I think both MBA and Executive MBA program at SJSU are the same. I'm writing this entry based on my observation, not my real experience.
My former coworker who was in the executive MBA program and he stopped doing it after one semester. Actually SJSU Executive MBA program is open anyone who wants to do a FAST part-time MBA. I believe the school just gives the program a fancy name. Not even mention that you wont know any executives or expand your network to the next level, many the students in the executive MBA program are not really in their managerial level at their work.
Why do I say so?
There are times that I stayed late at the building for projects. I met some of the students who are in the executive MBA program, and was surprised these students are about my age, 23-28 years old. I'm not convinced that they are executives/managers. If they are in their managerial level in their mid-20s, I'm pretty sure they will be very serious in selecting the right school and program. And quite frankly, I believe real good executives/managers wont choose SJSU for their MBA either. (Companies usually compensate a good portion of their employees' executive MBA programs. And executives have good finance to pay for their grad school as well, so they are usually in good programs.)
I just found out something when I'm writing. On SJSU executive MBA program admission Web page, it says there's no real set of guidelines in admitting students into their executive program. I guess it's already stated clearly - anyone who is not that "executive" will be in the program. Please be aware of that before you apply.
When I was applying for grad school, I went to a few MBA events organized by the MBA Tour and events organized by the schools that I was interested in at that time. These are pretty good schools with ranking and they have clear rules of what type of students they are admitting in order to benefit the students and school. Most of the executive programs also state that applicants are expected to have at least 10 years of working experience and outstanding achievements. I dont really know why SJSU is so unclear on what kind of students they want. When I was in the program, I totally feel that the school is just trying to make money out of students and doesnt really care much about them.
This is solely opinion and how I feel toward the SJSU business programs.
*Note on Aug 20th. I noticed SJSU EMBA actually name executed style MBA. Well. Look at it carefully before you apply.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
SJSU sucks - unpleasant experience with staff S**
Our motivation to start this blog is to write down our pleasant and unpleasant experiences when we pursue our M.B.A. at SJSU. I have quitted the program because I cannot tolerate the unprofessional professors and program administrators.
I'm not sure how many of you still call your school for help after you graduate. I do call up my undergrad school once in a while when I come across any career, legal, study abroad questions. There is always someone who can ask. Although the staff may not be able to answer all my questions, they are nice and willing to help.
So, it happens one day that I call up the program administrator and ask her a very general questions regarding the program. This program administrator, however, ask me nicely if I’m coming back to the program first before she’s willing to answer my questions. I get freaked out. When I tell her that I do not have any intention coming back, she answers me with a surprising answer, “XXXXX(my name), you are no longer in the cohort student.” And then she hangs up on me. I am blanked out coz I have never experience such kind of rude experience with any staff in my pervious schools. I always think that the school staff is kinda an image/representative of school. They should act professional and be polite esp in front of students and those who are paying for their work right?
Oh well, I tell my classmates the next day. They are not surprised either as they also lose respect for this lady already. I call and email the school and am hoping that they are aware of this matter. E**** who says she will handle this matter has never given me a reply until I email her again. And this is the reply I get from her.
XXXXX,
I have discussed your concerns extensively with Dr. J****** and also with S** C***. I understand your disappointment and your decision not to complete the MBA-One program, but from our perspective we have been and still are offering you support that is appropriate to your status as an MBA-One student.
Please let me know what you need assistance with and I will do my best to help you out. You may reach me via email or by telephone at the number listed below.
Regards,
E**** M**********, Graduate Programs Coordinator
Lucas Graduate School of Business
San José State University
One Washington Square
San José, CA 95192-0162
408-***-****
________________________________________
From: XXXXX@hotmail.com
Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2009 11:22 AM
To: E**** M**********,
Subject: RE: experience with MBA program staff
Hi E****,
It's been more than a week since my last email. Please let me know if this case is being taken care of.
Thanks,
XXXXX
________________________________________
From: XXXXX@hotmail.com
To: XXXXXX@cob.sjsu.edu
Subject: experience with MBA program staff
Date: Fri, 13 Mar 2009 11:59:20 -0700
Hi E****,
Per our conversation earlier today, I'm writing this email to express my unpleasant experience with the MBAOne coordinator, S**, yesterday. I called S** yesterday to try finding out the definition of a "full time student" in the program. I wanted to know if I'm eligible for CXX. I have expressed my intention to S** and she has asked me if I'm interested in coming back to the MBAOne program.
However, she did not answer my question directly and said I'm no longer a cohort student. I feel that the school is not taking true interest in the wellfare of their past students. I would understand if information provided was going to be confidential or was given a more reasonable explanation as to why she is unable to answer my question directly.
I would appreciate this case be well taken care of.
Thanks,
XXXXXX
Firstly, she didnt cc Dr. J****** in the email. My question is - Did you really notify your boss? If so, why didn't you cc him? Secondly, the reply hasn’t replied anything at all. All I want is an apology for the rude behavior and hope that the school is taking care of the welfare of their current and past students. Am I asking too much for it?
There are a lot of other M.B.A. schools that are about the same price but provide better service and take care of their students and alumni. If you are serious thinking to study in SJSU for your M.B.A. Think twice!
I'm not sure how many of you still call your school for help after you graduate. I do call up my undergrad school once in a while when I come across any career, legal, study abroad questions. There is always someone who can ask. Although the staff may not be able to answer all my questions, they are nice and willing to help.
So, it happens one day that I call up the program administrator and ask her a very general questions regarding the program. This program administrator, however, ask me nicely if I’m coming back to the program first before she’s willing to answer my questions. I get freaked out. When I tell her that I do not have any intention coming back, she answers me with a surprising answer, “XXXXX(my name), you are no longer in the cohort student.” And then she hangs up on me. I am blanked out coz I have never experience such kind of rude experience with any staff in my pervious schools. I always think that the school staff is kinda an image/representative of school. They should act professional and be polite esp in front of students and those who are paying for their work right?
Oh well, I tell my classmates the next day. They are not surprised either as they also lose respect for this lady already. I call and email the school and am hoping that they are aware of this matter. E**** who says she will handle this matter has never given me a reply until I email her again. And this is the reply I get from her.
XXXXX,
I have discussed your concerns extensively with Dr. J****** and also with S** C***. I understand your disappointment and your decision not to complete the MBA-One program, but from our perspective we have been and still are offering you support that is appropriate to your status as an MBA-One student.
Please let me know what you need assistance with and I will do my best to help you out. You may reach me via email or by telephone at the number listed below.
Regards,
E**** M**********, Graduate Programs Coordinator
Lucas Graduate School of Business
San José State University
One Washington Square
San José, CA 95192-0162
408-***-****
________________________________________
From: XXXXX@hotmail.com
Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2009 11:22 AM
To: E**** M**********,
Subject: RE: experience with MBA program staff
Hi E****,
It's been more than a week since my last email. Please let me know if this case is being taken care of.
Thanks,
XXXXX
________________________________________
From: XXXXX@hotmail.com
To: XXXXXX@cob.sjsu.edu
Subject: experience with MBA program staff
Date: Fri, 13 Mar 2009 11:59:20 -0700
Hi E****,
Per our conversation earlier today, I'm writing this email to express my unpleasant experience with the MBAOne coordinator, S**, yesterday. I called S** yesterday to try finding out the definition of a "full time student" in the program. I wanted to know if I'm eligible for CXX. I have expressed my intention to S** and she has asked me if I'm interested in coming back to the MBAOne program.
However, she did not answer my question directly and said I'm no longer a cohort student. I feel that the school is not taking true interest in the wellfare of their past students. I would understand if information provided was going to be confidential or was given a more reasonable explanation as to why she is unable to answer my question directly.
I would appreciate this case be well taken care of.
Thanks,
XXXXXX
Firstly, she didnt cc Dr. J****** in the email. My question is - Did you really notify your boss? If so, why didn't you cc him? Secondly, the reply hasn’t replied anything at all. All I want is an apology for the rude behavior and hope that the school is taking care of the welfare of their current and past students. Am I asking too much for it?
There are a lot of other M.B.A. schools that are about the same price but provide better service and take care of their students and alumni. If you are serious thinking to study in SJSU for your M.B.A. Think twice!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Class 1 - Fall semester - Session A
The following Monday after orientation is the first day of class.
What class is this?
Our first class is Business communication - 210. It is a human resource class and the professor teaching is George Whaley (I think he’s no longer teaching in SJSU.) E-mails are sent the night before the class started, along with the syllabus and first day class agenda. I think this is the only session that keeps us really busy. A lot of small things such as pop quizzes every few chapters, individual and group projects. Extra credit projects (minimum 10 pages each) worth 10% of the final grades have driven us insane at the end of the semester. One of them is what your career plan after you finish the M.B.A program. You will have to take a several assessments to test your personality, your skills and interest. Combine these assessments with your ideal career plan for the next five and 10 years and testify yourself if you fit in the industry you want to be. You need to include your alternative plan as well. I like his extra credit project topic as it gives you a chance to critically think over your career. He also gives us graduated level exam. Questions are M.C. but they are practical and you have to apply the answer with concepts. Open book exam is in the final (comprehensive exam.)
About the professor
He is a bit strange in classes tho – he likes to put one of his legs when he is teaching. Stretching his leg on a desk. Very weird. However, after taking several classes in SJSU, I realize he is the only serious professor who really cares our career. Office hours are clearly stated in his curriculum. He is willing to meet you in person regarding any questions about the course upon appointment. He always discusses students for a whole afternoon other than his office hour. He invites the past year alumni over to talk about their M.B.A and job search experience.
Should I take his class
Although HR might not be your major, I think it worths your time and money to take his class. He is a demanding professor but definitely helps with your understanding about your career as well as the business communication.
What class is this?
Our first class is Business communication - 210. It is a human resource class and the professor teaching is George Whaley (I think he’s no longer teaching in SJSU.) E-mails are sent the night before the class started, along with the syllabus and first day class agenda. I think this is the only session that keeps us really busy. A lot of small things such as pop quizzes every few chapters, individual and group projects. Extra credit projects (minimum 10 pages each) worth 10% of the final grades have driven us insane at the end of the semester. One of them is what your career plan after you finish the M.B.A program. You will have to take a several assessments to test your personality, your skills and interest. Combine these assessments with your ideal career plan for the next five and 10 years and testify yourself if you fit in the industry you want to be. You need to include your alternative plan as well. I like his extra credit project topic as it gives you a chance to critically think over your career. He also gives us graduated level exam. Questions are M.C. but they are practical and you have to apply the answer with concepts. Open book exam is in the final (comprehensive exam.)
About the professor
He is a bit strange in classes tho – he likes to put one of his legs when he is teaching. Stretching his leg on a desk. Very weird. However, after taking several classes in SJSU, I realize he is the only serious professor who really cares our career. Office hours are clearly stated in his curriculum. He is willing to meet you in person regarding any questions about the course upon appointment. He always discusses students for a whole afternoon other than his office hour. He invites the past year alumni over to talk about their M.B.A and job search experience.
Should I take his class
Although HR might not be your major, I think it worths your time and money to take his class. He is a demanding professor but definitely helps with your understanding about your career as well as the business communication.
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