LIWeddings.com
Post New Topic

Has anyone gone back fro their masters after a significant time has passed from their ba

antoinette Posted:

Has anyone gone back fro their masters after a significant time has passed from their ba

I am contemplating a huge career move and going back to school for my mba in HR. Where on earth do I begin.
I know I have to take the Gmat test- ( where do I sign up for that?) Should I go back to my undergraduate college
and ask them? Its been almost 5 years since I have even been back on campus. Someone please tell me I am not being
ridiculous and that this can be done. Also, I wasnt planning on ever going to grad school and I didnt do as well as I should have
in my undergraduate studies. Will it be very hard to get into a program in New york-- are other states easier. Im just very lost on where
to start- any insight?
bm2013 Posted:

Re: Has anyone gone back fro their masters after a significant time has passed from their ba

You are NOT being ridiculous - kudos to you for having the courage and initiative to go back to school!!!!

I went to grad school right after my BA & I didn't go in for HR BUT...

I suggest talking to faculty at schools you would potentially want to apply to. Dept. Chairs, profs, admissions counselors, etc are VERY valuable contacts to have & they will share a wealth of info with you. Going to your undergrad college will also give you info & help direct you. Try their career service dept...usually they offer their services for alumni for employment and graduate applications - it can't hurt to contact them!

Just because you did not do as well as you liked in undergrad doesn't mean you wont get into grad school. They also look for 'real life' experience (work, etc.) Stay positive!

NY schools vs. other states is very generalized - it really varies by each university. Research various programs at different institutions and see what is a good fit for you - financially, location, etc. Then email/call and request literature and/or a meeting with someone.


Hope that helps and best of luck to you!!!
nov04LIbride Posted:

Re: Has anyone gone back fro their masters after a significant time has passed from their ba

Stony Brook has a Master's degree in HR (not an MBA, though Stony Brook will start offering an MBA in the fall and the 30 credits from the Master's in HR can be applied to the MBA degree, so instead of the 60 for the MBA it would only be an additional 30). The GMAT is not required for the Stony Brook Master's in HR program. I think the undergrad GPA they look for is at least a 3.0, but you may be able to attend as a non-matriculated student (not in the degree program yet--usually you can take 12 credits or so this way, and if your GPA is 3.25 or higher or something, they will matriculate you into the program). I found grad school to be MUCH easier than undergrad (that said, my undergraduate school was a lot more difficult than my grad school so I don't know how it would have compared to undergrad here). A 'B' grade is required to pass in grad school though. If can definitely be done--I know people who went to Dowling for the weekend MBA program who did not do well undergrad--I don't know if they require the GMAT. Also, there are not many jobs in HR now. Hardly anyone getting out of my program got jobs in HR, and those that did started as HR Generalists making around 30,000. HR is the first area companies cut when they start laying off because they don't need them to help with the hiring...

RedHead Posted:

Re: Has anyone gone back fro their masters after a significant time has passed from their ba

I did. I graduated in 95 undregrad. Worked for about 2 1/2 years
and then went back for my masters
Sassyz75 Posted:

Re: Has anyone gone back fro their masters after a significant time has passed from their ba

Well- the average age for an MBA is 27 or 28.

I graduated with my BA in 1997 and didn't go back for my MBA until 2002 (took the GMAT March of 2002 and enrolled that fall)... 5 years.

You sign up for the GMAT Here the graduate, management admissions council. The entire test is given on a computer at a center- so you can pretty much take it any time.

I needed to brush up on my math skills for the GMAT (algebra, geometry, etc)- there are less expensive pre-programs offered via NYU's school of continuing education & Baruch (maybe the New School too...). I took the NYU course, it was about $650 dollars (1/2 the price of princeton review/kaplan).

As far as schools in NYC you should look into Baruch. I had a 3.63 ungraduated cum but I didn't 'ace' the GMATS (I think I got a 600)- and I got into the program (am going there now). In terms of value- it is superior $330/credit part time. NYU offers a Part Time program, but unless you got an amazing score on your GMAT you're hard pressed to get accepted with a cum average below a 3.7. Columbia is full time only and more competitive than NYU. Other programs in the area are St. Johns- but it's expensive and I dont' think it's as well regarded as the one at Baruch (Zicklin is it's official name). A school mate of mine @ Baruch took accounting at St. John's because it was easier- which isn't a good sign. Rutgers has a program in Newark that is opening a facility in Jersey City- but it's pretty expensive (I was shocked, $550 per credit in state, 800+ out of state per credit). MBA is 54 credits.

I would suggest you brush up on math & economic skills in preparation for your MBA as well- there are a lot of required courses: accounting, economics, operations management- that require a strong foundation in math & algebra (i.e. quadratic equations) and statistics.

Don't mean to scare you off- the program is a lot of work, but it is certainly worth it. I sort of rushed into the program blind and was surprised at how much math was involved (I'm a marketing/small business major).

If you ever have any questions about Baruch, feel free to FM me- I really love it there- have had excellent professors and have learned SO MUCH.
nov04LIbride Posted:

Re: Has anyone gone back fro their masters after a significant time has passed from their ba

I second that--Baruch has a really good reputation for the Business school. My uncle got his MBA there and is a CPA.

antoinette Posted:

Re: Has anyone gone back fro their masters after a significant time has passed from their ba

Posted by nov04LIbride

Stony Brook has a Master's degree in HR (not an MBA, though Stony Brook will start offering an MBA in the fall and the 30 credits from the Master's in HR can be applied to the MBA degree, so instead of the 60 for the MBA it would only be an additional 30). The GMAT is not required for the Stony Brook Master's in HR program. I think the undergrad GPA they look for is at least a 3.0, but you may be able to attend as a non-matriculated student (not in the degree program yet--usually you can take 12 credits or so this way, and if your GPA is 3.25 or higher or something, they will matriculate you into the program). I found grad school to be MUCH easier than undergrad (that said, my undergraduate school was a lot more difficult than my grad school so I don't know how it would have compared to undergrad here). A 'B' grade is required to pass in grad school though. If can definitely be done--I know people who went to Dowling for the weekend MBA program who did not do well undergrad--I don't know if they require the GMAT. Also, there are not many jobs in HR now. Hardly anyone getting out of my program got jobs in HR, and those that did started as HR Generalists making around 30,000. HR is the first area companies cut when they start laying off because they don't need them to help with the hiring...
-- I did not know that about the salary WOW. I would think that it would be much higher. Stonybrook is where I attended for my undergraduate degree and aI am def considering going back there for my graduate degree- thanks for the info
swags1016 Posted:

Re: Has anyone gone back fro their masters after a significant time has passed from their ba

You are not being ridiculous. I waited 5 years between my BA and MA. I finished that 4 years ago, infact starting in September I might be going back for my second masters. I like the nice break!--Need a couple of years of not hitting the books before I can start hitting the books!

Betty Posted:

Re: Has anyone gone back fro their masters after a significant time has passed from their ba

GO FOR IT

My situation is a little bit different. I went back to school for teaching so I didn't have to take GMATS or anything to get in (I have taken the teaching tests but they didn't get me into grad school). I was soooooo afraid of going back. I was definately not the best student and I'm terrible at test taking but I'm doing it and I'm doing very well. I've taken 30 credits so far (one more class ans student teaching to go) and I have a 3.97 and have passed all of my certification tests so far (just took one last sat and praying I pased).

My point is I was the same as you, very afraid but I DID IT AND SO CAN YOU!!!!

GOOD LUCK


Oh, edited to say: I graduated with my BA in '93 and went back for my masters (in something different) in 2001.
aliciahelene Posted:

Re: Has anyone gone back fro their masters after a significant time has passed from their ba

I am back in school for a double masters in family and addistions counseling. You cant go wrong with a master's, more money in many positions and I love graduate school..I didnt learn crap in undregrad. There are alot of good schools in NJ for an MBA!!!
I think its a great decision to go back..in fact the majority of classmates are older, not fresh out of their bachelors
steph4777 Posted:

Re: Has anyone gone back fro their masters after a significant time has passed from their ba

I graduated from undergrad in 1999, took the GMAT in Oct 2001 and started the Part-time MBA program at Depaul Univ (Chicago) in April 2002.

Most schools if you are going for an MBA required that you have work experience. I graduate in June and I don't think I would have really done well had I not worked for a few years. The expereince is so different from undergrad, a good portion of the learning is listening to your peers/professors apply real world experiences to the theory.

I took a Kaplan class to prep for the GMAT bc I know that I need some of the strategy tips. Take a practice test, see how you do and let that determine if you pay for a course or study on your own.

If HR is something that you are really interested in, try to do some research on other disciplines that are similar. For example, Change Management is a hot topic and has some of the same types of courses like HR. Also there's also Organizational Behavior. So there's a lot of different disciplines related to human resouces.

Good Luck...There's lots of info available and school counselors are always available to help guide you.

marymoon Posted:

Re: Has anyone gone back fro their masters after a significant time has passed from their ba

<--Kaplan teacher, though not GMAT.

To sign up for the GMAT it's either www.mba.org
or www.mba.com

I forget which!

ETA: If you go to www.kaptest.com you can take a practice GMAT online, and then you can assess your skills. It's pretty accurate. There are also a number of free Grad events in may at the Long Island Kaplan Center (by the mall), FM me if you want them phone #. I don't get money or anything for sending anyone to these, I'm just trying to help!
1017Bride Posted:

Re: Has anyone gone back fro their masters after a significant time has passed from their ba

I was in a similar situation. I went back to school to get a second masters after being out of school for 3 years. I didn't have to take a test at the time but initially the transition of going back and taking classes was tough but it was worth it and its not as bad now. I am going for Library Science.


I don't know much about MBA programs though on NY/LI. Good luck though.
MrsTC Posted:

Re: Has anyone gone back fro their masters after a significant time has passed from their ba

if you get your Masters or MBA in HR you will NOT make $30k a year. it depends on exactly what you will be doing and where, but I'd say starting would be about $45-$55k.

Happybride2005 Posted:

Re: Has anyone gone back fro their masters after a significant time has passed from their ba

GO FOR IT!!!!!! More power to you. In today's times, the more degrees, it may help in the work force.

AlisonMT Posted:

Re: Has anyone gone back fro their masters after a significant time has passed from their ba

Hi there! It seems like you've already gotten a lot of good advice as to the logistics. I just wanted to add my encouragement. I went back to get my MBA after almost 9 years and I will be graduating with it next Sunday!! It's tough, but worth it!! Good luck!
pschica Posted:

Re: Has anyone gone back fro their masters after a significant time has passed from their ba

i waited three years to get mine - but decided to jump in finally and do it - it takes soem adjusting at first but you can do it.....i did! I wound up going to school f/t, working f/t, planning othe wedding and getitng married - i completed 45 credits in one year doing summers, etc....it sure wasn't easy but it was worth it.....i am even going back to get another degree this fall!! good luck!

kim Posted:

Re: Has anyone gone back fro their masters after a significant time has passed from their ba

i have been out of college for 5 years, and i am going back for my mba in the fall. i am going to fm you some details.

nov04LIbride Posted:

Re: Has anyone gone back fro their masters after a significant time has passed from their ba

Posted by MrsTC

if you get your Masters or MBA in HR you will NOT make $30k a year. it depends on exactly what you will be doing and where, but I'd say starting would be about $45-$55k.


I have my Masters in HR, and did not see any jobs that were making that much with no work experience in HR. If you know of any at the high end of that range, please FM me, I would definitely be interested. I dont know of anyone who was making that starting with no experience in the field though, even with the Masters...

Reply to this topic

Log in to reply or quote a post.