5 Questions with MBA Admissions: Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business Executive MBA
In our latest installment of the MetroMBA “5 Questions” series, we speak with Lael Whiteside, Executive MBA Recruiting Manager, from the Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business. Whiteside talks about the advantages of their Executive MBA and the ‘typical student profile’ among other hot topics.
How does this program differentiate from other offerings at your school and other programs in the EMBA space?
Since it was founded in 1885, Georgia Tech has been at the forefront of technology and innovation. The Executive MBA program at Scheller College of Business is no exception, bringing together top business leaders with innovative ideas and technological advancements. Our students learn to solve complex problems, gain helpful analytical skills, and take on leadership roles to foster team dynamics. All of the skills developed in the classroom over the weekend can be applied when you set foot back at work on Monday.
What is the typical profile of a student who would benefit most from this program and what characteristics are your admissions team looking for?
A common myth among applicants is that you have the be an “executive” to apply to an executive MBA program. Most students in the EMBA program average 10 to 15 years of work experience and bring a wealth of knowledge from a variety of industries and functional areas into the classroom. Those who benefit most from this program are looking for innovative ways to approach their careers and find new ways to challenge the status quo. As far as characteristics, the admissions team places value in a prospective student’s leadership abilities, willingness to tackle complex problems and/or challenges, desire to progress in their career and in their academics, and in their initial goal or purpose in pursuing an MBA, as well as their ability to work well in a team environment.
How does your school assist with career services and how does your program enhance a student’s profile as a job applicant?
The mission of Executive MBA Career Services is to ensure that prospective students are provided with the coaching, the resources, and the tools to support them in proactively managing their career. Whether they plan to progress within their current organization, change your direction, or consider an entrepreneurial route, the career management skills we share are instrumental in enhancing their marketability.
What is one insider tip you can provide prospective applicants about applying to the Georgia Tech Executive MBA?
I would say that a prospective applicant should make use of the optional consultations offered by the program to help them determine if an MBA makes sense for their career and what they are trying to accomplish. They should also make sure they understand the Executive MBA format and curriculum before submitting their online application.
If you had to choose one book for a potential GT Scheller EMBA to read before enrolling, what would it be?
“Start with Why” by Simon Sinek. Challenging the way you view a problem is the main focus of Sinek’s book, and that’s exactly what earning an MBA will do for you as well. Sinek compares leaders and organizations that have disrupted industry by asking one question: Why? Earning your MBA will challenge you to view problems from a new point of view and find innovative solutions to tackling today’s business challenges.
5 Questions with MBA Admissions: Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business Evening MBA
In our latest installment of the MetroMBA “5 Questions” series, we speak with Christopher Hilario, Evening MBA Recruiting Manager, from the Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business. Hilario talks about the advantages of their evening MBA, the “perfect” kind of candidate and priorities before applying.
What Advantages Does a Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business Evening MBA Have Compared to Other Offerings in Georgia?
When I think about the competitive advantages our Scheller Evening MBA students have over other programs, two things jump to the front of my mind: career services and practicum courses.
For instance, if you’re looking to pivot into a new industry, an MBA degree itself may not get you to your career goal. You’re going to need some help along the way, and it starts with our career services team. The Jones MBA Career Center is ranked #3 in the US, and it’s because of the dedication we provide our students. Once you enroll into our Evening MBA program, you’re assigned a career advisor who will want to meet with you during your first semester. They will discuss your career goals, look at your work experience, and identify where you want to be by the time you graduate. Throughout the program, you’ll have the opportunity to attend a number of career advancement workshops, mock interviews, and information sessions with companies recruiting MBA students. Students in the Evening Program have their own dedicated career advisors who are there to ensure Evening MBAs get the highest return on investment.
For the person looking to pivot into a new industry, our career services will help you land the interview. But what are your talking points for that interview? That’s where our MBA curriculum, specifically our practicum courses, go to work for you. Our presence in the heart of Tech Square and Midtown gives us the opportunity to partner with nearby startups, nonprofits, and Fortune 500 companies. We partner with these organizations for practicums – courses where students work on a real strategy issue for a reputable company. Our students work on these projects all semester and have the ability to solve real challenges that major companies face today. Not only will this give you practical experience as you look to pivot into a new industry, but the practicum provides you with great talking points during an interview. We offer 12 different practicum courses that vary across disciplines, including business analytics, sustainability, and nonprofit consulting. On average, our students take advantage of four practicums during their time in the program. These courses allow you to state that not only do you have an MBA degree, but that you were able to immediately apply what you learned in the program.
Our career services will help you get the interview, and our curriculum will provide you with the content that will separate yourself from candidates with MBAs from other programs.
Is There a “Perfect” Kind of Candidate That Fits the School’s Evening MBA Mold?
The “perfect” kind of candidate for the Evening MBA program is one who is willing to immerse themselves into the collaborative community we foster here at the Scheller College of Business. We want someone who is going to take advantage of the networking opportunities, guest lecturers, and student-led organizations. Notice how I didn’t mention a candidate’s specific industry or undergraduate degree? Some prospective students believe they have to have an engineering or computer science background to be successful in an MBA program at Georgia Tech, but that’s not the case. The Evening MBA program is comprised of students from varying backgrounds, disciplines, and experiences. We want a diverse classroom that will be representative of what students come across in their day-to-day jobs. It doesn’t matter if you are looking to pivot into a new industry or move up the ladder within your current organization. As long as you are open-minded and are willing to get involved with the MBA community, then you’re the “perfect” candidate we are seeking at the Scheller College of Busines
What Would You Say Students Need to Prioritize the Most Before Applying?
Schedule a meeting with a member of our admissions team. During this conversation, we take a look at your resume, assess your candidacy for our program, and discuss how you can improve your application. It’s pretty much like getting the answer key before you take an exam! We have no hidden algorithm or secrets when we assess a candidate. At the end of the day, we are looking for a reason to invite you for an interview once you submit an application. Make an appointment with our team, and it will help ease any worries you may have going through the admissions process
What Would You Say Applicants Need to Worry Less About Before Applying?
Don’t get stressed over the interview process. Once we review an applicant, if we feel that they are competitive, then we will invite them on campus for an interview. The admissions committee found a reason to invite you, so now is your time to shine. I would suggest preparing like you would for a typical to job interview but know that our interviewers are not intimidating people by any stretch of the imagination and they truly are interested in getting to know you.
If You Had to Choose One Book for a Potential Georgia Tech Scheller Scheller College of Businses Evening MBA to Read Before Enrolling, What Would It Be?
I could give you a book on leadership/management (Dare to Lead by Brené Brown would be my pick), but honestly, you’re going to read enough books, case studies, and articles once you enroll, so enjoy this time to read something you love. My personal favorite is City of Thieves by David Benioff. It’s a historical fiction novel that is a classic coming-of-age story set in the Soviet Union during World War II. Benioff was actually one of the writers on Game of Thrones, but don’t let that ending hinder you from checking out his book!
Hot MBA Jobs: Computer and Information Systems Manager
For those looking to pursue a management career at the tech end of the business world, Computer and Information Systems Manager may be a promising career to pursue.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the growth rate for this job at 12 percent over the next eight years. But, are you not sure where to begin? Below, we’ve put together a guide to help you determine if this is the career for you.
What is a Computer and Information Systems Manager?
The Computer and Information Systems Manager (or IT Manager) runs the company activities related to computers and tech. They must assess the needs of an organization to determine the appropriate hardware and software to both meet demands of and enhance the efficiency of company business. In addition to installing and maintaining hardware and software, IT Managers must stay abreast of new tech developments so that they can pitch ideas to upper-management should they identify an opportunity to implement technology that would advance the company’s mission. The IT Manager also directs and organizes the efforts of the lower-level positions in the IT department.
There are different types of Computer and Information System Managers, so duties may be more specifically tailored depending on the specific title. For example, an IT Security Manager would work with the tech as it pertains to protecting an organization’s security interests.
Am I A Good Fit?
IT Managers possess solid analytical skills. People in this role need to be able accurately evaluate a company’s needs and determine which products would enhance productivity. They must also be able to analyze any tech and management issues to ensure that their department runs smoothly. They are solid, decisive leaders and creative thinkers. Communication skills are essential, as IT Managers must communicate directions to those working under them, as well as deliver presentations to higher-level execs.
In 2017, the average base pay for a Computer and Information Systems Manager, according to Glassdoor, was $106,092 in the United States.
Education and Where to Begin
The minimum degree requirement for a Computer and Information Systems Manager is generally a bachelor’s with a tech-related major. However, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, companies often require graduate degrees, and earning an MBA could prove to be a huge asset. If you are looking to pursue this title, it may be beneficial to start with entry-level tech positions in your field to gain a few years of experience before applying to a manager position.
An MBA program with a top-notch tech education may be a good place to start if you’re hoping to become an IT Manager. In 2018, U.S. News made a list of the best MBA Information Systems programs. Below, we’ve pulled some of our favorite MBAs from the list:
Sloan School of Management – MIT
It should come as no surprise that MIT Sloan tops the list of best Information Systems programs. MIT has long been hallowed ground for the technologically-inclined, so it makes sense that the school’s MBA program also caters to those with a bent toward tech, with 26.2 percent of the 2017 graduating class pursuing careers in the software and internet industries.
McCombs School of Business – University of Texas at Austin
McCombs, which has a nationally-ranked MBA in Information Systems program, is a desirable choice for the STEM-savvy. According to the McCombs employment report, 30 percent of the class of 2016 pursued jobs in the tech industry.
Scheller College of Business – Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech’ Scheller College of Business is an excellent choice for aspiring IT Managers. Forbes states, “Because many students are interested in more quantitative and technical areas, such as operations management and information technology management, Scheller is often viewed as a heavily quantitatively based program.” Roughly 21 percent of the Scheller class of 2017 landed tech-related jobs.
Leavey School of Business – Santa Clara University
For Silicon Valley hopefuls, the Leavey School of Business may be a wise school to consider. With flexible options like the Online and Evening MBA’s, Leavey allows students to tailor the program to their schedule. This may be desirable for those trying to balance internships or work and family life.
