My take on MBA's...

Ok this may offend those who think very highly of their education, and I am sorry. I am sorry if my blunt comments offend you but reality is rather different than most MBA's see it. The collegiate brainwashing that occurs as you begin to apply to B-school is just the tip of the iceberg. Then you are accepted, further elevating your screwed up perception of yourself, then you attend and think you now know more than all us schmucks schleping to work every day while you review another case study with your professor. Case study's are great - you know in advance how the problem worked out so you can envision all kinds of great ideas that also contribute to the same end result. It's a lot harder to come across a real problem and based on your "gut instinct" you determine something needs to change, so you bravely work it out to the point it makes the company so much money you achieve CEO because of your smahts. This is rare. The worst are the MBA's who graduate having never had to work anywhere, never wanted something so badly they could taste it, passionless empty degrees earned with the hopes that they could insert themselves into senior management without ever having to earn it. Big salary to compensate the *investment* they made in their education.

How is it an MBA is more valuable than real work experience?

I have worked with, interviewed and dated many people who have MBA's. All knowledge and hearsay - no action or individual accomplishments. On dates, it's just not romantic to tell me how amazing you are for attending business school. You either ARE amazing or you aren't. If you need to tell me you are then that's ten demerits right there.

Now, there are many folks who have MBA's and don't tell anyone. This is interesting to me. A humble approach perhaps? Or an attempt at ensuring a higher salary "just in case" it comes down to you and some other candidate.

What I am getting at is the complete misconception of MBA's from both the student and the employer. Students think they are more qualified for achieving these degrees. Employers often agree. Yet what is the end output? Does that MBA person in fact hit the ground running faster? Do they make the company wealthier? Do they contribute more intellectual capital? Do they have the ability to execute their own ideas without the help of others?

This article, titled "The path to the corner office" has me all fired up. It addresses everything I have mentioned before. I think it's high time students stop falling for the perception that an MBA will get them where they want to go. Think about it. You pay $40K per year, yes you should in fact have expectations for doing so. I would hold the schools accountable. Did the school in fact provide you with the equivalent of the $100K investment you made? Has your experience and accomplishments for the two+ years you spent attending school placed you higher than if you had worked in a roll learning hands-on at a company, putting in your time? If you bought a house for $100K you expect to earn equity on your investment, that's a given. So it makes sense that these MBA students expect to earn more based on the size of their investment.

Yes, it's obvious I am jealous of the MBA grads. Most are placed on a pedestal without ever knowing how humiliating it is to be called "the temp". I have been overlooked for positions I had the experience for only to find out someone with an MBA was offered the job. It's a slap in the face only when that person is a MORAN and cant deliver on any of the ideas they come up with. Most likely they didn't starve while earning less than $30K per year and paying their own bills. Trust me folks, many companies hold a lot of weight on promoting those who have worked in their factories and shittiest jobs. Those types of people really understand their business. If those folks then go on to complete advanced degrees they eliminate the competition by combining hands-on industry experience with advanced degrees. Which brings me to my point. Employers should expect more out of those with MBA's and no experience. Employers should heavily reward those with lots of experience who obtain their MBA. Employers should hold b-schools accountable.

Anyone catch the Amazing Race? Now there's some hands-on experience you can really use. Not to mention the life changing confidence those racers are gaining.

Flydi



Now that I have clawed my way to my perch here in middle-management with years of experience, I can say with 100% confidence that I would have very high expectations of my professors at B-school if I attended.

this quote comes to mind:

"Never hesitate! Amateurs built the Mayflower and professionals
built the Titanic."

just saying hi...

It's been a crazy month here in my little world. I have a great new job with people I respect, admire and care about. Bunch of real smahties I tell ya. They built this agency out of their basement and have done so well simply because they are great guys to work with. I cant believe how humble they are. I get to do sales for these guys, which is easy considering their client base. My phone rings with people wanting to work with us, instead of me having to beg those to work with us. Quite a different experience!

The little man has been having full blown conversations with me. He's easily entertained by those Richard Scary books with a million things going on on the page. Ya know, the ones where you look for the little mouse who might be driving one of the cars in the city-scene. I grew up with these books and loved them too. Lately he enjoys reading more and more. Just the other night I was reading before bed when I heard his door open. I waited, knowing he was going to appear in my room momentarily. He peeked around the corner, clearly unsure if he was in trouble or what. I smiled at him and asked him to come read with me. He imitated my every move. Feet crossed, head propped up with pillows and book balanced on his stomach to "read" to me. He made up stories about his father, me and his grandpa. After about 10 minutes I told him he needed to go sleep in his own bed, so he did. He simply hopped down, said "g'night mom." and went back to bed. Unreal.

He also loves KT Tunstall's song "Dark horse and cherry tree" however he calls it the "woo hoo" song. He came running into my room the other morning all excited when he heard it. "Mom! it's woo hoo!" Clearly his grandpa had played a roll in this!

My advice to my friends out there, dont wait to have kids. Most of you are really succesful and with the right person. Go for it, it's the best thing ever. Keep in mind who this is coming from will ya?

flydi

Some Online Fun for you slackers...

Now that I am in interactive advertising I thought I would share some of the funniest shit on the internet. enjoy!

www.shaveeverywhere.com ---so naughty!!

www.brawnyacademy.com ---I watched all 8 episodes and love the scene with the guy vacuming up chalk lines on a football field while wearing ruby slippers and carrying a doll. Doth my ears detect a Boston accent? "C'mon Ruby Slippahs! Go Ruby Slippahs!".

www.comeclean.com - cute, simple and clever

www.cowabduction.com - who knew those guys over at the "Milk Processors of America" where so dang cray-zahy?

I got a new job and I am busy as hell!

Sorry- I'll be back soon.....for now have fun with this web tool.