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Tom Kozicki, Director of Marshall's MBA Career Resource Center at the University of Southern California joins us in this exclusive Up Close & Virtual® Interview. He tells us about the highly ranked Marshal MBA program, qualifications and advice for those considering an MBA. He shares his insights on the importance of leadership, business fundamentals, networking, and making the right career choice. Read the complete interview here...
Tell us about USC's Marshall School of Business MBA Program:
USC's Marshall School of Business offers four different programs that lead to the Master of Business Administration degree. The traditional full-time MBA is delivered through the highly ranked Marshall MBA program. For fully employed students, there is the MBA for Professionals and Managers (MBA.PM), a three-year, part-time program. For more senior managers, there is the Executive MBA (EMBA). Finally, there is the accelerated International MBA (IBEAR MBA) for students with international work experience. All of Marshall's programs are rigorous, highly ranked and award the same MBA degree.
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What do you tell students who are considering Business School?
Think about why you're pursuing an MBA -- what are your goals? How do you want your career to evolve after obtaining the MBA? This will help you select the right school and also will be important in the application process.
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What do you look for when selecting students for your MBA Program? Tell us briefly about your current student body.
When we look at our applicant pool, there are a lot of bright people, based on where they went to school, the courses they took, and how they performed. Once we see that they have competitive GMAT scores and GPAs, we look at their work history. Were they promoted? Did they show a level of energy and excitement that we can see from either community activities or from their work experience? Leadership skills and abilities are what will differentiate candidates in the applicant pool for MBA programs and for labor pool for jobs upon graduation.
The current student body has shown not only that they're bright, but also that they're someone who can work in a team, who has leadership potential and has more than only book-knowledge. They are people we believe will be successful after the program and the MBA will be one factor, albeit an important one, in their career. We have a student body of interesting people who have aspirations that go beyond the MBA.
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What are you doing to prepare students for the ever-changing global economy?
Regardless of what is going on in the economy, the need for an understanding and mastery of business fundamentals will never change. It is tempting to revise your program based on the trend of the day. We saw several schools revamp their program to accommodate the dot.com boom. How relevant are those programs today? Marshall is a general management school. We focus on the core business fundamentals that will allow our graduates to sustain a career. Students have the ability to choose an elective concentration from a wide variety of specialties and can also take advantage of the many dual degree programs offered in partnership with other schools on the USC campus. So there are many ways that students can take advantage of the cutting edge research being conducted at Marshall and USC that will help them in their careers.
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Have you witnessed changes in the types of students sought by companies?
Our current economic climate has created a large, experienced talent pool for companies who have limited positions to fill. As a result, the job market for graduating MBAs has become even more competitive. In the late 90's, companies were more open to career changers and training raw talent. Most recently, companies are focusing on students who have directly applicable work experience. This has created challenges for those who came to business school to completely change their careers. However, companies are still focusing on students who have leadership skills, can be successful working in and leading teams, have analytical abilities and can communicate effectively.
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Has the earning potential for B-School graduates changed in recent years?
The earning potential is still limitless; however what we have seen in starting compensation packages has changed. While starting salaries at companies who are the traditional employers of MBAs have not declined, variable compensation in the form of signing bonuses, tuition remission, relocation and year-end bonuses have declined or gone away. It's a buyers market for talent and companies don't need to provide the additional perks to attract the talent they need.
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| "Industry and corporate culture is so important - does it truly match my values? Self-assessment and research play a big role in helping to find the career path that is going to be the best fit for you. Do your homework and talk to a lot of people." --Tom Kozicki, Director MBA Career Resource Center, University of Southern California
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What is your MBA Program doing to educate students on valuing diversity in the workplace?
Each year we bring in a class that is reflective of the diverse world in which we live. This creates a living laboratory for learning about different cultures. We actively support diversity-oriented student clubs, bring in speakers who reflect the diversity in the working world and provide leadership opportunities in student government. We are active participants in the National Black MBA Association and the National Society of Hispanic MBA conferences, sponsor student participation in Pac Rim country, commerce association meetings and conferences and have sponsored the regional conference for Graduate Women in Business. We believe all of these activities will bring greater cultural awareness that will have an impact on the workplace of the future.
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What's the one piece of advice you'd give to someone considering Graduate Business School?
Consider why you want to go to business school - what are your career and life aspirations? Why do you want to earn an MBA? Then consider these goals when choosing the program - choose the program that fits your goals and aspirations - consider more than only the rankings. Visit the school and get a feel for the community there - meet with current students, attend a class.
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What advice or tips for success would you give MBA candidates to help them make intelligent career choices?
Make the career choice based on your interests, talents and your values. Many students make the wrong career choice by focusing on income potential, an attractive industry or what others think is right. They don't look at what will sustain them in a job or career. Pay attention to what your gut is telling you. Industry and corporate culture is so important - does it truly match my values? Self-assessment and research play a big role in helping to find the career path that is going to be the best fit for you. Do your homework and talk to a lot of people.
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What would you recommend that current MBA students do during school to enhance their career potential?
The best way to enhance your career potential is to network. Consistently seek out people who can provide you with insight, ask for their advice and stay in contact with them. Informational interviewing is the most effective way to learn and meet people who can connect you to your next job. Do research on companies, functional areas, and industries prior to informational interviewing. There is plenty of information on the Internet to help you learn and become focused.
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What advice would you give someone considering your MBA Program?
Every school has a unique culture and some have academic specialties. Consider your strengths and needs - will they be met at the school you are targeting regardless of the school's status. At Marshall we are a very team-oriented school and the culture reflects that. Do you work well in teams? Is this a skill you actively want to enhance? If so, you may be a fit here and you would benefit from our program. What we want is a good fit - someone who will benefit from the Marshall experience as well as someone who will contribute something to the Marshall community.
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| Thank you Tom Kozicki, for sharing your insights and expertise with MBACareers.com
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