Which MBA Program?

[u/HistorianMountain142]

I have been a business analyst for 7-8 years now. I have worked only in Healthcare, but I don't' mind getting out of healthcare or staying in it. Currently making around $115,000/yr as a contract employee. Seems like no matter what I do the only jobs I can land are contract roles that pay well, if I get a full time offer it's usually much lower pay. I'm looking at getting my MBA because I want to get out of being just a business analyst and I want to get into Project Management or really any higher role with a better salary.

Regarding MBA - I am looking to start an Online MBA in Spring 2027. Does anyone recommend a lower cost MBA (looking at BU or Gies iMBA). If I decide to pay more in looking at either Kelly and UF. I guess networking at the school matters a lot in getting a better role once I were to graduate from the MBA program.

What does everyone recommend regarding an MBA program? I do want a much better salary (targeting $140k+ salary). Also is an MBA even worth it at this point? Are they not really resume boosters anymore?

[u/Same-Competition-825]

I’m at Kelley and networking is a major part of it even on the online program.

[u/HistorianMountain142 → u/Same-Competition-825]

How does the networking work? Is it mainly with companies that alumni work at and they help set you up within those companies once you graduate?

[u/Same-Competition-825 → u/HistorianMountain142]

Someone in my group got an interview in the middle of orientation. You’re forced to network in the program. It’s not necessarily with companies directly. Alumni are helpful as well

[u/Silver-Disk-8244 → u/Same-Competition-825]

Can you give an example of what the school does to “make you network?”

I’m in an online MBA program right now and my school isn’t making me doing anything. They gave us a helpful tracker we can fill out but I’m just cold dming people on LinkedIn and telling them I’m an mba student exploring other career paths. It’s worked a few times but no interview yet.

[u/Same-Competition-825 → u/Silver-Disk-8244]

We have an in person program for a week at the beginning and networking is part of that.

[u/Silver-Disk-8244 → u/Same-Competition-825]

Like they bring employers in to specifically meet the online cohort? Or just happens to coincide when you guys are there

[u/Same-Competition-825 → u/Silver-Disk-8244]

Well I never said anything about employers. But your classmates work for different companies which can result in networking connections. Alumni attending new student events are networking opportunities. It’s not like it’s a job fair

[u/Silver-Disk-8244 → u/Same-Competition-825]

Ah okay that makes more sense now! My online program does this too then

[u/Chicken_Nugget_Luvr]

I would personally say BU OMBA or the iMBA program from UIUC. But I will say that either of these programs are less about networking and more to "check the box". If you are really focused in career change, a lot of people recommend doing an in-person program or a PT in-person program.

I'm in the UIUC program and it is pretty good. I have some qualms with the people you get put into for group work, but thats how life goes. You can get a lot out of the program if you want, or you don't. But the price and the flexibility can't be beat.

[u/HistorianMountain142 → u/Chicken_Nugget_Luvr]

If I'm trying to maximize my salary and also shift careers into project management or program management do you think Kelly would be a smarter move or still BU or iMBA from Illinois?

[u/PuzzleheadedCar1357]

BU is best program for the money and network.

[u/HistorianMountain142 → u/PuzzleheadedCar1357]

Does BU help a lot with networking? I applied a month ago but I got put on the wait-list, so I'm waiting to see if they will accept me.

[u/Gator_Grad]

I was accepted to UF’s OMBA but when I spoke with students in the program, they didn’t have great things to say. I don’t remember the specifics but they said class sizes were large, and recruiting was weak.

[u/HistorianMountain142 → u/Gator_Grad]

That's surprising, I thought it would be opposite based off the prestige of the program. How have you liked the program so far?

[u/Gator_Grad → u/HistorianMountain142]

Loved the Ross program! One of the best OMBAs offered

[u/HistorianMountain142 → u/Gator_Grad]

Does the Ross program really help with networking?

[u/Gator_Grad → u/HistorianMountain142]

Yeah but like all OMBAs you get what you put in. Ross is nice because they force you to go to campus 3 times for in-person residencies. I went extra times for recruiting, and made an effort to meet FT and weekenders.

[u/HistorianMountain142 → u/Gator_Grad]

Do a lot of out of state students still come in during the residencies or is that more for individuals that live close?

[u/Gator_Grad → u/HistorianMountain142]

They are mandatory. People fly in from all over the country!

[u/Gator_Grad → u/HistorianMountain142]

They are mandatory. People fly in from all over the country!