Have been working for a year now, so everything is kind of routine after a time...

My company is about engineering-software-consulting, most of the time I just process and integrate all kinds of data from all sources and use customized softwares to generate deliverables. While, I'm a quick do-er, and could always use little tricks to improve productivity here and there, so I would say I'm on top of my group. But, I know it's not good for me to enjoy this comfort zone Have been trying to teach myself some VB/VC/Java, but I don't think I could take programming as a path, which may pay a little higher than the role I'm currently playing...

I'm an out-going person and care about office politics, although no much politics for me to play now...I'm just thinking to myself, would a second degree, like MBA, give me more strength and help my "career"? Took GMAT last Feb. and got a so-so score, maybe I could give it a shot? At least I wouldn't feel that guilty knowing I have "wasted" all my after-work time (just watching TV, surfing the internet, shopping and stuff)?

At this time, I can't afford the luxury to attend school to learn fashion&beauty for fun, which I would dream to do one day, though :P

I know HuangNiLuo mm is taking MBA classes part time and wrote some useful posts about this...Ayanami is doing this too, I believe...And many many others on this board...

Could anybody share some opinions/thoughts on this? It would be wonderful to hear some real stories.

Any inputs are highly appreciated!!! //Bow & Thanks a ton!

[此贴子已经被作者于2004-7-23 11:40:07编辑过]

It is all depend on yourself. However, more comments will be helpful.

所有的工作都是无聊的，不要做梦了
即使让你去学fashion，beauty，学一会儿你也会烦的。
自己定自己的目标，然后坚定的朝着那个方向走，不要受别人影响。

I worked for 3 years in US and then quit the job to attend an MBA program, and I would say it is really fulfilling. My vision was completely broadened, not just from a business perspective. If you have some leisure time and want to have some progress in career, I would say MBA certainly is not a bad idea. To get into a really good MBA program, by which I mean top 10 or so, maybe you need to pass GMAT 700 bar. Other than that it all depends your work experience and luck if you are not a green card holder. And keep in mind, application itself is also a very demanding job. Almost like a labor job for me:)

以下是引用yellowtaxi在2004-7-24 9:47:13的发言：
I worked for 3 years in US and then quit the job to attend an MBA program, and I would say it is really fulfilling. My vision was completely broadened, not just from a business perspective. If you have some leisure time and want to have some progress in career, I would say MBA certainly is not a bad idea. To get into a really good MBA program, by which I mean top 10 or so, maybe you need to pass GMAT 700 bar. Other than that it all depends your work experience and luck if you are not a green card holder. And keep in mind, application itself is also a very demanding job. Almost like a labor job for me:)

thanks for sharing! May I ask when you'll finish your MBA? Or you already begin your new work?

To quit my job and enroll in school full time is not an option for me.
The best MBA school in town is in Emory University, to get into its part-time program will make me very happy...I may prepare for the application soon, so if everything goes smoothly, I could again "go back" school next fall (not sure if it has spring admittion)...

以下是引用zegnia在2004-7-24 4:37:28的发言：
所有的工作都是无聊的，不要做梦了
即使让你去学fashion，beauty，学一会儿你也会烦的。
自己定自己的目标，然后坚定的朝着那个方向走，不要受别人影响。

Thanks!

Actually, I don't feel bored at work. Although it's not difficult nor challenging, it still makes me feel content and accomplished seeing my quick and correct delievable got appreciated. But I don't want to stay in this comfort zone.

I don't have a clear career goal, 'coz I know it's not practical. How could I imagine myself managing a project (product/budget/people), negotiating with the clients, and competing with Americans in socials, at least not in the near future...I feel intimadated if I want to advance this path...

Maybe a part-time MBA program could help me learn more "common sense" and crash my subtle fears?

Speaking of Emory....This school is extremely desparate to recruit students. Espeically when you have a high GMAT score, say, around 750. A large number of Chinese MBA students there get over 80% scholarship.....If you want to stick to Atlanta local after graduation, Emory is a good choice. However, recruiters from other major cities rarely come to Emory.

以下是引用justag在2004-7-24 11:01:48的发言：

以下是引用yellowtaxi在2004-7-24 9:47:13的发言：
I worked for 3 years in US and then quit the job to attend an MBA program, and I would say it is really fulfilling. My vision was completely broadened, not just from a business perspective. If you have some leisure time and want to have some progress in career, I would say MBA certainly is not a bad idea. To get into a really good MBA program, by which I mean top 10 or so, maybe you need to pass GMAT 700 bar. Other than that it all depends your work experience and luck if you are not a green card holder. And keep in mind, application itself is also a very demanding job. Almost like a labor job for me:)

thanks for sharing! May I ask when you'll finish your MBA? Or you already begin your new work?

To quit my job and enroll in school full time is not an option for me.
The best MBA school in town is in Emory University, to get into its part-time program will make me very happy...I may prepare for the application soon, so if everything goes smoothly, I could again "go back" school next fall (not sure if it has spring admittion)...

I am supposed to finish it in 2005, but for personal reasons, I have to delay to 2006. Interestingly enough, I was in Atlanta before I quit my job:)

[此贴子已经被作者于2004-7-24 15:00:18编辑过]

i was just reading your post, and your situation is almost exactly the same as mine...except
for slight differences in job responsibilities. i am thinking about this too, and for some time
now. i am still knee deep in apply for my h1b. my background is in cs, and i want to
explore other opportunities instead of a programmer. i guess my plans are not as structured or definitive as yours. since i have zero background in business, i was thinking
about taking general business courses, and see if this route (an eventual MBA) suits
me. i am very happy to see your post and i will be glad to share my stories if i get any
further. good luck to us all!

[此贴子已经被作者于2004-7-24 17:21:48编辑过]

We didn't grow up in a pure market economy and chinese culture doesn't encourage kids to figure out what their real interest is. Therefore, MBA program is a real eye-opener for me. When I started the program, I may had "certain" ambition, however, now I really care about what I REALLY wanna do in the future(long term). My focus shifts to living the lifestyle I desire :) I'm working on it.

以下是引用HuangNiLuo在2004-7-24 21:19:11的发言：
We didn't grow up in a pure market economy and chinese culture doesn't encourage kids to figure out what their real interest is. Therefore, MBA program is a real eye-opener for me. When I started the program, I may had "certain" ambition, however, now I really care about what I REALLY wanna do in the future(long term). My focus shifts to living the lifestyle I desire :) I'm working on it.

thanks, HuangNiLuo mm!

how does it feel to handle your work and study at the same time? Are you still as productive at work as before? And, did you sense any quicker career advancement already?

Any more detailed stories? :) Pls. don't call me greedy :P

以下是引用bbcat在2004-7-24 14:58:30的发言：
Speaking of Emory....This school is extremely desparate to recruit students. Espeically when you have a high GMAT score, say, around 750. A large number of Chinese MBA students there get over 80% scholarship.....If you want to stick to Atlanta local after graduation, Emory is a good choice. However, recruiters from other major cities rarely come to Emory.

You are so familar with Emory?

Before I get my GC (errrhhh, 5 years, or 6 years later?), I don't think I can work anywhere else 'coz my hubby's work oppertunity is quite limited...If I choose to enrol part time, maybe I could ask for some tuition reimbersement from my company.

My GMAT score is a little below 700 (//blush), keep my fingers crossed

以下是引用justag在2004-7-24 22:32:38的发言：

以下是引用HuangNiLuo在2004-7-24 21:19:11的发言：
We didn't grow up in a pure market economy and chinese culture doesn't encourage kids to figure out what their real interest is. Therefore, MBA program is a real eye-opener for me. When I started the program, I may had "certain" ambition, however, now I really care about what I REALLY wanna do in the future(long term). My focus shifts to living the lifestyle I desire :) I'm working on it.

thanks, HuangNiLuo mm!

how does it feel to handle your work and study at the same time? Are you still as productive at work as before? And, did you sense any quicker career advancement already?

Any more detailed stories? :) Pls. don't call me greedy :P

Working full time and going to school is by no means easy. And my work requires me to travel now and then. My friends call me super woman :P Of course I'm still very productive, coz, think about it, if your performance deteriorate, what your boss is going to think? They can always find another person.

Therefore, you have to think it over as it's a commitment for years. My dean said on my orientation day:"Let me show my condolence to your family for next 3 yrs" :D

MBA provides you more options, however, career advancement will come only after one person's hard work. I haven't started job hunting yet...

Working full time and going to school is by no means easy. And my work requires me to travel now and then. My friends call me super woman :P Of course I'm still very productive, coz, think about it, if your performance deteriorate, what your boss is going to think? They can always find another person.

Therefore, you have to think it over as it's a commitment for years. My dean said on my orientation day:"Let me show my condolence to your family for next 3 yrs" :D

MBA provides you more options, however, career advancement will come only after one person's hard work. I haven't started job hunting yet...

did you get full tuition reimbersment from your current company? after you take MBA, did you feel that your bosses favor you more?

I wil go dig your other posts about this :) Thanks!

[此贴子已经被作者于2004-7-25 21:11:30编辑过]