Job Responsibilities
I was responsible for leading a team that planned 3 new venues for
the on campus dining services. The venues included a coffee shop,
fastfood outlet, and a buffet. Tasks included sourcing equipment
for operations, supplies, planning/design of the venues,
developing budget and forecast, creating manuals for staff
training and development and operating proceedures. The venues
were developed incrementally. The fastfood outlet first, then the
coffee shop, then the buffet. Approximately 50% of my time was
devoted to planning the development of the venues.
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Job Requirements
I chose to take a 'gap year' from work to work on a MBA. I felt
that I had reached a plateau in my career, and, felt that it would
be beneficial to have a graduate degree. Although there are many
outstanding programs here in the US, I felt that to gain a truer
'international focus', I would have to do the program outside of
the US. And,although in the past, an 'American' MBA carried a lot
more cache, I honestly feel that some programs in the UK and
Europe have leveled the field. First, there is the
internationality of the class (we had 28 nationalities in my
program), secondly, many of the programs can be done in a year.
This does provide for an intensive 1 year. And, while some do not
have formal 'summer internships', working with outside firms for
projects is a staple in many programs (I consulted with 2 firms on
my course)
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Uppers
As far a a current job, I have not taken a position yet. The main benefit about
having done an MBA outside of the US, is the contacts that it brings. I am
considering paths both in the field I was in before,and also in new areas.
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Downers
They say that you shouldn't undertake an MBA to decide what you
want to do with your life. And, I firmly believe that is true. I
thought I knew which path I did want to take prior to the degree.
However, the exposure to different industries, and individuals
creates new opportunities for growth. The main challenge now is to
do some serious introspection and to determine what my longer term
aspirations are and how I can best postion myself to get there.
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Lifestyle
I know that I want to eventually find a position that will allow balance in my
life. I realize that I still have time and effort to put in to reach that. I have
been told by many (even before doing the MBA) that I was a 'life-long learner',
that I challenged myself and took risks. I really don't feel like a risk taker, I
do enjoy challenging myself, in my abilities and beliefs. I know that I will seek
opportunities that will continue to do so.
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Compensation
Not able to comment at this time. However, paths that I am
exploring offer good compensation and benefits. Having said that,
my main reason for pursuing the MBA was not so that I could make
more money. It was, first and foremost, a personal challenge. Are
the possible increases in salary appealing? Sure. But, one doesn't
need a graduate degree to make a comfortable living.
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Advice to Jobseekers
Don't undertake an MBA to make lots of money. Sure, all the
schools will promote the 'after MBA' salary comparisons. If you
want to gain a skill set that provides you with the abilities to
contribute to not only professional aspirations, but, personal
ones as well, then the MBA can provide that. When you look for a
school, look at the rankings, student feedback, and also at what
areas the school focuses on. A top tier school does have its
connections, and prestigue. However, there are substantial
opportunities at other institutions as well.
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