BUS 6310 MBA Career Development

 
Students in MBA programs are routinely surveyed about the coursework they are taking. Here are the results for the campus weekend program after completion of three 3-credit courses and one half-credit course. The questions asked of the students were:

Please describe below the single most important learning you took from each of the following classes you have completed (please be specific-e.g., "I learned that _____"):

In terms of the two criteria of relevance and rigor, please rate each of the six fall semester courses. Using the following scales, assign a number between one and five for each course on both dimensions:

  • Relevance
    • 5 = Highly relevant to both the goals of the MBA program and my career goals
    • 1 = Not relevant to either the goals of the MBA program or my career goals
  • Rigor
    • 5 = Very challenging
    • 1 = Very easy

Students' Responses

  • Career development is a process that requires persistent, rather than intermittent, attention. (5,5)
  • Reading The World is Flat was the biggest eye opener for me. (5,4)
  • What steps to take to achieve desired career. (3,4)
  • I learned the importance of framing my training in the context of my career goals. (Three careers for introspection) The Adult Years is disappointing, almost a self-help book, full of gross (unsubstantiated) generalizations and non sequiturs. (__,4)
  • One of the things I have enjoyed most, across such different courses, are the strange ways they interrelate. For example viewing your life as a linear progression (careers) and observing the way linear relationships are extrapolated (econometrics)
  • I learned that having a goal and direction set for my career can help me focus on acquiring the skills I need from my MBA courses. (2,4)
  • I learned that the world is flat. Mainly, I have realized that I need to continuously improve myself to stay competitive in achieving my career goals. (2,4)
  • I learned how strategy can be helpful. Specifically, I thought about my current position in life and where I want to be. (2,4)
  • I gained a better understanding of how important math and science are for the U.S. to not fall behind in the world economy. (2,3)
  • The online discussion was amazing because I got to know my fellow students. Fantastic way to link and learn from others. (4,5)
  • I learned the importance of finding a mentor to guide me in seeking my business goals. (3,3)
  • I learned about global business trends and some things to help me stay current from the book, The World is Flat. (1,5)
  • Learned more exactly what I want in my career, and what path I need to follow to obtain it. (3,2)
  • I learned that the world is flat! We must be on the top of our game, and teach our children to do the same, because the world is only going to get more competitive. (4,4)
  • I learned that in order to continue to be successful, I need to become "untouchable," meaning that my learning will never end and that I need to continuously improve myself and any organization I may be associated with. (5,5)
  • I learned that it is important, when planning one's career, to create several goals and make small steps toward achieving those goals. I also learned the importance of having an example, or mentor, in this process. (4,4)
  • Business directions and demands in today's world. How one can align oneself to take advantages of the opportunities opening up. (2,3)
  • I really enjoyed the book The World is Flat. I don't know if I would call it learning, but more of a motivation. It put a lot of things that I already know in one place and brought them into focus. (3,5)