The Regional MBA

I decided to attend a Strong Regional State School MBA Part Time. When I started I was in a financial analyst role. I almost went for a very expensive private program. I refused to leave my salary for a full time program. Call me cheap or call me financially judicious.

I was told by friends that I made a mistake and some top 20 MBA program candidates would not add me to LinkedIn, LoL, Like the mere networking with a non target program candidate would lower their profile. I switched to a (fortune 5) supply chain operations position mid MBA and I figured as a backup I would always have supply chain management. I was a logistics officer in the Army.

I met some of the most accomplished leaders in my (part time) program. People with networking influence and the ability to push or pull you into a role. I met directors and VP's (not banking VP's), investment banking and consulting associates. Lots of doctors and engineers and software managers. While I was reading this site and others I thought Finance and Consulting was it. I thought none of those people would attend a state school. Meanwhile tech guys and HR and Supply Chain peers were signing high offers (above 150K). I learned that schools that focus on narrow fields can limit your mind in career fields and internships.

I just signed a six figure offer letter with a big 4 bank in the midst of a pandemic after walking away from offers in supply chain. I enjoyed my classes more because all the people in the class had real experience. Nobody was putting on heirs. If I could send my son to a Top 5 program I would, but if he wants to go another way I can tell him that he can still get maximum return on investment with a top regional program. I pocketed my salary for 2 years and paid for my education with my GI Bill and my bonus. So win on student loans debt but, lose on Linkedin Contacts. As roles are spaced though out the US The regional game will become far more impacting.