Okay, so in-residence wrapped up on Friday. I have tried to take the last few days to reflect on the week so that I can give an opinion that is more than just a play-by-play of the week.
My original goal for last week was to post updates throughout the week, needless to say I posted very little. This was due to the time demands of the program last week. Do not underestimate the time the 1st year in-residence will take. I took some work with me that I expected to be able to do in the evenings. I did not look at it once. The whole week was intense. It was not an "orientation" week, or even a light week to kick off the program. From about mid-day Sunday through Friday, it was an intense week that gave no personal time, and hardly anytime for neccessities such as food and sleep.
Now while this may sound like complaints, the fact that the program gave no time except for class and classwork, it isn't. I thouroughly enjoyed last week, and would put it up there in probably the top 3 educational experiences I have had. The professors were outstanding, and truly made me see the difference between a Top 15 school and one that is not. I believe in some way it restored my faith in education. It solidified with me that this program was the right choice to make, and I would recommend to anyone who is on the fence about the program to go through with it, it is completely worth it.
I do slightly wish I was back in the in-residence, and feel awkward being back to actual work. I cannot wait for next year in-residence, and in fact, wish there were more than just the two.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
day 3
So we are on day 3 of the 7 days of in-residence. Yesterday we began the actual class, C511, and had our first group assignments and readings that were due this morning. Last night, to say the least, lived up to everything I had heard. After a complete day in class, 8am-5pm, we ate dinner, and began group work around 7pm. We finally wrapped up the readings and group assignment around 2:30pm, and after 7 hours or so of working, the final product was still far from perfect.
From discussions today, many groups had the same experience, with only a few completing the task before midnight.
We have taken a more urgent approach in the group work tonight, and we are all tired, somewhat cranky, and are hopeful we complete the task before 11pm.
The class instructors are great. They are enthusiastic, engaging, and are true masters of the subject matter. While I myself am a "numbers person", and the class work deals with much softer issues, such as culture and change, I am struggling to relate. I believe these items are very important in the business world, however because I am entrenched in numbers, subjects that deal little with numbers I find myself often struggling with.
While I am only 3 days into a long and daunting program, there is no regrets, and in fact, I probably am even more of a supporter of the program than I had been.
From discussions today, many groups had the same experience, with only a few completing the task before midnight.
We have taken a more urgent approach in the group work tonight, and we are all tired, somewhat cranky, and are hopeful we complete the task before 11pm.
The class instructors are great. They are enthusiastic, engaging, and are true masters of the subject matter. While I myself am a "numbers person", and the class work deals with much softer issues, such as culture and change, I am struggling to relate. I believe these items are very important in the business world, however because I am entrenched in numbers, subjects that deal little with numbers I find myself often struggling with.
While I am only 3 days into a long and daunting program, there is no regrets, and in fact, I probably am even more of a supporter of the program than I had been.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
In-residence begins
1st year in-residence began today, so I guess I can officially say that I have begun the Kelley Direct program. Arrived in Bloomington around noon, checked in, walked around campus a little.
3pm was registration/check-in, which was very quick and painless. Some pictures taken (for Angel and for the Student ID), got handed some information on the in-residence week, purchased the coursepack for C511, got some Kelley swag, and some snacks.
6:30pm was the welcome reception. Got to finally meet some classmates, heard from Dean Venkat, ate, and then afterwards we got to hear from a few of the professors who teach "1st year" courses. The professors were very enthusiastic about the program and the course they teach.
The KD faculty and staff are very friendly and helpful. The classmates that I have met so far come from a wide range of backgrounds, are also very friendly, and have alleviated any fears I may have had about what exactly my classmates would be like.
The campus is amazing. I am not used to the traditional college campus, as I have mostly attending urban universities. However, just from walking around I feel that maybe I missed out somehow.
Groups have been assigned for the week, although I have not met any of my group members yet. The actual class begins tomorrow, and the syllabus and assignments for the week have been posted on Angel, and just from reading what will be expected and due of us this week, I have already begun to stress.
More to come throughout the week.
3pm was registration/check-in, which was very quick and painless. Some pictures taken (for Angel and for the Student ID), got handed some information on the in-residence week, purchased the coursepack for C511, got some Kelley swag, and some snacks.
6:30pm was the welcome reception. Got to finally meet some classmates, heard from Dean Venkat, ate, and then afterwards we got to hear from a few of the professors who teach "1st year" courses. The professors were very enthusiastic about the program and the course they teach.
The KD faculty and staff are very friendly and helpful. The classmates that I have met so far come from a wide range of backgrounds, are also very friendly, and have alleviated any fears I may have had about what exactly my classmates would be like.
The campus is amazing. I am not used to the traditional college campus, as I have mostly attending urban universities. However, just from walking around I feel that maybe I missed out somehow.
Groups have been assigned for the week, although I have not met any of my group members yet. The actual class begins tomorrow, and the syllabus and assignments for the week have been posted on Angel, and just from reading what will be expected and due of us this week, I have already begun to stress.
More to come throughout the week.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Out of town
Okay, so there has been very few updates to this lately, as this summer I have been busy traveling. Spent some time in New Mexico, Georgia, NC, Tennessee, and now finishing up some work in Philadelphia.
Those of us starting KD in the Fall of 09 get to be part of the transistion that is currently underway in the KD program from IUPUI to the Bloomington campus. This transisition has scared me from the start. I believe it is great for those of us yet to graduate, as we will have our Bloomington transcripts and degrees, but rather the actual transistion scared me. The behind the scenes part. I have sent numerous emails to the KD staff inquiring about parts of the transisition, some answers were better than others.
My OneStart account finally shows me as a Bloomington student (and also as an IUPUI student). My Financial Aid (loans) has not shown up yet. Originally I was told Mid-June, however apparently with the near shutdown of the state of Indiana over the budget, this was delay to now Mid-July (nothing as of today). However, I believe they were waiting for the approved tuition rates for 2009-10.
The Indiana University Board of Trustees met this morning and approved tuition rates. IUPUI has already posted the rates, and it seems KD rates are going from $945 per credit hour to $995. Fee structure seems to have possibly changed as well, but I could not figure out what would relate to KD and what wouldn't. Bloomington posted 2009-10 tuition rates, but has no mention of KD. Unsure if the tuition is the same between the two campus for the KD program or not.
With a few weeks left until in-residence, I still am freightened about the transistion. Hopefully Financial Aid posts soon as well as everything else that needs to happen.
Those of us starting KD in the Fall of 09 get to be part of the transistion that is currently underway in the KD program from IUPUI to the Bloomington campus. This transisition has scared me from the start. I believe it is great for those of us yet to graduate, as we will have our Bloomington transcripts and degrees, but rather the actual transistion scared me. The behind the scenes part. I have sent numerous emails to the KD staff inquiring about parts of the transisition, some answers were better than others.
My OneStart account finally shows me as a Bloomington student (and also as an IUPUI student). My Financial Aid (loans) has not shown up yet. Originally I was told Mid-June, however apparently with the near shutdown of the state of Indiana over the budget, this was delay to now Mid-July (nothing as of today). However, I believe they were waiting for the approved tuition rates for 2009-10.
The Indiana University Board of Trustees met this morning and approved tuition rates. IUPUI has already posted the rates, and it seems KD rates are going from $945 per credit hour to $995. Fee structure seems to have possibly changed as well, but I could not figure out what would relate to KD and what wouldn't. Bloomington posted 2009-10 tuition rates, but has no mention of KD. Unsure if the tuition is the same between the two campus for the KD program or not.
With a few weeks left until in-residence, I still am freightened about the transistion. Hopefully Financial Aid posts soon as well as everything else that needs to happen.
Friday, June 5, 2009
SIUC to offer online MBA and accounting master's
Yet another accredited business school to offer an online MBA. This time, Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
Article from the Chicago Tribune
Article from the Chicago Tribune
NFL kicker completes MBA degree online
ASUNews
June 2, 2009
As a Dallas Cowboy, Billy Cundiff kicked a record seven field goals in one ”Monday Night Football” game in 2003. Today, his determination and drive have helped him to complete his MBA degree and land a venture capital job through the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University. He used the school’s highly ranked online MBA program even while attending NFL training camp.
“This is the best two-year investment I probably could have ever made in myself,” says Cundiff, who has spent five years in the National Football League. “The W. P. Carey MBA – Online Program gave me the flexibility to attend training camp with the Atlanta Falcons while still pursuing my degree. After being released by the team, the flexibility of the program allowed me to stay in shape, while also balancing family issues, such as my mother-in-law’s ovarian cancer treatments, my wife’s pregnancy and then my newborn daughter’s needs.”
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
BW Article: Degrees of Seperation
Article from Daniel Gross at Business Week about the financial impact on MBA students at schools like Columbia and Penn, and the contrast it has compared to business students at Wisconsin.
http://www.newsweek.com/id/195845
http://www.newsweek.com/id/195845
Columbus State University Online MBA
Another AACSB accredited business school to begin offering an online MBA. Starting this Fall, Columbus State University in Georgia will offer an Online MBA from their D. Abbott Turner College of Business.
Clubs, Organizations, Institutes
Top MBA programs are built around top instructors, however well rounded MBA programs also provide a full range of services, such as Career services, networking, and clubs, organizations, and institutes. While certainly the quality of the instructors do matter quite a bit in differentiaing the top MBA programs, it is these other services that create a superior program that is able to attract the best students and distinguish themselves from other programs.
Online MBA programs have to date focused on the first issue by integrating online programs into already well established MBA programs, giving online students the same access to great faculty that on campus students receive. The Kelley Direct program has done this, by attaching the online program to the Kelley School of Business name, providing access to the great faculty at the Kelley School, and aligning the online program with the Bloomington Campus.
Kelley Direct, and the other top online MBA programs, however has only provided minimal services when it comes to the "other services". Career services, networking, clubs, organizations, institutes are not very well done in online MBA programs currently, and it quite possibly will be awhile for the schools begin to truly address these areas.
The full-time, on campus Kelley MBA program allows students the opportunites to participate in great programs such as the Leadership Development Institute, Bloomington Brands, Investment Banking Academy, and Consulting Academy. These programs, or similar, are not currently available to online students. This is primarly due to the nature of these programs, and historically the interests and intent of the students who attend an online MBA. However, if the composition of online students begin to closely resemble those of on campus students, the online students will suffer due to the lack of these programs.
I have setout to try to identify programs, groups, etc. that online students at the top MBA programs can participate in. I am looking for those opportunities that allow an MBA student to network, interact, or associate with other MBA students, wether at the same University or across multiple Universities.. Needless to say, my search is coming up a bit short, as most of these programs are geared at specific schools or programs.
The Washington Campus program is one that I have found. This program is a week long residency in Washington, DC with students from multiple MBA programs. It allows these students to visit federal agencies, interact with federal policy makers, and a congressional decision making simulation. It is offered multiple times per year.
The other group I have came across that seems to be open to online MBA students is Net Impact. This is a non-profit group that focuses on using business to improve the world. They have local chapters for the major universities as well as they have annual conferences. I am not sure on how an online student fits into this model, however it does seem available. I would welcome any comments for anyone familiar with this group.
Online MBA programs have to date focused on the first issue by integrating online programs into already well established MBA programs, giving online students the same access to great faculty that on campus students receive. The Kelley Direct program has done this, by attaching the online program to the Kelley School of Business name, providing access to the great faculty at the Kelley School, and aligning the online program with the Bloomington Campus.
Kelley Direct, and the other top online MBA programs, however has only provided minimal services when it comes to the "other services". Career services, networking, clubs, organizations, institutes are not very well done in online MBA programs currently, and it quite possibly will be awhile for the schools begin to truly address these areas.
The full-time, on campus Kelley MBA program allows students the opportunites to participate in great programs such as the Leadership Development Institute, Bloomington Brands, Investment Banking Academy, and Consulting Academy. These programs, or similar, are not currently available to online students. This is primarly due to the nature of these programs, and historically the interests and intent of the students who attend an online MBA. However, if the composition of online students begin to closely resemble those of on campus students, the online students will suffer due to the lack of these programs.
I have setout to try to identify programs, groups, etc. that online students at the top MBA programs can participate in. I am looking for those opportunities that allow an MBA student to network, interact, or associate with other MBA students, wether at the same University or across multiple Universities.. Needless to say, my search is coming up a bit short, as most of these programs are geared at specific schools or programs.
The Washington Campus program is one that I have found. This program is a week long residency in Washington, DC with students from multiple MBA programs. It allows these students to visit federal agencies, interact with federal policy makers, and a congressional decision making simulation. It is offered multiple times per year.
The other group I have came across that seems to be open to online MBA students is Net Impact. This is a non-profit group that focuses on using business to improve the world. They have local chapters for the major universities as well as they have annual conferences. I am not sure on how an online student fits into this model, however it does seem available. I would welcome any comments for anyone familiar with this group.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Bloomington / Indy Degree
I started my research into the Kelley Direct program last fall. At the time I initially started the research into the program, the big complaint about the KD program seemed to be the degree and transcript showing up as "Bloomington - Indianapolis". This seemed to be a subject that most alumni and current students had an opinion on, most of it being the degree and transcript being worded this way differentiated them from the Full-time Bloomington program. I completely agree with this, and thought it a huge negative for the program.
However, I soon realized that it was announced last Fall that beginning this Fall, 2009, students can register through either Indianapolis or Bloomington. Therefore, those of us who choose Bloomington as our registration campus will have degrees and transcripts that reflect this choice, and no mention of Indianapolis.
While this is very common knowledge by now amongst the current students, and most alumni, I wanted to mention it here for the benefit of prospective students. As with me, a prospective student conducting research on the KD program will run across older discussion board posts referring to this situation. However, rest assured that the issue has been resolved, at least for us who have yet to start. This is a huge positive step for the KD program, as they will now be able to grant degrees and transcripts that are identical to the FT Bloomington program.
The alumni of the program however still are left with degrees and transcripts reflecting this difference. Hopefully the administration will look after these alumni and make sure they have all the confidence in their degree that us hopefuls will have upon completion.
However, I soon realized that it was announced last Fall that beginning this Fall, 2009, students can register through either Indianapolis or Bloomington. Therefore, those of us who choose Bloomington as our registration campus will have degrees and transcripts that reflect this choice, and no mention of Indianapolis.
While this is very common knowledge by now amongst the current students, and most alumni, I wanted to mention it here for the benefit of prospective students. As with me, a prospective student conducting research on the KD program will run across older discussion board posts referring to this situation. However, rest assured that the issue has been resolved, at least for us who have yet to start. This is a huge positive step for the KD program, as they will now be able to grant degrees and transcripts that are identical to the FT Bloomington program.
The alumni of the program however still are left with degrees and transcripts reflecting this difference. Hopefully the administration will look after these alumni and make sure they have all the confidence in their degree that us hopefuls will have upon completion.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Washington State Online MBA
Washington State is the latest AACSB accredited school to begin offering an online MBA.
Fall 2009 In-residence
Date for this years fall in-residence are August 8th - 14th, a full 7 days.
It looks like the week has 3 objectives. One is a 1.5 credit hour course, C511 - Organizational Development & Change which takes place throughout the week. Two is an orientation to IU, Kelley, and the program. Third is networking, as there is a Group dinner on arrival night with Dan Smith, dean of the Kelley School of Business, and Sheri Brown, a professor at Kelley. Also during the week, there are some socials and dinner nights.
We will be staying at the Indiana Memorial Union, which is located on campus and will be walking over to the Kelley school each morning.
There are a few open dinner nights during the week, so I have begun researching what the must eat restaurants are in Bloomington. According to Bloomingpedia, Nick's English Hut is a must eat, as well as the Irish Lion seems very appealing.
I've been monitoring flights to Indianapolis from Richmond, and just today the price on all flights seemed to jump $20.
US News and World Report - Business School Rankings
Recently published US News and World Report ranking of the best graduate business schools has IU-Bloomington as #22
See the rankings here: http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools/items/01080
Choosing a Program
A common question that I get when I tell people that I am starting the Kelley Direct MBA program in the Fall is, "Why Indiana?".
Well, prior to choosing Indiana, I first had to choose to pursue an MBA. I have known for the past 5 or so years that I wanted to eventually get an MBA. However, I had envisioned myself getting the MBA in my early thirties. Just this past semester, I finished my MS in Accounting, and while there are numerous personal reasons I feel now is a good time to get my MBA, I also did not know how I would do with a break from school, ie. taking a few years off before the MBA program.
One thing however that made me nervous, is that the last time I looked (4 or 5 years ago), there were not a lot of well recognized MBA programs online, so I thought I would have to earn it through a lesser known school.
I started my research, that is to determine what possibilities were out there if I wanted to start now on my MBA, and initially came across sites listing those schools that are of course viewed as "online schools", and a handful of regionally accredited schools that had a good name, just maybe not for business. Needless to say, I was not "excited" about any of these schools. Yeah, it would be an MBA, but what sort of real value would it hold? Would I regret the decision years down the road by going with a lesser known school. That is when I happened upon the few great business schools that currently offer an MBA online. It was then time to determine which ones interested me, along with the few schools in town that offer part-time MBA programs.
My list ultimately came up like this:
1. Indiana University (Online)
2. Virginia Tech (In town, professional program)
3. Arizona State (Online)
4. Penn State (Online)
5. VCU (In town, executive program)
6. Florida (Online)
There were a few reasons for my list being ranked as this. First, the two in-town part time MBA programs, VT and VCU, I believe to be great programs and I have known people who had done these with raving reviews. The VCU program only ranked lower on my list due to the time and frequency of the class meetings, and the price. From the online programs, Indiana became my clear favorite, not only because the full-time MBA program is the highest ranked of those listed, it also allowed more flexibility in the timing (the others were lock-step programs), and IU also offered the option of building in a second degree towards the end of the program (I am thinking MS in Finance).
I applied, was accepted, and never even got around to applying at the other programs. However, I believe those online programs mentioned all seem to be great programs, and for different people, they may work out better than the IU program.
So ultimately, to the question, "Why Indiana?", I have to say that I have the option to earn an MBA and MS in Finance, I have flexibility in how quickly I progress through the program, and I am getting the MBA from the #15 ranked MBA program.
I feel content with my selection, and I look forward to beginning the program in the Fall.
Well, prior to choosing Indiana, I first had to choose to pursue an MBA. I have known for the past 5 or so years that I wanted to eventually get an MBA. However, I had envisioned myself getting the MBA in my early thirties. Just this past semester, I finished my MS in Accounting, and while there are numerous personal reasons I feel now is a good time to get my MBA, I also did not know how I would do with a break from school, ie. taking a few years off before the MBA program.
One thing however that made me nervous, is that the last time I looked (4 or 5 years ago), there were not a lot of well recognized MBA programs online, so I thought I would have to earn it through a lesser known school.
I started my research, that is to determine what possibilities were out there if I wanted to start now on my MBA, and initially came across sites listing those schools that are of course viewed as "online schools", and a handful of regionally accredited schools that had a good name, just maybe not for business. Needless to say, I was not "excited" about any of these schools. Yeah, it would be an MBA, but what sort of real value would it hold? Would I regret the decision years down the road by going with a lesser known school. That is when I happened upon the few great business schools that currently offer an MBA online. It was then time to determine which ones interested me, along with the few schools in town that offer part-time MBA programs.
My list ultimately came up like this:
1. Indiana University (Online)
2. Virginia Tech (In town, professional program)
3. Arizona State (Online)
4. Penn State (Online)
5. VCU (In town, executive program)
6. Florida (Online)
There were a few reasons for my list being ranked as this. First, the two in-town part time MBA programs, VT and VCU, I believe to be great programs and I have known people who had done these with raving reviews. The VCU program only ranked lower on my list due to the time and frequency of the class meetings, and the price. From the online programs, Indiana became my clear favorite, not only because the full-time MBA program is the highest ranked of those listed, it also allowed more flexibility in the timing (the others were lock-step programs), and IU also offered the option of building in a second degree towards the end of the program (I am thinking MS in Finance).
I applied, was accepted, and never even got around to applying at the other programs. However, I believe those online programs mentioned all seem to be great programs, and for different people, they may work out better than the IU program.
So ultimately, to the question, "Why Indiana?", I have to say that I have the option to earn an MBA and MS in Finance, I have flexibility in how quickly I progress through the program, and I am getting the MBA from the #15 ranked MBA program.
I feel content with my selection, and I look forward to beginning the program in the Fall.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Kelley Direct - Open House Dinners
I saw this on the Kelley Direct website, looks like they will be having a open house "tour" this spring for prospective students to meet with the staff.
If interested, see if they are coming to your area:
http://kd.iu.edu/openhouse/dinner.html
If interested, see if they are coming to your area:
http://kd.iu.edu/openhouse/dinner.html
Welcome and Introduction
As the first post to this blog, I would like to briefly introduce myself, describe the Kelley Direct program, and state what I hope this blog will accomplish.
About Me
I am from Virginia, and I work as an accountant in the government sector. I also own a small accounting firm working with small business and political campaigns. I am working on obtaining a CPA and CMA license. I have a Masters of Science in Accounting and a Bachelors of Science in Computer Science.
Kelley Direct
The Kelley Direct program offers an MBA (as well as MS in Finance, Global Supply Chain Management, and Strategic Management) through Indiana University's Kelley School of Business. The program is offered almost entirely online, with a 1 week in-residence in Bloomington, IN at the beginning of each Fall semester.
What I Hope to Accomplish
I have started this blog in an attempt to chronicle my time in the Kelley Direct program. There are many MBA blogs started each year from those attending top-ranked business schools, however I feel this blog is unique as it chronicles a top-ranked MBA program that is offered online. There are currently only a handful of what I would consider top-ranked business schools that offer such a degree online.
There seems to be a lot of confusion among students, companies, and recruiters on exactly how to treat a degree earned online. The normal thought is of those for-profit schools that advertise relentlessly on TV, radio, print, etc offering people "degrees you can earn in your pajamas". These degrees, because of the prevelance of their advertising and stereotype of the degrees themselves, get lumped into other online degrees. However, as more great schools, such as Indiana, Penn State, & Arizona State begin to offer MBA degrees online, how will companies view these? What troubles will students have explaining to recruiters why their MBA should be equivalent to others earned at the institution?
As I am just beginning on this road, I do not know the answers. I expect I will encounter many who will lump this degree with those aforementioned cracker-jack degrees. However, I also hope to encounter those who see the possibilities of having schools with great reputations offer MBAs online, and having those degrees carry the same weight as those earned in-residence. It is my hope that through this blog, and the abilities of those who earn this degree, that we are able to break down any of these preconceived perceptions.
There is significantly more to say on this issue, however, as this is only an introduction, hopefully it has provided you an overview on what to expect going forward.
-b
About Me
I am from Virginia, and I work as an accountant in the government sector. I also own a small accounting firm working with small business and political campaigns. I am working on obtaining a CPA and CMA license. I have a Masters of Science in Accounting and a Bachelors of Science in Computer Science.
Kelley Direct
The Kelley Direct program offers an MBA (as well as MS in Finance, Global Supply Chain Management, and Strategic Management) through Indiana University's Kelley School of Business. The program is offered almost entirely online, with a 1 week in-residence in Bloomington, IN at the beginning of each Fall semester.
What I Hope to Accomplish
I have started this blog in an attempt to chronicle my time in the Kelley Direct program. There are many MBA blogs started each year from those attending top-ranked business schools, however I feel this blog is unique as it chronicles a top-ranked MBA program that is offered online. There are currently only a handful of what I would consider top-ranked business schools that offer such a degree online.
There seems to be a lot of confusion among students, companies, and recruiters on exactly how to treat a degree earned online. The normal thought is of those for-profit schools that advertise relentlessly on TV, radio, print, etc offering people "degrees you can earn in your pajamas". These degrees, because of the prevelance of their advertising and stereotype of the degrees themselves, get lumped into other online degrees. However, as more great schools, such as Indiana, Penn State, & Arizona State begin to offer MBA degrees online, how will companies view these? What troubles will students have explaining to recruiters why their MBA should be equivalent to others earned at the institution?
As I am just beginning on this road, I do not know the answers. I expect I will encounter many who will lump this degree with those aforementioned cracker-jack degrees. However, I also hope to encounter those who see the possibilities of having schools with great reputations offer MBAs online, and having those degrees carry the same weight as those earned in-residence. It is my hope that through this blog, and the abilities of those who earn this degree, that we are able to break down any of these preconceived perceptions.
There is significantly more to say on this issue, however, as this is only an introduction, hopefully it has provided you an overview on what to expect going forward.
-b
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