people, though, getting a higher degree simply isn't reasonable. Maybe retirement is only another five years away - why bother now? Decide based on your schedule and needs whether an MBA is really worthwhile for your situation. Don't get a degree just because it's a popular thing to do.

Others may find that it makes sense to get a degree but they don't have time. If this describes your situation, consider getting a degree online. Most of the schools offer classes that are just as challenging, or more challenging, than those offered in traditional programs, and you can make the classes fit your schedule, not the other way around.

Before Signing Up

Before applying and paying for an MBA program, consider the following:

Is the timing right?

Can you get a free degree?

Do you have applicable real world experience?

Is the salary increase worth all that work?

When you've answered all the questions, then you'll be ready to decide whether or not an MBA program is right for you.

Review more industry related articles by Catherine Zandueta at CareersandEducation.com. Catherine Zandueta is a feature writer and often covers topics related to Campus Degree Programs and Career advice.

Consultancies return to MBA hiring

These days a top MBA is almost a prerequisite in order to reach senior or even mid-management levels at many of the major consulting firms. The leading strategy consultancies in particular have redoubled their recruiting efforts: McKinsey hired over five hundred MBAs in 2005 and this figure was set to rise in 2006; Booz Allen Hamilton, BCG, Bain and IBM Consulting all hired over one hundred MBAs in 2005 and were expecting increases again in 2006. By comparison, the larger banks have been hiring as few as two hundred MBAs a year and the numbers relating to the technology and industry sectors are significantly lower again.

According to the 2005 TopMBA.com Recruitment and Salary Survey, demand for MBAs in the consultancy sector rose by a colossal 35% in just twelve months (June 2004-5), and it’s a trend that looks set to continue. The dip in economy and the consulting market at the start of the decade meant that many consultants used the time to study for an MBA; now that the market is on the rise again, consultancies are looking to these MBA graduates with prior consulting experience to meet their needs.

More MBAs hired from non-consulting backgrounds.

There are also an increasing number of MBA graduates who are being hired from a non-consulting background. Cambridge University’s Judge Business School, for example, reports that in 2005 only 13% of those entering a consulting career post-MBA had previous experience in the field. Similarly, at INSEAD Business School in France the number of graduates being hired into consulting from different backgrounds, such as industry, rose from 36% to 47% in one year (2003-4). What is behind the change? Consultancies are recognising the diversity and wealth of experience and expertise that candidates from a non-consulting background can bring, particularly as the average age and work history of MBA students rises. There is an increasing need for consultants with specialist skills and knowledge and these attributes can often be acquired outside the consulting profession.

Strong UK market attracts more MBAs than anywhere else in Europe.

Demand for MBA graduates is particularly strong in the UK. The healthy economy and policy to attract highly skilled migrants make it the most popular destination for European MBA graduates. Overall the UK drew 23% of INSEAD students in 2005 and of those choosing to remain within western Europe, it attracted an enormous 37% (the next most popular destination being France with 18% and Germany with 8%).

Consulting remains a highly lucrative option for MBA graduates.

According to the 2005 annual report from the London Business School, earnings for consulting jobs outweighed those in both finance and industry, averaging at £65,000 per annum before bonuses. This compares with an average figure of £58,000 for those who found jobs in the finance sector and £55,000 for those in industry. Employees also received an average annual bonus of £25,000 and a sign-on bonus in the region of £10,500. Companies are also attempting to lure in the brightest graduates by offering a range of perks, from company cars to all-expenses-paid days out.

Lifestlye and choice are stronger motivations than salary.

Interestingly, though, the reason that are given by the majority of MBA graduates for making consulting their preferred career choice is not high salaries. According to the students, the real motivation for making the move into consulting is the career and lifestyle options it can bring – the opportunity to find a stimulating and varied role with the chance to progress in different directions.

This article has been provided by Mindbench. For more information about MBA Recruitment visit: http://www.mindbench.com/Consultants/MBA-Recruitment.aspx

Incredible But True: Twelve Completely Free MBA Courses

Incredible But True: Twelve Completely Free MBA Courses

Publishing Guidelines: You may publish my article in your newsletter, on your website or in your print publication provided you include the resource box at the end. Notification would be appreciated but is not required.

By S. Maurer

It seems incredible, but it is true.

The old Abet Open University created his non-profit Business Technology Open University - http://business-technology.us - totally free. Its operations are supported by ads - content oriented - of companies, inside the texts of the lessons. However, Business Technology is totally independent and without any connection with any manufacturer or consultant.

Its twelve free MBA courses are the following:

- MBA Business Administration & e-Company
- EMBA Executive Business Administration
- CIO Chief Information Officer
- ERP Enterprise Resources Planning
- CRM Customer Relationship Management
- SCM Supply Chain Management
- BI Business Intelligence & Data Mining
- BA Business Automation & Workflow Management
- HRM Human Resources Management
- CIMO Internet Marketing & Sales & e-Commerce
- Public Administration & e-Government
- PM Project Management.

Those 12 MBA courses are the so called Next-Generation because its teached matters are very modern, as the new management of companies and Governments, the new management technologies, etc.

Those courses are only in English and by correspondence, with 2 to 5 lessons a week and they durations varies from 1.5 up to 5.5 months. In the total they have 2,600 lessons and additionally more 11,000 complemental lessons, everything sent in e-mail attachments.

The pre-requirements for the registrations are one of the following:

- College/University graduated or in course to graduate, or

- Good job experience in the choiced MBA matter

and those registrations can be made individually or in groups of employees' of companies or Governments officers.

In the moment Business Technology already has 193,000 students from the entire World, and the projection for the end of this year is of more 400,000 students.

The business in the Internet more and more are of that model, some thing free be financed by ads in the sites. The booming Google is like this... This Business Technology model is the same, but financed by ads published inside the texts of the lessons. That is to say, free education financed by ads in the lessons, and more and more we will see this education model in the Internet in a not very distante future.

We believe that in more 5 to 10 years this will be a very standard education procedure used by a lot of open universities together with the accredited ones. A matter to think.

S. Maurer is a 53-years old college graduated IT professional, with 30 years of experience in the computer & technology business. Now is the Correspondence Courses Director of the Abet Open University: http://mba-open-university.net and http://distance-learning-mba-online-mba-program-executive-jobs.net

What are the Benefits of an MBA?

The more appropriate question is, how will an MBA benefit you? To answer that, you need to have a clear understanding of yourself and your career goals. There are many career benefits of an MBA and people get the degree for different reasons. Some of the most common reasons fall into these general categories...

Advancing your career:

An MBA can help you move up in your current job in regards to responsibility and/or pay. You might have to pay for the degree on your own in hopes of a promotion, but sometimes employers will encourage more education and reimburse your tuition costs. An MBA can also increase job security with your current employer or within your current industry. If nothing else, MBA programs can provide good networking opportunities. Getting an MBA is an excellent way to advance your career.

Changing your career:

Often getting an MBA can lead to a career change. The MBA is considered a management degree and can prepare you for management-level positions. Good management is needed in every industry, and an MBA can give you autonomy to move across industries. Also, many programs have specializations or are specialized in their industry focus (ex: Healthcare MBA). Getting a specific MBA can make you more marketable within that specialized area.

Starting your own business:

A significant number of the students that pursue an MBA do it to eventually start their own business. While an MBA is not required to be an entrepreneur or to start a business, it can be a huge benefit. The MBA, by its very nature, covers a broad set of business topics. It is good to know a little of everything if you own a business. There is no doubt that what you learn in an MBA program will be applicable to running your own business.

Developing your business expertise:

Earning an MBA will increase your business knowledge and add to your expertise. While some people do not have a specific career goal in mind, they know that an MBA will help them. An MBA is a very versatile degree. Most programs welcome and even prefer applicants with non-business backgrounds. An MBA combined with just about any other field of study will enhance the degree holder's business savvy or management skill within that field. An MBA is also acceptable if you plan on going on for a PhD. Most schools recognize it as a professional degree as well as an academic degree.

This is not a comprehensive list of all the benefits of an MBA. Certainly there may be benefits that are not mentioned here. Again, the key is to not just look at the MBA benefits, but how these benefits match your career objectives. Doing that will really make these benefits of an MBA, benefits to you.

Christian LeCheminant is an advocate of the Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. He holds an MBA from Southern Utah University (SUU). For more MBA information, visit http://www.mba-options.com

 

What Do I Need to Take an Online MBA Course?

Most online MBA courses are commonly put together to meet the needs of working students with undergraduate degrees in business related programs, as well as those with undergraduate degrees outside the area of business. Depending on the student's prior education in business, most online MBA courses have a 30 credit program, that can often be completed in as little as two years. Depending on the learning institution, students may transfer in up to 6 credits towards their MBA.

In order to know what you need to take an online MBA course, you should first understand how online MBA courses work. All work in the online classrooms is completed and submitted through the computer. Written work is usually submitted as an email attachment. Just like in a traditional classroom, students are often expected to read any textbook material prior to the due date specified in his/her syllabus or course calendar. Class participation is commonly expected from each student in order to successfully pass each course.

It is not uncommon to finish an entire MBA degree program from the comfort of your own home. But if you desire to have a personal meeting with your professor, you are normally welcome to schedule one. The only thing you need in order to take an MBA course is a computer and the desire. The computer would need to be internet ready, with the capability to send email attachments. Depending on the specific institution, windows 95 or greater is necessary.

Registering for an online MBA course is fairly simple. It is basically the same process you endure when you intend to apply for your education through a classroom. You must submit a completed application to the learning institution. Your application fee, and a copy of your resume should accompany the application, as well as any undergraduate and graduate transcripts. Very often your GMAT exam scores will also be necessary. If you already have a Master's Degree from an accredited college, you may not be required to take the GMAT exam. That will depend on the individual learning institution.

Online MBA courses can be costly, but as long as the institution is accredited, financial aid is available. Financial assistance is often available in the form of loans, grants, and scholarships. To apply for grants, you need to fill out the federal FAGSA form, as well as check with your school's financial aid office for aid they may offer. Sometimes, even veteran's benefits may be available to the student. After registering for the online MBA course, it is always best to visit the school's financial assistance office, or visit that section of their web page for available scholarships and grants.

Understanding the processes and procedures of online MBA courses is important before you enroll. With an internet ready computer, a desire to learn, online MBA courses could be perfect from you. With online MBA courses, you can get the degree you desire from the comfort of your own home

Mansi aggarwal recommends that you visit http://www.ombag.net/2005/12/how_does_and_on.html for more information on online MBA course

MBA International Business Management Online

The Online MBA in International Business prepares students for business climates around the world. In accelerated programs of study, some Online MBA International Business degree programs can be completed in just months. Students will select International Business as their area of concentration for the Online MBA in International Business degree and, with the assistance of an advisor, develop a course of study that sets your career goals on the fast track.

The MBA in International Business degree program prepares students for professions in the global arena, focusing on the challenges that confront international and global markets. MBA in International Business studies will address such subjects as analysis of international trade and finance, global marketing strategies, management practices in the international marketplaces, and other subjects that enhance studies for a well-rounded MBA in International Business degree.

Students in an Online MBA in International Business program can expect to study international financial management, international marketing, international management, as well as other subjects. Anticipated studies will address international finance, currency, international banking systems, and foreign exchange markets; and legal, economical, cultural, and political environments of various markets.

Students acquiring the Online MBA in International Business will be prepared as professionals with opportunities in many professions, such as international sales, global distribution, international management, and international trade.

Online Ph.D. in International Business Administration programs are also available. Coursework focuses on issues of shifting outlooks for international business, international trade, international business, international finance, international economics, as well as other considerations relating to international business.

Search the options at www.schoolsgalore.com for an Online MBA in International Business school that suits your expectations and needs.

Michael Bustamante, in association with Media Positive Communications, Inc. for SchoolsGalore.com

M. Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Find MBA International Business Management Online at SchoolsGalore.com; meeting your needs as your educational resource to locate schools.

Managing Your Executive MBA Online

There really is no limit when it comes to furthering a career path and getting an executive MBA online. Whether an individual is in a certain field or on their way, earning a Master's degree shows a level of commitment to staying at the top of one's game. Earning a Master's degree is not only about learning new business skills but learning leadership skills as well.

To enter an MBA program an individual should have good education and work experience to stand on. This can often deter the less confident but for those looking to achieve, it is simply one of the steps to success. Many choose to earn their Master's not only to further their career but also to challenge themselves and gain personal satisfaction.

For some, the price tag that comes with earning an MBA can be a point of concern. However, with none of the extra fees that come with attending an onsite campus, getting an executive MBA online can be quite cost effective. Classes are ready whenever the student is ready, meaning there is no need to try and fit a scheduled set of classes into an already full agenda.

Plus, a Master's degree can see an individual right into the arms of an executive position where the yearly salary greatly offsets the cost of the program. MBA graduates can see themselves with salaries that start out in the high five-figure range to six figures with ease. This does not include sign on bonuses and other perks.

After getting an executive MBA online, individuals will find their career options are much wider compared to those who only have work experience. It is not uncommon for employees already with a company of their choice to find themselves rising up the ladder with relative ease. Getting a Master's degree can keep one from seeing their career hit a dead end.

With the cost of online learning being so low, many companies that offer tuition reimbursement programs often encourage their employees to earn their degree in this way. More and more companies have come to realize that time is an important commodity to all working adults and attending onsite classes are an added burden. With curriculums identical to onsite schools, many employers recognize an online degree as completely legitimate.

Instructors with real world experience often teach online classes. This translates into a curriculum that is practical and useful. It does away with the extras and focuses learning on the real skills a student needs to succeed in the workplace.

Online learning is also especially attractive to those who have spent many years in the workforce and are uninterested in re entering a classroom environment. Plus, by the time one spends a number of years employed, taking a course without immediate classroom instruction rarely presents a problem. In fact, it may even enhance the learning experience.

Those looking to earn their Master's degree in business would be wise to stick with only accredited programs. This ensures that once the required curriculum is completed in a satisfactory manner, an individual's credentials will be legitimately recognized. Programs can be accredited at both state and federal levels; plus, they may be likely to offer some sort of tuition assistance.

Of the many who earn their executive MBA online, it is said the majority would repeat their experience all over again. The benefits that come with online learning, both in time management and practical skills, ends up being well worth the effort for the majority of graduates. It not only helps boost a career to high levels, it also markedly increases confidence.

Andy West is a writer for Grand Canyon University, which offers an accredited Executive MBA online program. Visit Grand Canyon University to learn more about online MBA programs.

Top Online MBA Program - Degree Above The Rest

 

When looking to earn a Master's degree in business and administration it is only natural to want the top online MBA program available. Completing a degree with a prestigious institution not only looks great on a list of credentials, it also boosts confidence and career opportunities. Finding the best business schools can be as simple as going online but choosing one will require plenty of careful research.

It is common knowledge that the requirement for obtaining certain positions within a company is likely to require some sort of college degree. However, for the individual who is looking to take the lead in an executive position, acquiring a Master's degree in business and administration is the way to success. Now that online MBA programs have emerged, getting this sought after credential is easier than ever.

When it comes to choosing a top online MBA program, many assume that a well-known name is all that is needed for a curriculum to be of good quality. However, there are a number of other aspects for prospective students to consider besides the name. These aspects have to do not only with the program but the student as well.

For the student who is unable to travel or relocate, an online MBA program makes perfect sense. With no campus extras to pay for, these programs can also be quite cost effective, as students will only need to pay for the resources they use. It is also a plus for many that the curriculum is set up on an easy to read syllabus and there are no impossibly strict schedules to adhere to.

Online learning is also a good alternative for the busy working adult who has little time or interest in returning to a classroom environment. Plus, with no classroom to spend class-time in, companies often prefer and recommend this type of learning to employees who are interested in earning an MBA. Since online curriculums are as solid as any onsite college, the degree that is earned from an online program is just as reputable as any other in the eyes of employers.

A top online MBA program has a well-rounded curriculum that is engaging and relevant to students. The knowledge gained should not only be up to date but also practical. It should instill students with just the expertise they will need to take on the world of business administration and win.

Each person who goes into earning an MBA has their own expectations and the best online program will be one that matches those needs completely. Like a pair of shoes, a program that is too big or too small will not make a good fit. Those who plan to invest their time and money into such an endeavor need to make doubly sure the program they choose fits their field, interests and price range.

There are a number of websites that readily list online Master's degree programs. This allows an individual to learn about a school's online curriculum and compare them side-by-side. The majority of these lists offer not only national programs but international programs as well. They may even list second tier options as well.

For many, a top online MBA program can be the beginning or a great boost to a fantastic career. While the earning power that comes with an MBA can hardly be ignored, it is still important that an individual go into a program with honest intentions for their future. Choosing an online program that is challenging yet gratifying will always give better results than a program that is chosen merely on name alone.

Andy West is a writer for Grand Canyon University, which offers a top online MBA program. Visit Grand Canyon University to learn more about their MBA programs.