...Pursuing a Masters of Business Administration The decision to pursue my Masters of Business Administration (MBA) degree started out as a requirement to be successful in my field of study. It quickly evolved into a desire to achieve a personal goal. Whereas in undergraduate school, the emphasis was on completing a MBA or sitting for the CPA exam. As an Accounting major, there did not appear to be too many options after graduation. As I was preparing for graduation, my brother was admonishing me to continue to Graduate School. At the time I viewed him as a father figure to me. Ordinarily, I listened to everything he had advised me to do. Unfortunately, this time I did not. I was not focus on continuing my education and had no desire at that time to pursue a secondary degree. My thought process quickly changed as I entered the workforce. Goals do not need to be assigned, as people also set goals on their own. Self-set goals, however, are often influence by others, for example, when goals are conjointly set (e.g. in participative decision-making and employee involvement; Wilpert, 1994), or when goals are adopted from highly respected models (e.g. adopting standards for self-reward; Mischel & Liebert, 1966). Cantor & Fleeson (1994) point out that social context cues, such as normative expectations of the social community, also influence goal selection. I am a very determined and goal-oriented individual. Like most people, I have written and re-written my five and 10 year-plan...
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...Pursuing an MBA University of Phoenix MGT 521 February 22, 2009 I have been working for a long time in the field of accounting and enjoyed the benefits that the job has provided but these benefits greatly increase once certified. “Becoming a Certified Public Accountant is not easy. It requires a higher education commitment than most other career paths. To qualify for certification, one must meet the requirements of the state or jurisdiction where they wish to practice”(Accounting News & Research, 2009). In Oregon this includes a master’s degree (Becker Review, 2009). In order to fulfill my goal and become a CPA, I would need to complete an MBA program. Deciding to further my education has always been in the front of my mind. In present time the need for a higher education is greater than ever. “According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, recent data states that the financial difference between a high school diploma and a bachelor's degree is over $350 a week and master’s $150 dollars over that” (Mary Anne Benson, 2009). In accounting, Robert & Half Robert Half International posted in their 2009 Salary Guide that these earnings can be up to 10% more than non-CPA accountants performing similar tasks. Having the higher degree means that one will be more likely to provide a better life for his or her self and have other opportunities in the future like promotions, increased responsibilities and job security. I have known from a young age...
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...Construct and Support an Argument Earning an M.B.A. can open up many windows of opportunities that may prove to be beneficial during school as well as upon completion of the program; if the individual have the drive and determination to complete the journey. Among the potential rewards that new MBA graduates can gain are improved personal skills, expanded career options and an increase in earning power. The actual benefits, of course, depend on a wide range of factors and will be different for each graduate (Davis & Taylor, 2004). The purpose of this paper is to construct and support an argument on my decision to pursue an MBA degree. I will further explain the Jungian Personality self-assessment on how others perceive me. Decision to Pursue an MBA I decided to pursue my M.B.A. because I realized that I needed more than my bachelor’s degree to afford me the opportunity to start a new career. For example, after viewing the employment postings at my job and other companies, I realized that it would be to my advantage to further my education in order to obtain a position in certain fields. I also wanted to gain additional knowledge in business field in order to support my husband’s vision of opening a restaurant. Having an M.B.A. degree can also add to my current leadership skills. The highly developed training in writing paper, presenting presentations and group projects will allow me to use the skills learned to deal with business situations in my current job and future...
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...Pursuing My MBA Pursuing My MBA May 6, 2008 Introduction One of my many dreams has always been to completing my education. As a single parent raising two boys, and working fulltime, it was a dream of mine to earn a college degree. Finally, I had the courage to get my undergraduate degree at the age of 49 from Jacksonville University. I considered myself lucky because several professors truly made quite an impact in my life. They advised me to pursue the MBA after one year of rest, in order for me to get some of my personal affairs in order. My former professors perceive me to be an outgoing person with a vision and a low tolerance for incompetence. They often refer to me as a natural leader. Possible career as a manager, I did not want to risk having my plans ruined. I thought long and hard to analyze the time it would take me to complete the MBA and the time I had to give up to accomplish my dream. My decision to pursue an MBA degree was more on considering the benefits of an MBA degree and the opportune time to do it. I decided that it made more sense to wait a year rather than pursue immediately after earning my undergraduate degree. I knew that choosing to pursue an MBA would basically open up new career opportunities. Some of my concerns were getting back into studying and test-taking mode, which doesn't always come naturally after some time away from it. I’m fully aware that attending work and taking classes at the same time can be a heavy...
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...Why Pursue an MBA? MGT/521 Why Pursue an MBA? Deciding to pursue an MBA degree can be a daunting decision, especially after recently completing an undergraduate degree. Many positives and negatives to consider before making such a life altering decision. This essay will examine several casual circumstances on both sides and answer the question, “Why Pursue an MBA?” Reasons for pursuing an MBA are: 1. Pursuing an MBA is a long-term goal. 2. Pursuing an MBA can assist in a needed career change. 3. An MBA can lead to more money in the job market. Reasons against pursuing an MBA are: 1. The time, cost, and commitment requirements involved. 2. No guarantees that earning an MBA will lead to advancement on the job. 3. A perception exists that there are to many MBAs in the job market. Reasons for Pursuing an MBA Deciding to pursue an MBA has been a long-term goal for some time. Most long-term goals are often never realized. As a result of the 9/11 tragedy the government decided to assist veterans who wanted to continue his or her education. This assistance and the downturn of the economy placed this long-term goal squarely in the forefront. This scenario fell into place, as career change thoughts were starting to surface. Pursuing an MBA can assist in a needed career change. In 2008 the United States economy and the housing market begin to severely decline. This was just four years after embarking on a rewarding and lucrative...
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...Advantages and Disadvantages of Pursuing an MBA Advantages and Disadvantages of Pursing an MBA The decision to pursue a Master’s in Business Administration is a difficult, personal decision. In fact, I categorize it as a life changing decision. For instance, this decision is like most major decisions people make. Whether the decision is over buying a home, changing careers, starting a family or buying that dream car, it is usually laced with advantages and disadvantages, pros and cons, and benefits and consequences. Whether or not those advantages and disadvantages are tangible, quantifiable and measurable, most would agree that they exist and they sometimes have life changing affects. For example, some people think that it is a disadvantage to buy a home because it usually results in one securing a long-term loan whereby a monetary commitment is required from the borrower or homeowner. If this commitment is broken or one is unable to pay as agreed, the borrower or homeowner can lose valuable assets, seriously hinder their ability to borrow money in the future and be looked upon by the banking and financial community as a liability or risk. On the other hand, or some of the advantages of buying a home may result in credit worthiness, proves that you are trustworthy, disciplined and according to Weintrub (2010), “gives one a sense of pride in ownership, stability and security” (para. 2.). With the above mention in mind, I will explore my personal advantages and disadvantages...
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...Decision to Pursue MBA Degree Dorothy Hall MGT/521-Management August 5, 2010 Professor John Quesnel Decision to Pursue MBA Degree Deciding to pursue a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) degree is an important decision that should not be taken lightly. The master’s program is challenging and will take time from an individual’s personal life. An MBA can further a career, begin a new career, or fulfill a personal goal. In contemplating whether to obtain an MBA degree, I had to decide what value this degree would afford me. In obtaining this degree, it would further my education and could definitely be an asset to any future career choice that I may undertake when I retire from State Farm Insurance in a couple of years. In constructing and supporting this argument on whether to pursue an MBA, as a choice, I used the Jungian Personality Self-Assessment to foster insight into possible career paths and how other individuals perceive me. The self-assessment of the Jungian personality gives an individual through 16 personality types a better understanding of him or herself. The assessment measures thinking styles of individuals, modes of dealing with information and interactions for potential managers in group settings. My personality type was the INFP result that describes individuals reserved, creative, and highly idealistic with a possible career as an architect, journalist, educational consultant, missionary, actor, artist, and poet. I agreed with some...
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...business. They also are looking for managers to step in with the knowledge and expertise to be efficient in managing others and their business. The reason for pursuing a Masters in Business Administration degree is to start a new career. “Equipping yourself with an MBA degree during the phase of slow down helps you to position yourself strategically when the upturn begins” (Saxena). The argument will be based on personal and professional goals for getting an MBA, including: family, leadership skills, develop into a marketable asset, better career prospects, job progression, and to gain the skills to adapt to the changing workforce. Furthermore the argument will analyze the personal perception and perception of others regarding the Jungian assessment. Having both personal and professional goals set will help someone accomplish the great opportunity of pursuing an MBA to start a new career. A personal goal for pursuing an MBA could be for the betterment of a family. Pursuing an MBA is not solely for the individual, but it is also to give their family a better life. Keeping family in mind and at the forefront will lead to success because God and family are excellent motivational tools. Another personal goal could be to gain better leadership skills so an individual can succeed in and out of the workplace. Pursuing an MBA will “hone you to survive despite recession, and helps you to...
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...Top Three Reasons Not to Get an MBA There is no question that everyone in today’s market was affected by the recession. According to Kimberly Amadeo, “An economic recession is when growth slows, usually due to a fall-off in consumer demand. As sales drop off, businesses stop expanding. As unemployment rises, and consumer purchases fall off even more, housing prices usually decline” (Amadeo n.d, What is Economic Recession? Para. 1). Many Americans have elected to go back to school and further their education toward an MBA to be more competitive in the job market. However, there are reasons pursuing an MBA or any grad degree may not be the best option. Such objections include cost of tuition, time spent away from work and family, and the job availability after graduation. Cost of Tuition The stress of paying the house, car, and credit cards can be overwhelming. Also individuals need to think about the cost of pursuing a higher education. “Although the cost of an MBA degree can very, the average tuition for a two-year MBA program exceeds $60,000” (Schwietzer, 2011. How Much Does It Cost to Earn an MBA? Para. 2). Many individuals will have to get a loan and pay interest for a considerable time. Also the cost of tuition continues to rise. “ Though MBA programs have multi-million dollar operating budgets, schools say tuition revenues cover less than half of their annual expenses, making cost-hiking a necessary evil. Each year, B-school tuition...
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...Pursuit of an MBA Marvin Conway MGT/521 1 April 2010 Construct and Support an Argument Decision to Pursue an MBA To some, pursuing higher education is a waste of money and time. Others, such as me, may argue that it is an accomplishment and the benefits from acquiring a degree are worth the efforts and hard work. With the current national unemployment rate at 9.7% (US Department of Labor, Feb 2010) and steadily rising, it seems improbable that finding that “ideal” job is likely. During these tough economic times, I find myself with a bachelor’s degree at a low paying job with a child to take care of. It is because of this situation that I have chosen to pursue a Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) degree with an emphasis in Accounting; receiving higher education could be the answer to my problem. According to the job outlook by education 2006-16 (Occupational Outlook Quarterly), increased earnings and lower rates of unemployment are trends associated with additional levels of education (Liming & Wolf, 2008). After taking the Jungian 16-Type Personality Self-Assessment test, scoring ISTJ, I found that my results support my decision to pursue my MBA with an emphasis in Accounting. A person scoring ISTJ are found to be organized, compulsive, private, trustworthy, and practical people. Their possible career choices are office manager, accountant, business manager, tax agent, and public servant (Pearson Prentice Hall, 2007). I recognize that I possess...
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...Opportunity Cost of getting an MBA and Economic Factors to consider while taking a degree The opportunity cost of getting an MBA is what one must forego as a result of the resolution to pursue an MBA. Acquiring an MBA has potential career flexibility and advancement opportunities. This, however, gets accompanied by a huge price tag. Inflation has been outgrown by the higher education costs in America. Acquisition of an MBA has combined tuition costs with accommodation and stationery costs (John & Scott 112). MBAs can incur between 100 and 200 thousand dollars in expenses and debts in a two-year period. An annual tuition fee of 30,000 dollars can be increased with 10,000 dollars in additional boarding and stationery expenses. Moreover, a lot of programs necessitate the purchase of laptops in addition to costly overseas trips. Such "peripheral" costs can lead to semester expenditure double the tuition. To earn an MBA at an acceptable cost, it is advisable to pursue programs at public universities as they offer a less expensive option compared to the expensive private business school that lead one into educational debt. Some major companies and corporations assume partial or the full costs of an MBA program. It is advisable to pursue such an alternative as an MBA program is a capital-intensive effort that should be undertaken with diligence. Economics factors when pursuing a degree or taking another route in life Investing in oneself by pursuing a degree provides one with...
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...Top Three Reasons Not to Get an MBA Shaun Hamilton MGT/521 March 30, 2012 Gary Maxa Top Three Reasons Not to Get an MBA There is no question that everyone in today’s market was affected by the recession. According to Kimberly Amadeo, “An economic recession is when growth slows, usually due to a fall-off in consumer demand. As sales drop off, businesses stop expanding. As unemployment rises, and consumer purchases fall off even more, housing prices usually decline” (Amadeo n.d, What is Economic Recession? Para. 1). Many Americans have elected to go back to school and further their education toward an MBA to be more competitive in the job market. However, there are reasons pursuing an MBA or any grad degree may not be the best option. Such objections include cost of tuition, time spent away from work and family, and the job availability after graduation. Cost of Tuition The stress of paying the house, car, and credit cards can be overwhelming. Also individuals need to think about the cost of pursuing a higher education. “Although the cost of an MBA degree can very, the average tuition for a two-year MBA program exceeds $60,000” (Schwietzer, 2011. How Much Does It Cost to Earn an MBA? Para. 2). Many individuals will have to get a loan and pay interest for a considerable time. Also the cost of tuition continues to rise. “ Though MBA programs have multi-million dollar operating budgets, schools say tuition revenues...
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...Writing an Argument The purpose of this assignment is to raise and counter objectives regarding the decision to get an MBA. The impact of education on earning potential and job security will be examined. The paper will also discuss how raising and countering objections has helped inform my own decision to get an MBA and the reasons I have decided to go back to school. Objectives will be raised for reasons not to pursue a graduate degree and referenced information will be sited to support the content of the paper. Raising Objections to Pursue MBA As children we were taught the value of education and the importance of obtaining a college degree to be successful. At such a young age it may have been difficult to fully grasp how the proper education could shape ones future but with age comes wisdom and understanding. Many people go to college and obtain associate and bachelor degrees but a master’s degree can definitely make you stand out amongst a group of qualified applicants. “In this job market, anything that differentiates you is helpful” (Stires, 2010, pg. 3). Pursuing a Master’s degree takes dedication and tenacity and these efforts are recognized by potential employers. There is a clear relationship between earnings and education. A graduate degree provides individuals with the opportunity for more earning potential and an increased knowledge base. Lott (2010) stated: ...
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...Top Reasons for Pursuing an MBA The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a graduate business programme that covers a wide spectrum of business related topics from economics, organisational behaviour, project management to government policy. While it would make sense for an individual already working in the financial industry to undertake the MBA for a deeper understanding on relevant issues that she may come across at work, that is not the main reason why most are motivated to pursue an MBA. 33 percent of those surveyed in a recent poll conducted by JobsCentral of 181 individuals cited “Salary increment upon completion” as their motivation for pursuing an MBA, making it the number one reason. “Acquisition of knowledge and skills” was the second most popular reason with 21 percent picking it as their main motivation. Xinhui who is currently working in private banking agrees with the majority. She explains why she is toying with the idea of pursuing an MBA, “Besides having a better knowledge of business management, having an MBA will put me in a better position to ask for better pay,” “I had both personal and professional reasons for doing my MBA,” Debbie, who has just completed her MBA with graduate business school INSEAD, says. “Personally, it was the challenge to find the drive and enthusiasm needed to enhance my learning and to get involved in networking with like-minded professionals from all around the world. Another motivation was the opportunity to broaden my...
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...Management August 08 2010 Pursuing a masters in business administration was one of my many dreams and the best decisions I could every make. I knew that choosing to pursue a masters in business administration would begin many new career opportunities. In July 2006, I had the opportunity to obtain my undergraduate degree from the International Academy of Design and Technology Tampa in Recording Arts (Audio Engineering) at the age of 31. At times, the decision felt a little tough because I work time and run my own recording studio. At my old collage, several of my instructors actually made an impact in my life; they advised me to pursue the MBA after six months to a year of rest, in order to get some of my affairs in order. By pursuing an MBA degree, I can also go back and teach at the Academy, it also helps me to achieve goals in my personal life, such as becoming a better businessperson. Some of my former instructors perceive me to be a complex person with a big vision and a low tolerance for stupidity. I thought long about my decision and the time it would take to finish the MBA program and the time I had to give up to accomplish my goals. I did not want to waste any more time and have my dreams ruined, I determined that it made more sense not to wait six months to a year, I only took three months off to give my brain a rest than I decided to pursue my MBA right away after earning my undergraduate degree at the Academy. My decision to pursue an MBA degree was more on considering...
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