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Work experience makes degree more valuable

BY CHRISTINA HOAG
June 16, 2003 

When Howard Dvorkin finished his accounting degree at American University, he went straight on to the University of Miami for an MBA, graduating in 1987.

''I came out of accounting and had a ton of job offers from Big Eight firms, but I decided to directly go on and get the MBA,'' related Dvorkin, who founded the nonprofit Consolidated Credit Counseling Services in Fort Lauderdale in 1993.

''Once you start making money, it's hard to stop, and studying is hard to do on the side while you're working,'' he explained.

But Dvorkin's experience is not typical of today's crop of MBAs. About 60 percent of MBA students work and attend class part time, according to the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International, the premier B-school accreditation entity.

And experts say that in such a competitive job climate, taking that route may be in a job candidate's favor. With an MBA close to an entry-level requirement for a career in many types of business, big or small, job candidates must demonstrate something more to emerge above the crowd, experts say. That includes work experience, background, even personal skills.

''Companies are looking for the total package,'' said Robert Morgan, president of Spherion Human Capital Group, a Fort Lauderdale recruiter. ``Candidates have to have good work experience and an MBA from a credible school.''

Companies are trying to pick candidates who show potential, drive and versatility.

''Degrees get you in the door,'' Dvorkin said. ``But it comes down to what you do once you get in the door. You can have someone with great credentials, but who can't think? Take a theory and apply it.''

When choosing a business school, prospective students should consider a university's reputation because it does play into companies' hiring decisions, and they should also look at their own goals, experts said.

''A top regional or local program may be absolutely the right choice for you,'' said Daphne Atkinson, vice president of industry relations for the Graduate Management Admissions Council, which administers the GMAT business-aptitude test. ``For other people, prestige is a critical decision point.''

Plantation CPA Nalene Khan, who has an MBA from Florida Atlantic University, said she decided to go to FAU because it was well known in Broward County, where she wanted to be based.

Dvorkin said he was attracted by the University of Miami because it had a wider-known name.

''It was an up-and-coming program that had a good reputation,'' he said.

For Deborah Brown of Deerfield Beach, convenience was the primary factor in deciding to go with an online MBA program with Jones International University.

When attempting to measure the quality of a B-school, Atkinson suggests prospective students take a close look at the amount of research the institution's faculty carries out.

Besides helping them to gain a foothold in a competitive job market, MBA graduates point to different benefits gained from their degrees.

Dvorkin said he drew upon his business creation course when he was writing the business plan for Consolidated Credit Counseling Service.

Brown, who has a Ph.D. in clinical psychology, said she needed to learn the business ropes to switch careers.

For Khan, the course on public speaking and presentation skills made a big difference.

All said, the MBA taught them to think a little differently. Said Khan: ``An MBA really broadens your horizons.''