During the Bentley MBA cohort’s trip to Greece, MBA candidate Pawel Czoczys is filing reports on his experience.

A nation without its history is like a person without their memory.

Here we are, packing and getting ready for our second field trip at the Bentley MBA program. This time we are going to Athens, Greece. I know that, for some of my colleagues, the idea to visit Acropolis of Athens is not as fancy or interesting as visiting BMW headquarters in Germany. However, as future leaders, we have to keep in mind what is important for society, not only from a business perspective. If we don’t know where we have been, we could not decide where we want to go. Heritage plays a significant role in our history and future.

I was born in Gdansk, Poland. This city played a significant role in the history of Europe: In 1939 World War II began; in the 80s it was the place where Solidarity was established, and 10 years later communism in Eastern Europe collapsed. With Gdansk’s history, I’m trying to find relations to Greece’s vast history. I also expect that during our trip to Athens I’ll better understand the significant role of heritage management. How is this important for business, tourism, citizens? How can you take advantage of your national heritage? How your history can influence your national identity? And last but not least, how national identity is perceived by others?

Stayed tuned, I’ll let you know more once we get on the plane!

By Kristen Walsh

You’re looking for more responsibility at work and you know that a master’s in business administration (MBA) would help you get ahead in your career; but the time commitment is holding you back. The scenario isn’t surprising for people trying to juggle life — work, family, travel.

If you have professional experience (even if it’s not in business) and limited time to complete a graduate degree, then Bentley University’s Professional MBA (PMBA) makes sense. The part-time MBA is a hybrid program that can be completed at your convenience — online and on campus.

“As part of the dynamic International division at NxStage Medical, my schedule is not always predictable and I often work long hours, which would make it difficult to adhere to a classroom-only atmosphere,” says Senior Financial Analyst Anne Halsey PMBA ’17. “This limitation made it clear during my grad program search that, if I wanted to earn an MBA while working, I needed a program that gave me the freedom to meet the demands of my current career while still providing a robust educational experience.”

Designing your part-time MBA

Flexibility and adaptability are among the top reasons many people enroll in the Professional MBA, according to PMBA Director William Starner. You choose your schedule.

“Classes are offered in a variety of different time slots, including in the evening when people are coming home from work,” says Starner. “Almost all are offered online, which means that if you’re traveling for work or have small kids at home, you can simply access Wi-Fi and participate in class. It gives you the ability to work and earn your MBA.”

It goes beyond flexible time and location, however. In addition to choosing how and where to complete your part-time MBA, you can choose how to tailor the degree, depending on the kinds of skills you need for your career going forward. You’re never forced into a particular track. Depending on your individual needs, you can keep your degree general or focus in one of eight concentrations that relate back to Bentley’s master's programs: Accountancy, Business Analytics, Economics of Financial Markets, Finance, Information Systems and Technology, Law and Taxation, Leadership and Marketing. And if that’s not enough, you can choose four courses that better meet your needs.

It’s the reason why participants in Bentley’s part-time MBA program are so diverse; while you need at least three years of professional experience, it doesn’t necessarily have to be in a business discipline. If you don’t have educational or professional business experience, foundation courses in marketing, finance, accounting and information systems will bring you up to speed so you don’t get in over your head. Core courses cover law, ethics and social responsibility; responsible leadership; global strategy; information technology; process management; and value chain management. (Applicants with post-graduate work experience may be eligible to waive some courses.)

Leveraging technology

When you enroll in the Professional MBA at Bentley, you will have full support from the Academic Technology Center. The technology infrastructure on campus will make it possible for you to participate remotely.

“We provide the software and training for students so that they can participate on a laptop or iPad virtually anywhere in the world,” says Starner.

One team of students, for example, worked together during class on a group project from different locations: Tokyo, Vienna, Kansas City and San Francisco.

Halsey was able to attend a negotiating class while on a business trip in London. “Although the time difference made things interesting, I was able to meet the requirements of my job, without sacrificing my education.”

Read more about Halsey’s PMBA experience.

You’ll use Saba software, a technology platform used by Fortune 500 companies. Once you gain these skills, you’ll likely notice ways to implement it into your own career.

“If this is the world we live in and work in,” Starner says about the technology, “shouldn’t it be the world we teach in?”

You’ll also access leading industry software in centers such as the Trading Room, where you will work with real-time data from the financial services industry, and in the Center for Marketing Technology, where you will consult with real companies to implement innovative and actionable marketing programs.

Bringing diversity to the table

The online component of the PMBA brings together a diverse industry and student demographic, fostering a high level of class interaction and learning. Students work in the kinds of diverse — and often remote — groups found in today’s global marketplace. In addition to different cultures, students also bring different professional experiences to the table.

“When you get a lot of diversity within a group, you get a fantastic mix of ideas and all of a sudden the solutions are much more complex and much more interesting in terms of solving business problems,” says Bentley Professor of Management Joseph Byrnes.

Students break into small teams for discussions on case studies, including those from Harvard Business School. A course on responsible leadership, for example, included cases on ethical lapses of a leader’s decision, and the emotional intelligence of a CEO adapting to employees’ backgrounds and experiences.

“Our differences come together to form this unique perspective,” says Jeff Francis PMBA ’16, director of program management at Club Car (part of Ingersoll Rand). “At times, you actually learn a lot more from your classmates than you do from professors.”

Amber Scarchilli PMBA ’14, head of underwriting and portfolio management at Silicon Valley Bank, agrees: “The diversity within the school is one of the main draws. Getting that outside perspective from people who have experiences that are different from mine is one of the reasons I enrolled.”

Career Outcomes

Three in four employers expected to hire MBA graduates in 2016, according to the Graduate Management Admission Council’s 2015 Year-End Poll of Employers. And 56 percent of employers planned to increase base salaries for new MBA hires in 2016 at or above the rate of inflation. But it’s not just companies who recognize the value of an MBA.

“A lot of people are moving into positions with more responsibility,” Starner says of the PBMA student demographic. “All of a sudden they find themselves in meetings where people are talking the language of business and they need to figure out what it means.”

One PBMA student, for example, was a nurse who was running a large nursing organization. Although she had a master’s degree in her field, she needed to understand how to manage financials and other issues associated with running a complex organization. Another participant, with two doctoral degrees in research science, worked at a biotech company and found herself in a room full of people talking about marketing strategies, target markets, and gross margins, says Starner. “She recognized that she didn’t need another Ph.D., she needed to understand what was going on in the business world.”

Data from a GMAC 2016 Corporate Recruiters Survey supports these kinds of expectations. Among the top reasons that employers included MBA graduates in their 2016 hiring mix include building their leadership pipeline and succession planning, supporting company growth, and business acumen.

As your own career evolves, you’ll have access to a global network of Bentley alumni and the university’s Graduate Career Services office, including career events and job fairs, employer information sessions, and a Virtual Career Center. It’s all administered by a nationally ranked Career Services team, and all designed to help you find the job of your dreams or take your career to the next level.

Learn more about Bentley’s Professional MBA.

How Would A Master’s In Information Technology Help Your Career?

Would you like to work in one of the fastest-growing industries in the U.S.? If you’re interested in being a computer systems analyst, a network administrator, an information technology (IT) consultant, or any one of a vast number of jobs encompassed within the information technology field, you’re heading in the right direction.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in computer and information technology roles is projected to grow by 12 percent from 2014 to 2024— faster than the average rate of growth for all occupations. That translates to about 488,500 new jobs, bringing the total number of IT jobs to 4.4 million.

That’s great news for you — and your career! Having a master’s in information technology makes you a prime candidate for these positions, giving you a valuable leg up against the competition. Bentley’s comprehensive information technology master’s program (which we like to call “MSIT”) prepares you for excellence in this increasingly complex and competitive field.

What will a master’s in information technology do for my career?

The decision to pursue a master’s degree is not one to be taken lightly. Reasons for getting a master’s vary depending upon the person and the situation and may range from advancing career goals, to boosting compensation, to better marketability.  

Bentley’s Professor of Computer Information Systems Heikki Topi notes that Bentley’s MSIT program serves students with a range of different backgrounds. Some are experienced professionals who have been working in the IT industry for several years, while others come soon after earning an undergraduate degree (often in information systems, computer science, or engineering). A master’s degree in information technology benefits these students in different ways, depending on their situation.

For recent graduates with little-to-no work experience and a bachelor’s degree, it’s certainly possible to gain entry to the information technology field without a master’s degree. But the number of applicants for available jobs is high, and it’s becoming increasingly necessary to differentiate yourself — even for entry-level jobs. Employers know that advanced-degree holders are well-qualified and prepared to practice in the field; on the other hand, the organization may be taking on a risk with a candidate who is less knowledgeable and experienced.

For information technology candidates with some work experience, a master’s degree holds the promise of advancement. It can pave the way to jobs in management or senior-level technical jobs as well as consulting positions. Students who have already worked in the field have the advantage of knowing exactly what they want and where they hope to go. For them, a master’s degree is the key to securing a job they want in a field they love, which ultimately makes their career more enjoyable.  

Of course, salary is among the top reasons why people of all backgrounds invest in a master’s in information technology. Data gathered by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that IT is one field in which people with a master’s degree often earn a premium over workers with just a bachelor’s degree. In this case, then, a graduate degree is a worthwhile investment in your future.

Jobs You’ll Be Prepared For With A Master’s Degree In Information Technology

The landscape varies significantly regarding the types of jobs available to someone with a master’s degree in IT.

In general, the business world is in great need of people who can understand a business problem and translate that into a technology solution. According to Topi, there are four fundamental competencies that a person must have to be successful in jobs within the higher echelons of information technology in business:

1. Technical competency: Higher-level workers need a fundamental understanding of information technology, computing, and their use within organizations.
2. Management of information systems technology competency: The most effective IT personnel have the ability to answer questions like, “What processes should we have in place to manage technology systems?” “What organizational structures should we use?” “How can we use technology to advance the organization’s goals?”
3. Organizational competency in the domain in which the technology is applied: For instance, what is a specific organization doing to reach its goals?
4. Individual foundational competencies: To thrive in business you’ll need to develop skills in communication, negotiation, teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking, analyzing complex problems, and articulating solutions.

In other words, graduates who are able to put together a solid combination of these competencies will find that a wide variety of jobs that were unattainable previously are now well within reach, as long as the master’s program has prepared them adequately. Demand for people with these capabilities is not likely to diminish in the foreseeable future.

Different programs emphasize different aspects of information technology, but here’s a sampling of some of the jobs you will be well-prepared for as a graduate of the Bentley MSIT program:

• Recent college graduates with a nontechnical or technical undergraduate degree plus a master’s degree in information technology: Business/systems analyst, database analyst, IT security analyst, IT auditor, IT risk and assurance consultant, or IT advisory consultant. (And for recent college graduates with a technical degree, add programmer analyst to the list.)

• Experienced professionals without an IT background plus a master’s degree in information technology: Project manager, product manager, program manager, or senior business/IT consultant.

• Experienced IT professionals plus a master’s degree in information technology: IT director, program manager, enterprise architect, software development scrum master, or senior IT/business consultant.

At Bentley, our job placement rate is more than 80 percent. We believe our rigorous coursework and diverse student body contribute to this success. With a mix of domestic students, international students, and students with wide-ranging work experiences, learning opportunities are everywhere. Everyone has something different to offer, and students actively collaborate and learn from one another. This rich mix of backgrounds makes our learning community more dynamic and benefits everyone.

How Bentley’s MSIT Program Can Help You Succeed

Professor of Computer Information Systems Bill Schiano points out how important it is that any master’s of information technology program reflect what’s happening in the real world and notes that Bentley’s coursework is designed to provide the blend of technical training and business knowledge that employers want. To make this happen, faculty members are regularly taking the pulse of the business world. “We work very closely with the employers of our students when they come to recruit,” says Schiano. “We also regularly run focus groups, not just with our employers, but with companies that aren’t hiring our students and other places where we think it’s important to understand what’s going on in the market. We update the curriculum based on that feedback.”

One case in point is Schiano’s class, which focuses on the agile methodology of software development — a very different approach than that of many schools teaching project management. He says that agile’s more flexible, responsive approach to project management is dominant in the field, so students should be familiar with it. The reality is that most companies can’t afford to be so doctrinaire; it’s better to do what’s right for each project and the organization you’re working for.

To align with best practices in companies, the Bentley program includes a mix of technology skills — large-scale database skills, Java programming, and enterprise architecture — and general business skills. According to Schiano, this mix is a necessity in the real world: “Students who are trained purely on the business side can’t see what the technology could do for the company because they don’t have a good grasp on the technology itself. They’re also not as productive with the technical folks because they don’t understand the language or in-depth what these people do for a living. Employers have a clear interest in people who have meaningful depth on both sides.”  

Day 1

The first day of our week in Athens we started with a short bus tour. As most of us were traveling from Boston, it was a good decision, much better than having a walking tour. Those who were extremely tired could take a rest or nap before the dinner. We stopped at the bottom of the hill to see the Acropolis. We were impressed, and excited to see it, as we are planning to have a tour of it during our stay.

For the welcome dinner, our host reserved a restaurant close to the Acropolis, in a very touristic place. I was told that the food in such places is not always the best quality. During the high season, owners emphasize on quantity, not on quality. And that was also observations for most of our group. However, I can admit two things which are common for restaurants in Athens: speed and quality of the dishes. Some people are saying that food has to be provided very fast as Greeks are impatient, and it has to be a lot of food as they love to eat in the evenings.

Day 2

The second day we started our academic sessions with the visit in the American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM). The Chamber is one of the largest and most active American chambers in Europe. It was established in 1932 to promote economic and business relations between the United States and Greece. Our host, Elias Spirtounias, executive director at AMCHAM, talked about the opportunities, problems, and challenges which Greece is dealing with.

To make the long story short, Greece is a beautiful country with huge potential. If you can imagine, there is enough uncultivated soil to fill roughly 30 percent of European demand for fruits and vegetables. But it can’t be used for many reasons, which one of them is a quota set by the European Union.

Among many other challenges Greece faces, the biggest problem is the lack of reliable and stable leadership. You can’t lead a company if you change the CEO eight times through the last eight years. And that was the case with the Greek government.

In the afternoon we visited the Athens University of Economics and Business, where Professor Tryphon Kollintzas talked about how we may understand Greece nowadays. It was a very good summary of various statistics referring to the economic situation in this beautiful country. Combined with the morning session, I can say that we roughly understood the challenges and opportunities one may find in Greece. It was also a valuable introduction to the sessions we are expecting during the week to follow.

By Pawel Czoczys 

By Chip Wiggins

When you hear the term “study abroad,” likely your mind conjures images of students gallivanting in foreign cities, enjoying the local culture, maybe backpacking or taking trains to and from different countries. However, as dean and co-provost of Bentley University, when it comes to travel, I have a different view of what it should be, particularly at the graduate level.

Four years ago, when Bentley faculty decided to launch an 11-month, themed MBA program, we wanted to disrupt the traditional MBA mold. In addition to launching a curriculum that was co-developed and co-taught by business and arts and sciences faculty, we embedded three mandatory trips into the curriculum as a requirement to complete the degree.

We call these trips “field-based collaborations.” Students learn advanced business concepts in four themed modules (leadership, environments, value, and innovation) in the dedicated MBA studio and, in between each module, the cohort travels together on two international trips and one domestic.

Though many master’s programs allow for travel within their programs, few require three trips or purposefully integrate it into the curriculum. But they should. 
 

Learning to Succeed — and to Fail

By pushing students to incorporate this type of field-based learning into their graduate learning experience, we as educators have the opportunity to illuminate students' skills and limitations, both of which are core elements of being a competent leader.

By offering a framework for students to safely engage and explore international organizations, meet with global leaders, and test out their ideas in a foreign place where quite frankly they are challenged and often misfire, we are actually setting them up to succeed later. Students who know how to productively grapple with complex global issues and learn from their failures, as well as their successes, will become better leaders in the long run.

At Bentley, these are obviously not your average study abroad trips as they are condensed for time and not at all about “sightseeing.” Instead, complicated business issues — generally ones for which an actionable solution are not immediately obvious — are incorporated into the classroom curriculum, with the purpose being to connect topics, build on previous themes and set up coverage of future themes.

Putting Concepts into Practice

The trips focus on putting classroom concepts into practice in a different place that requires different often cross-cultural thinking and problem-solving approaches. By way of example, consider studying in Athens, Greece, with the opportunity to engage consumer-focused organizations about how they are continuing to serve their constituents in the post-financial crisis on the eve of the left-wing party coming into power.  

When sandwiched between courses that look at how firms generate and sustain value and the environments in which they operate, this field experience brings those issues to life in a very real way. We find this to be the most effective way to show students how to broaden their point of view. Success is measured not only in the trips themselves but in the thoughtful reflection and classroom discussion that take place upon our return.

Great leaders have a great sense of self and sense of community, both of which are enhanced when forced to travel with a group of peers and faculty and to engage with counterparts in other locales. This intensive time spent together, both as colleagues and travel companions, is almost always transformative. And what better time to transform, grow, and reflect than while in business school preparing to be a future change agent.
 

Chip Wiggins is dean of the McCallum School of Business and interim co-provost of Bentley University.

By Jennifer Wright

Just one year ago, Qiaoyi Zheng MSIT ’17 had never worked in IT.

Today, a year into her Master’s in Information Technology program, she talks about the field like a seasoned professional. Between interning at EY in Risk Assurance and taking a year of classes at Bentley, she now has a solid understanding of technology infrastructure, programming, databases, and more.

Shifting from Accounting to IT

Zheng entered the MSIT program with a history in accounting, having obtained a BS in Accounting from the Tianjin University of Finance and Economics and a Masters in Accounting from Bentley.

While pursuing her degrees she completed several business internships, where she began to recognize just how vital technology is to businesses today. She then decided to shift the focus of her career from pure audit to IT audit.

Her internship experience “made me realize how much IT has changed the way businesses operate and how important its role is in today’s business world,” she says. “A lot of basic business functions are now being replaced by computer programs.”

Zheng sees this as an exciting opportunity: As technology continues solving simple tasks for businesses, it creates new jobs with a focus on overseeing and working with that technology.

These new jobs require a blend of both logical and creative thinking, allowing companies to best utilize the technology they have available to grow more efficient and successful. An MSIT at Bentley, where both business and liberal arts are a focus, was a clear choice to prepare her to enter this field.

The Future of IT

When Zheng looks towards the future of the IT field, she sees no limits. Technology is seeping into every aspect of our daily lives, from smart phones to electric cars, and Zheng is excited at its potential to improve our lives.

“One little breakthrough in technology can change how people live, how businesses operate, and how the world functions,” she says.

This dynamic, quick-moving field means plenty of opportunities for Zheng, but also poses challenges. Since technology is growing at an exponential rate, those in the field must be constantly learning in order to keep up with trends. “The rewarding part is that those people who stay up with the trends will have numerous opportunities,” she says.

With her MSIT, Zheng feels prepared to pursue those opportunities upon graduation. When deciding to attend Bentley, its strong Career Services team and extensive alumni network were important factors to her. With her education and these resources, she is ready to enter the ever-changing field of technology and continue learning every day.

The MSF faculty at Bentley is always looking for ways to update the finance curriculum to best match the needs of today’s financial careers. To that end, effective Spring 2017, the Bentley Master of Science in Finance will be a two-path degree program.

The first is a 10-course Finance path that is similar to the current degree and can be completed in 9 to 15 months. The new 12-course Quantitative Path, with STEM designation, will have more of a mathematical and capital market focus and can be completed in 15 to 20 months.

The Master of Finance program now joins Bentley’s Technology and Analytics programs (Business Analytics, Marketing Analytics, Human Factors in Information Design and Information Technology) by gaining the STEM designation as part of a U.S. Department of Education initiative designed to improve students’ skills in science, technology, engineering, and math.

This designation also has international implications, in that international students undertaking a STEM degree are eligible for an extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) period. Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study. Under the prior rules, an F-1 student could be authorized to receive up to a total of 12 months of practical training either before and/or after completion of studies. The STEM designation allows international students to gain valuable work experience by staying in the United States longer — with the ability to extend training period by 24 months to stay and work in the U.S. for a total of three years.

If the thought of writing your MBA application essay has you on edge, you’re not alone. Many prospective MBA students worry that, despite their stellar qualifications, the written essay accompanying their application holds so much weight that anything less than perfection will hurt their chances of getting accepted.

The essay is important, but there isn’t any “right” way to craft an essay that achieves its purpose—which is to give admissions officers insight into who you are and why you want to get your MBA. These foundational MBA application essay tips are an absolute must when it comes to your application essay format and the basics of essay writing, but beyond those, it’s entirely up to you to decide how to best tell your story. What works for one person might not work for another—there’s no single road map that applies to everyone.

As you begin to think about your essay, however, it’s helpful to see things from a reviewer’s perspective. Gordon Berridge, who has worked in admissions since 2004 and is now the associate director of graduate admission at Bentley, offers insight into what most admissions teams look for and what drives their decisions to accept one candidate over another.

4 Things A Graduate Admissions Officer Looks For In An MBA Application Essay

1. How Your MBA Application Essay Fits Into The Bigger Picture

You may think it’s all about you, but that’s not the whole story.

According to Berridge, every applicant is considered part of a larger whole. Within every class cohort, he strives to replicate the diversity of the working world, which brings together people with a variety of life experiences and viewpoints. A single business, for instance, might employ doctors, lawyers, and scientists, all of whom must work together and communicate effectively so that the business itself thrives. To help students understand what that’s like, he tries to create an environment within the program that reflects this reality.

To do this effectively, Berridge uses essays to learn about applicants’ unique backgrounds and get insight into what makes them tick. He recalls two recent essays—one filled with data, like facts, figures and dates, and the other about a mentor who had superior analytical skills. Both essays worked. Aside from the fact that they were well-written, it was clear that these applicants were passionate about data. Berridge used that information to purposefully bring data-driven personalities into the class cohort, knowing that they would be working alongside others who were emotionally driven.  

It’s not about choosing people who have performed amazing feats or have unusual jobs; he simply wants to form a group that can learn from one another. In some ways, it’s a bit like piecing together a puzzle: Do the candidates have viewpoints that might challenge one another? Complement one another? Ultimately he believes that such diversity adds value to the overall student experience, making it more impactful than it would be otherwise.

2. A Concise, Clearly Conveyed Message

If, after reading your essay, an admissions officer can’t envision how you might fit into the bigger picture, it could be because you haven’t conveyed your message clearly enough.

Some universities ask specific questions candidates must answer in their MBA application essay (or essays); others offer the opportunity for applicants to submit a more general statement of purpose. Either way, the reviewer wants to understand what makes you you—and why.

Admissions officers want to know why an MBA is important to you and what you hope to get from the experience. Think about where you’ve been and about what you want in the future. What do you want the reviewer to know about you? Selectively tailor your life experiences around that insight to tell the story of who you are.

Feeling anxious about the graduate school application process? This free, step-by-step guide will walk you through it—and includes links to some of the best test-prep resources on the web.

When you’re done writing, put yourself in the reviewer’s shoes—if you were reading this essay for the first time, what message would you be getting about yourself? (Better yet, ask someone else to read it and see if they can articulate the message.) If you or your reader are having trouble answering that question, your message may not be as clear as you think.

3. Evidence Of Traits Common To Business Leaders

Successful businesspeople tend to share some important traits, like a can-do attitude, passion, and a natural ability to lead. As a result, many admissions officers hope to see evidence of one or more of these traits in your essay.

Berridge recalls one essay in particular where it was clear that the applicant had an outstanding work ethic and a genuine motivation to succeed. She told the story of her family in Brazil before she moved to the U.S. In Brazil, her family didn’t have much money, so her grandfather became a door-to-door salesman, selling anything he could get his hands on. When she was a young girl, she sometimes traveled with him when she wasn’t in school. That experience taught her a lot about sales but also about what it means to work hard and take care of your family. She went on to explain that she wanted an MBA not just to give herself a better life but also to help her family as her grandfather did. “I’ve read hundreds of essays,” Berridge says, “and this one sticks with me to this day. Not only was it a great story, but I learned a lot about what drives her as a person.” Your essay should speak to what’s important to you. After you’ve written it, take a step back and read it objectively. Will the reader understand what’s important to you, too?

Another applicant demonstrated his determination—also an important business trait—with a story about his failed attempt at entrepreneurism. He grew up in India and started a company there with his friends, which grew so quickly that it spun out of control. The demise of the business was heart-wrenching at the time, but he was determined to be better prepared for business growth in future endeavors. His essay clearly acknowledged how much he didn’t know about business and showed his determination to reach the same point again and succeed.

4. Proof You Would Be A Good Fit With The School & The Program

Admissions officers want as many students as possible to achieve their goals, which can only be done if they’re in the right program, at the right school.

Your MBA application essay should show you’ve done your research about the school you’re applying to and you know it’s a good fit for you. Berridge says he’s turned applicants down in the past because he knew that the program they were applying for simply wouldn’t help them reach their stated goals, even though they had great credentials otherwise.

To remove any doubt on the part of the admission officer as to whether or not you’re a good match, address the program’s strengths in your essay and tell why it’s the best place to reach your aspirations. Your reviewer can then be confident that you’ll get the most from the opportunity.

Applying For A Bentley MBA Program

Bentley University is an internationally recognized business school that offers an advanced curriculum and diverse, real-world experience for students. We have three innovative MBA programs tailored to match varying levels of professional experiences and academic backgrounds, all designed with the flexibility you need.

To find out more about how to apply to any one of Bentley’s three MBA programs, including the application process, deadlines, and requirements, visit our website.

By Tosa Two Heart
 

1. Evernote

With so much information we have to process in a day, let alone a semester, Evernote is a great app to capture information on the fly, such as business card info, articles on the Web, and personal notes, handwritten or digital, in one, organized and categorized place. This app can be synced with Google and the desktop version of the app, which makes access easily and readily available anywhere.

2. Meetup

Networking is a part of the business school experience. Beside career fairs, networking nights on campus and professional conferences, try meeting people who share your hobbies and personal interests. It could be dancing, film, food or interests you didn’t know there was an active group for! You can easily find meetups happening near you and join as many Meetup groups as you’d like.

3. Finish

Task managing isn’t easy when you are loaded with many and different complex projects. Personally, as a student leader who is taking five classes and working part time, I have to level up my time management skills. Maybe iPhone or Google calendar is not enough to manage everything you need to remember. Finish allows you to input tasks on a short, medium or long-term time frames and reminds you constantly to complete the task before your deadlines. This is great for people who procrastinate and need a nudge to get stuff done.

4. LinkedIn

LinkedIn is the only social media platform framed around your professional life. New jobs are posted frequently and you have the advantage of seeking out alumni or connections who are associated with particular companies you are researching. Lastly, LinkedIn displays your extended résumé, in which you can be more comprehensive about your accomplishments. Employers and professionals use LinkedIn more than you would think.

5. Calm

No matter what your plate looks like each semester, being a graduate student is stressful! However, it’s important to keep calm and keep going, because we have so much to accomplish in so little time. Calm provides quick meditations, breathing exercises to help you rejuvenate in moments. It even features bedtime stories you can read to help fall asleep. Even just looking at the landing page of the app gives off a tranquil vibe.

6. Glassdoor

As graduate students, it’s important to always make well-informed decisions regarding your future career. Glassdoor is a great source to get honest reviews of companies and positions by people who have “been there, done that.” Even interview tips and experiences are included in some reviews. Well-known companies have thousands of reviews, so you can get a pretty good picture of the company culture is like, as well as the pros and cons of working there.

7. Accompany

Do you have an informational interview with a CEO of a company you’re interested in, or just happen to be in the same room as an executive you’d like to meet? Accompany is great for getting the 411 on the big shots minutes before you approach them. This app also has the capability to add your own notes on the individual or create new files on people you’re keeping tabs on, professionally speaking. With Accompany, get an advantage on your meeting skills and stand out as someone who did their “research.”

8. Google Photos

I’m a person whose hobby is taking photos and I know many graduate students that who do the same. I take tons of photos and, if I am traveling — like on my recent Bentley Global Business Experience trip to Japan — I take thousands. My phone does not have the gigabytes to carry all my photos and even iCloud has its max capacity storage unless you pay for more space. Luckily, Google Photos can store all your photos without having to sacrifice space on your phone.

9. Google Wallet

Getting dinner with classmates and friends is a common occurrence in graduate school. Splitting utility bills with roommates is even more frequent. Of all the money-transferring apps, I find Google Wallet to be the most convenient. You use your Gmail account to send money to another Gmail account. It’s quick to setup, easy to use, private and simple and doesn’t charge you a penny!

10. QBOT

QBOT is for those who buy food on campus at times, especially in LaCava Lower Cafe. If you download this app, you get a $1 off your first time using it, and each time you scan at the register, you rack up points. The points unlock 10 percent, 15 percent and 20 percent discounts on your future purchases. And the $1 off coupon resets every semester. QBOT can also be used on campus at Einstein Bagel and Bakery in the Library, as well as several other places to grab food on campus.

If you don’t already use these apps on your mobile device, give them try!

Tosa Two Heart is a graduate student in the Emerging Leaders MBA program. 

Just a few years after successfully completing his MBA at Bentley University, David Pietrycha finds himself at the top of NBC News.  Hear from David about his career success and coveted role.

Q. First, we want to know: What’s it like to be senior vice president and chief financial officer of a major television network?

News is a very dynamic business! And, I have to admit, I thrive on the often unpredictable nature of my role in this industry. You can’t know what the news cycle is going to be, which means you don’t know how much money you’ll have to spend covering it. At the same time, there are budget commitments that we need to hit. So every day brings a different challenge.

In my role, I am involved with overseeing finance-related matters at MSNBC, as well as the rest of the NBC’s news programming and businesses — including Today and Dateline. Day to day, I can be working on anything from budgeting to controllership.

Q. Tell us about a specific challenge you have been faced with in your role.

The first quarter of 2011 was especially rife with financial quandaries. Several major world events — from the shooting of U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords to an earthquake and tsunami in Japan — broke in quick succession, and at NBC News, we pulled out all the stops to report on each story.

My role in these situations is to work with the News division president and others to determine the financial tipping point of decisions such as sending Ann Curry, Brian Williams and other top-line talent to cover stories on location. We look very closely at when it makes the most sense for talent to come out, from a cost and a ratings standpoint.

Q. So, prior to moving to New York City and landing a job at NBC, you decided to pursue your MBA at Bentley. How did you make that decision?

An element of the leadership program I was a part of at BAE was pursuing an MBA. But, admittedly, this was a goal of mine even before then. I felt that having an MBA would help position me better over the course of my career giving me a well-rounded skill set.

I chose to pursue my MBA at Bentley because of the reputation of their part-time program. I wanted a program that would help me develop my skill set, allow me to engage with other professionals and provide me with a solid business background.

The program was pretty intense, but the fact that I have my MBA has been a differentiator for me in the way that I’ve gone about my different roles. It has allowed me to have a better perspective.

Q. How has your MBA experience helped you get to where you are today?

My MBA definitely helped me develop my analytical and strategic thinking skills, allowing me to tackle whatever challenges come my way. At the end of the day, it’s nice to hit our number, that’s important, but even more so – I need to get the big picture and see if there is something we overlooked or some new opportunity that we can talk about. Those are the things that get me excited.

My career experiences since graduating have proved how immensely beneficial it was for me to have pursued my MBA, despite the commitment it involved. It’s been very rewarding.

Q. You didn’t start out in this role fresh out of your MBA, so tell us how you ended up as senior vice president and chief financial officer for NBC news.

I actually started out as finance manager for the small store at 30 Rockefeller Plaza that sells NBC merchandise. When I tell colleagues about that, they always get a kick out of it. But, my wife and I had always wanted to live in New York City, and after earning my MBA at Bentley in 2005, we made the move, but I had no idea where I would land.

From the NBC retail store post, I moved to the network’s Stations division. My job in the Financial Planning and Analysis group involved accounting, budgeting and other highly detailed tasks. It’s important to understand roles like that, because you’ve got to know what goes on in a quarter close before you can oversee a team that does it.

Fortunately, I was able to continue to grow within NBC and eventually I was giving the reigns as chief financial officer at MSNBC in 2010. Then, in October 2011, I became senior vice president and chief financial officer for NBC News. It’s been a very dynamic experience over the course of my career at NBC.

Q. How is your role influenced/changed by the changing media scene? Does this affect how you make financial decisions?

The landscape of news reporting certainly has changed in the age of social networks, blogs and the like, forcing us to shift focus a bit and prioritize digital content.

This shift brings on the challenge of how we dedicate funds, especially when some of these economic models aren’t really proven yet. At the same time, I’m aware that to be relevant in the game, we have to allocate resources and play in this digital space. We just have to be careful about how heavily we jump in.

Q. Now, the fun stuff. There must be some perks working for NBC, right?

Whatever the challenges, working at NBC does have its privileges. Over the years, I have attended presidential debates, toured the White House with newsman Chuck Todd, and bumped into everyone from presidential hopeful Mitt Romney to celebrity guests of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.

Just walking around this building every day, you never know whom you’re going to run into – it’s just amazing that way.

And, recently, I was able to play host to a pretty cool audience – a group of current Bentley students. About 30 students interested in working in finance and accounting visited me at our NBC offices, here in New York City. It was part of a career services program and I was able to share with them my own experiences, answer their questions, and share more about a role in corporate finance. It was great to give back and hopefully it was helpful to them.

Learn more about the Professional MBA at Bentley University.

Bentley’s McCallum Graduate School of Business is launching the Falcon Fast-Track Program for motivated undergraduate students and recent alumni (within five years of graduating from Bentley) who are looking to pursue a graduate degree. The new program allows both groups to apply to the university’s Masters in Accounting, Masters in Finance, Masters in Financial Planning, Masters in Information Technology, Masters in Marketing Analytics, Masters in Taxation or Emerging Leaders MBA Program with the following benefits:

• Current undergraduate students may be able to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in as few as five years. 
• Undergraduate students can take graduate courses (maximum of 6 credits) in a blended term during their final (spring or fall) term of their senior year.
• Abbreviated and free application.
• Waiving of the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Records Exam (GRE) requirement for admission. (Note this is still required if students are planning on applying for merit-based aid).
• Satisfying the 150 academic-credit-hour requirement to sit for the CPA exam in Massachusetts and many other states.
• Ability to delay entry to graduate school within five years after graduation while students begin their professional career. 

“Having the #1 Career Services in the country, it stands to reason most of our undergraduates will have a job when they graduate, so immediately seeking a graduate degree might not be a priority,” explains Sharon Hill, assistant dean and director of Graduate Admissions at Bentley.  “By extending this option, our students will have the opportunity to acclimate to their new professional lives and then return to pursue a graduate degree when the timing is right for them.”  

Students can also receive special permission through the Falcon Fast-Track program to apply to the Masters in Human Factors in Information Design (MSHFID) and the Masters in Business Analytics. For those interested in the Professional MBA program, three years of work experience is required to apply to the program.

For those who are interested in enrolling in the program, please note the following program requirements:

• With the new Falcon Fast-Track students no longer have to complete a declaration form. Undergraduate students who have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.20 by their senior year and are within five years of graduation are automatically eligible to take advantage of the streamlined graduate admissions process.
• Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.20 to eligible, register for a blended term and officially apply to the McCallum Graduate School of Business.
• Students must also be matriculated in an undergraduate day program in order to be eligible
• Students in the Undergraduate Evening program and Undergraduate Degree Completion program are not eligible for the Falcon Fast Track program but are welcome to apply to the Graduate School of Business through the traditional application process.
• Students who take the GMAT or GRE to be considered for aid should not submit scores that do not meet the minimum 500 (GMAT) or equivalent (GRE) required for admission consideration. Scores submitted will be used as part of the admission evaluation regardless of a student's 3.20 GPA standing.

To learn more about the Falcon Fast-Track program, please contact Bentley’s Graduate Admissions Office.

There’s no getting around it: Switching careers at any age is a challenge. That wasn’t always the case (think the hiring frenzy of the late 1990s), but today, most companies are doing more with less. Technology and outsourcing have led to smaller teams, with virtually no negative impact on the bottom line. On top of that, most employers are unwilling to take a chance on someone who hasn’t already succeeded in the exact same role somewhere else.

The good news is, it can be done. And if you’re around age 30 — carpe diem! Wendy D’Ambrose, Bentley’s director of graduate/alumni career advising and employer outreach, says that changing your career at 30 gives you the very best chance for success. Why? Job seekers at this age are still relatively young in an employer’s eyes, but typically have meaningful work experience that demonstrates their competency. The longer you wait, the harder it gets.

Whether you are still deciding on a career change, choosing a new career, or already know exactly what you want, take control of the process now. One or more of the five strategies below will put you on the path to the next step of your career.

5 Strategies For Changing Your Career At 30

1. Go to graduate school.

Attending graduate school is the easiest way to make what D’Ambrose calls a functional job change. Changing the essence of what you do — for example, switching from a marketing role to a finance role — constitutes what she calls a “Level 3” or “Level 4” job change, which are the hardest kinds to achieve. (A Level 3 change means a new job function within the same industry; Level 4 is a new job function in a new industry.)

Still searching for a career you love? Download this free ebook to find out if you’re ready for your MBA and the career doors it will open for you. 

Because employers prefer to hire candidates with work experience that matches the job opening, attempting to get a job in a completely different field is an uphill battle. However, getting an MBA or an MS in the functional area you’re after gives you in-depth exposure to it and some degree of “experience” to draw on for your job search.

2. Find opportunities within your current job to get experience in the field.

If you want to make a functional job change but you don’t have the resources for graduate school, look for experience closer to home. Search for ways to gain experience in your desired field at the place you’re already working. For example, if you’re currently in marketing but you want to move into finance, start networking with people in the corporate finance department of your company. Also, pitch the idea of helping on a special project that will connect you to finance for the purpose of expanding your skill set. Offer to put in extra time at the office if need be. Your involvement will show potential employers that you have actively pursued your interest and have some practical knowledge of the field.

What Skills do MBA Grads Need to Succeed in Today's Workplace? Check out the e-book to learn about the 11 in demand skills.

3. Network like crazy.

Behind every network of connections is a hidden job market. People tend to do business with others they already know and like. Keep in mind that it isn’t about meeting more people — it’s about meeting well-connected people and showing how you can help them. To make this strategy work for a functional job changer, first consider what you have to offer, then identify the people who can actually help you. (In other words, is the head of finance the right fit, or is the HR person more likely to be helpful?)

4. Mine your alumni network.

Many people underestimate the power of their alma mater’s alumni connection. Most colleges invest a substantial amount of resources in bringing together current and former students through formal events, databases, and outreach personnel like D’Ambrose. People who went through the same college experience as you will be more inclined to have confidence in your abilities, which is a necessity if you’re making a big change in your career at age 30.

D’Ambrose says that, very often, students don’t utilize alumni networks to their full potential. She recalls one Bentley graduate who said she was using the Bentley alumni network— but only those people she already knew. That’s a mistake. “All of her Bentley alumni friends are young, like her. She should be reaching out to any Bentley alumni in a senior position in an organization she wants to be in. Bentley helps Bentley. If you do it in the proper way, someone will give you a break.”

5.  Join a professional association. (Or more than one!)

Almost every career or industry has a professional association, so find it and join it. To make the most of your membership, participate in the activities, which may include everything from conferences and workshops to networking events and social media groups. It may also give you the opportunity to cultivate valuable skills to build your resume.

One final thought: Before investing too much time in any of the above, D’Ambrose advises to research the job you think you want. She’s come across many people who are misinformed about the realities of a job or choose a field that has less-than-bright prospects for future growth. Use all the information available to decide on a career change — then make your move.

If you’re currently deciding on a career change and would like to find out more about Bentley’s MBA and MS programs, check out our website or contact us.