The Swat Analysis is a blog about an MBA student who talks about experiences in MBA school and during the application process, and thoughts about business management education in general. The blog posts are categorized into three: Blog, Life, and MBA.
What makes this blog unique
Some of the things that make this blog stand out is its casual tone. And because of this tone, the readers can easily relate to the topics discussed in each post. The SWAT Analysis blog has a youthful touch, making it the perfect resource for young MBA students who want to get tips from someone who has experienced going through MBA school. The journal-like writing style used in this blog makes everything easy to read.
As for the content, the post that I really liked is the one about the MBA application process. In this entry, the writer shares some tips regarding the application process and how to deal with interviews, how to come up with an admission essay, and how to prepare for the GMAT. Aspiring business school students will definitely benefit from the tips posted on this blog.
Areas for improvement
I think that this blog needs more entries or posts. The more relevant content a blog has, the more it becomes useful to the target audience, which, in this case, is comprised of business school students or those who are interested in pursuing a business degree. As for the layout, a bigger font would make the posts more readable, especially since the background is all black. Also, other blogs have email links aside from the usual “Leave a Comment” button to have a more interactive blog. I think adding an email feature would definitely make this blog more useful and reader-friendly. An “about me” section can also make this blog more credible, as readers will have a way of knowing who the writer is through an “about me” link.
The Robert Salomon blog knowledgeably talks about very significant matters related to business and the economy. It basically talks about the recent trend in setting up a transactional activity within the company, especially the deal makings for mergers and acquisitions of even the biggest companies worldwide. The blog caters to business students and business opinion-makers who want to share information and open discussions about the current business trends in the society. The writer Robert Salomon has so many extremely interesting topics that a reader would definitely look forward to at all times.
What makes this blog unique
I particularly liked the Deal Making Activity entry wherein Robert Salomon extensively shares Michael de la Merced?s knowledge ad expertise on merger activities which are expected to take a full swing.
What makes this blog unique for me is the way the writer introduced to the readers his interest for writing about something that he was not able to do. And eventually, following it up with an article to supply all the information a reader needs to know about the topic successfully grabs the reader?s interest.
I really like the content of each entry, especially the one from Michael de la Merced. It gives readers like me an updated perspective about our business and economy. One more unique thing I really like about the blog posts is the way Robert Salomon knowledgeably and extensively discusses business-stimulating ideas.
Areas for improvement
To make the site more interactive, an option to tweet the articles is a good idea. This is especially useful for MBA grads who want to know the latest trends and updates in the job market. It’s also better if various forms of media are further maximized, such as the use of pictures. Pictures or illustrations can definitely make the posts more attention-grabbing.
The Mission MBA blog talks to business students and future business leaders of our society about different subjects related to business management education. Topics discussed include entries on business school closing ceremonies, preparation techniques when taking very serious exams, and getting a VISA for pursuing a field of interest in another country. Really, an avid reader will always find the time to read creatively written posts in this blog.
What makes this blog unique
The best part I really like is the post about the Tips for Preparing for GMAT wherein it unselfishly divulges all the possible tips when dealing with GMAT questions, something a reader pursuing business education will have to face.
Giving tips for continuing business education may not be something unique among blogs. But it is definitely a favorite of business students who are more than open to experiences shared by their seniors who have been there before them.
Incorporating a video clip in one of your blogs may not be a very unique thing a blogger would do; however, it is also not so common to find blogs presenting a video clipping altogether. On the plain side of things, I would also like to think that it is the color texture of the blog site that what makes it unique. Though I do not have the passion for really dark backgrounds, at least, it caught my attention. And reading on, I got myself glued with the so many interesting featured blog posts.
Areas for improvement
Improvements on the navigation system are what I can suggest. This may be done by improving the category details in the site. Another suggestion for improvement is it would be easier for the readers if the links are just one click away, in order for the links to be easily followed or bookmarked.
The first thing I noticed while reading the entries on the MBA In the USA blog is the diversity in terms of article content. Other MBA blogs have substantial entries but the element of diversity is oftentimes disregarded. The entries in this blog directly confer the various interests and passions of a business student. It talks about a variety of topics — from the value of taking an MBA course to the top MBA programs for the Hispanic students: from actual marketing examples and practices to a simple blog about how future CEOs incorporate the word ?sports? in their field. This only shows that a site will be very effective if it offers assorted topics of interest for the readers, particularly the business students. My favorite post among the several entries is the one on MBA value proposition, wherein they elaborate on the many advantages of women taking the MBA, not to mention conferring about learning the real values of pursuing a business education at these times of economic crisis.
What makes this blog unique
I really like the kind of assortment that the site gives to its readers. It can casually jump from one business topic to another business topic without making it too obvious. The presentation of blogs is uniquely distinct as compared to what a majority of online blogs offer to its readers. The graphic illustrations are also better than other blogs in that the illustrations appear somewhat livelier. The blog can directly talk to the readers by making its entries so casually interesting and yet instructive and so laid-back.
Areas for Improvement
If there is one thing that will improve the quality of these blogs, it is perhaps the navigation system. In other blogs, it is handy to just click on some buttons to be able to get to a post that interests you. I think with this site, the navigating system is a little bit limited. Overall though, I like the blog posts on this site.
The BNET blog basically talks about teaching students the basics of management. Emphasis is put on the business myth that it?s absurd to believe that we can put all business ideas and techniques into one business management book. I noticed that the Back to B-School blog includes several interesting entries on going back to school. I particularly liked the Stanford Schramm entry, which is geared towards the concept of effective business communication. It explains to business students how our future business leaders should refine their communication styles and speeches especially when dealing with other members of the corporate world. Really, it is very crucial for these business students to understand that they could learn communication styles from very prominent leaders of our society including those in the government. Whether it may be oral or written, business leaders are expected to write and speak effectively.
What makes this blog unique
I really like the content of each blog. It provides a quick view of how business students should master the art of business communication to achieve great advancement for the country. It gives an eye-opening analysis of what business management should really be in practice outside the context of books.
I think what makes the blog unique is its ability to challenge status quo perceptions. Some of the entries question what the business community has and needs to manage to have. The entries are all so substantial that you will not want to miss out reading any of the entries. The navigation style is so interesting as it entices so much of the reader?s participation. The blog entries also make the readers? tour very pleasant and instructive. They will find themselves having so much to learn which will surely help them advance in their careers, develop their networking skills, and strive for personal development.
Areas for improvement
The only area for improvement I noticed is the blank space on the right side of the blog. I think it’s better if more links were placed on the right side so as to maximize the space. Overall, I think the people behind this blog did an excellent job.
Leonard N. Stern School of Business (New York University)
Leonard N. Stern School of Business is the 13th placer in the 2008 Business Week MBA school rankings. NYU Stern was established in 1900 as an undergraduate School of Commerce, Accounts, and Finance. This institution is located at New York University’s Washington Square Campus. In 1916, the graduate business program was established and accepted both full-time and part-time students. As the business trends developed over the years, NYU widens the range of programs it offers. The then School of Commerce, Accounts, and Finance was renamed Leonard N. Stern School of Business after Leonard Stern donated $30 million for the improvement of the school’s facilities.
Anderson School (University of California–Los Angeles)
The 14th placer in the 2008 MBA rankings is the Anderson School of Management. It was founded 70 years ago, under the University of California. There are various programs to choose from at Anderson School of Management. Among these are PhDs, executive MBAs, and Master of Financial Engineering. On top of these, Anderson School of Management offers UCLA-NUS Global Executive MBA Programs, Global Access Programs, Riordan Programs, Management Development Programs, and Management Communication Programs.
Kelley School of Business (Indiana University)
The 15th placer in the list of top business schools in 2008 is Kelley School of Business. This was established in 1920 and was formerly called the School of Commerce and Finance. It was later renamed School of Business Administration. In 1997, E.W Kelley donated $23 million so the school was renamed Kelley School of Business. This business school offers full-time MBAs, undergraduate programs, online MBAs, executive education, specialized master’s degrees, and PhD programs.
To apply in any of these schools, you can visit their official websites. It is also a great help if you write your personal statement for MBA ahead of time.
When you enroll in an MBA program, you expect to learn advanced business skills. This means that by the time you earn your MBA degree, you are better qualified for management positions or for a completely different career. Of course, all these will depend on the kind of MBA program you choose. Aside from this, an MBA degree also provides other benefits, which include the opportunity for networking. Networking allows you to share ideas with people coming from different fields during your MBA stay.
The networking offer
An MBA program offers networking. Though other schools will provide their own brand of networking, an MBA school will connect you with like-minded people: future entrepreneurs and managers.
The benefits of networking
Why is networking so valuable? On the surface, networking is about socialization and about making sure that you have a well-balanced life. Of course, these are both valid reasons to support networking. From a business perspective, however, networking also focuses on finding contacts that can help in your future business ventures. Your current classmates may become future business partners or even clients. Or, they can contribute helpful tips on how you can better run your future company even when you are still a business student. It’s crucial for those who attend MBA schools to ask for the contact numbers of people they deal with. Who knows, these people may help them achieve business in the future?
Networking within your MBA program
Of course, it is not advisable to make connections merely for gain. You may establish friendship with other students or join organizations to expand your social network. This will help you become a good team worker and team leader as well. If you treat them more warmly, they will be more willing to help you out in the future. To maintain a strong link or build a better relationship, aAlso share your own business insights.
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An MBA degree is a great investment. However, a few months or even years after getting the diploma, you may still be paying off student loans. There are ways that can help you pay them off in a shorter period of time so that you can soon enjoy the true worth of your investment.
Keeping a day job
While you are still studying for your MBA, keep your day job. Instead of going for regular MBA classes, take the night program. You can also take a part-time MBA program where you take less credits per term, or take classes during the weekends. This way, you reduce the amount of money you need to borrow through student loans because you have a steady source of income.
Using debt consolidation services
If you have several student loans to pay for, you can use the services of a debt repayment and consolidation firm. Through a debt consolidation firm, you only have to deal with a single payment deadline. Debt consolidation firms help you manage your finances better so that you could focus more on other important aspects such as your job or school work.
Making agreements with employers
You have to sign a contract to work for an employer in exchange for the company’s payment of your debts. This ties you down to the employer for a period of time, but the arrangement ensures that your debt gets paid while you still enjoy your full salary.
Aiming at loan forgiveness programs
Applying for a loan forgiveness program is another great deal when dealing with student loans. Certain universities offer such programs to their students who are working for low-paying jobs at non-government groups.
Making lifestyle changes
To better manage your finances and pay your student loans, you have to keep a budget. Sticking to a budget can help you save money that can be used to pay for your debt. Learn to avoid making unnecessary expenses and keep a financial record so that you can better control your spending habits.
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If you are an MBA student, you are torn among several priorities. Having good time management skills can prevent you from being frazzled, or from neglecting some of your duties.
Organize your schedule
A simple diary organizer can help you figure out a time for everything. You can list the things you need to do in a day, along with the details on how long it may take you to do those tasks. Reserve plenty of time for studying and doing homework or research. If you have a job, mark your schedule clearly on your calendar. Making these markings will make you see at a glance when you cannot afford to go out with friends.
Make the right priorities
If you have decided to pursue an MBA degree, your studies should be a priority. If you have a job that finances your studies, you must also prioritize your job. Because it is already difficult to juggle your studies and your job, it is best to know when to join your friends for leisure-related activities or not. Inspect your coursework as well. Find out which ones have projects or papers with earlier deadlines; you have to do them first to make sure that you submit them on time.
Do not procrastinate
If you do your work as soon as you are assigned to do it, you gain yourself enough time to ace it. Procrastinating just takes more time away from you. You have to follow the schedules you have set to avoid stressing yourself.
Do not obsess… have a life
Though your MBA and your job are priorities, remember that you have to unwind sometimes. If you do not stop to rest, or to enjoy life once in awhile, you will get burnt out long before you can achieve your goal. Do not feel guilty about taking breaks. Think of it as a tactic to be mentally and physically prepared as you face more exams and assignments at your best.
Believe in yourself
Know that though it can be overwhelming, it is possible to finish MBA school even if you have a part-time job. With proper time management, you can get your MBA degree while working, and while giving your family and friends enough attention. Believing in yourself will help you get through difficult times.
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An MBA degree can help you get promoted at work or get that dream job. Getting into an MBA program, however, requires much time, effort, and money so you have to find out if you are headed for the right career path even before applying. One way of doing that is to become part of the workforce. Aside from helping you figure out what career path to take, having work experience is actually a requirement of most MBA schools.
The importance of work experience
Not all MBA programs require work experience from their students. For your own good, however, try experience some work first before pursuing an MBA degree. While working, you get industry exposure. This will help you figure out if you’re really fit to continue in your field, or if you need to shift courses or careers. If you’re sure that you’re in the right field, it’s still good to have some work experience. This is because your experiences at work will enhance your understanding of MBA concepts. If you want to pursue an MBA because you want to improve your career, your work experiences as reflected in your resume will help you get your dream job.
Submitting your resume
When you enroll in an MBA program, you may notice that admissions ask for your resume as one of the requirements. This is how they find out if you have had work experience. Some MBA programs that require work experience might actually ask for more evidence of your employment. You can ask your employer to write you a recommendation letter, not only to give proof of your employment, but also to show what kind of employee you were, or still are.
Writing your personal statement for MBA
Your personal statement for MBA will give the admissions committee additional insights as to the quality of your work experiences. Emphasize the qualities you have developed in those jobs that also make you a perfect MBA student. Include specific experiences that you have handled well despite their challenging natures. If you had several jobs, take the personal statement for MBA as a chance to explain why you changed jobs several times.
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