OK, there is an issue that’s been bugging me for the past few days and I would really appreciate some opinions on my problem. It has to do with career/college degree. BTW, this is going to be looong post. :halo:
I graduated with a B.B.A. in May 2004. Now don’t ask me why b/c I don’t want to get into too many personal details, but for a very valid reason, I’ve never had a “professional office job”. I’ve always had mall/restaurant jobs. I finally got some things “straightened out” where I would be able to get a professional job and I’ve been looking for a “career job” for the past few months. I’m interested in HR. I would also like to start MBA but haven’t taken my GMAT yet.
I haven’t been able to find any professional job b/c there’s no experience at all in my resume…and almost all job posting I see want some type of office experience. I know if I get an interview I’ll get the job…but hell, I can’t even get an interview. And since I’ve been out of college for almost 2 years, I’m not even used to being in a professional enviornment or dealing with “business people”. I’m in Houston now and UH and Rice only accept applications for MBA in August with gives me 1 more year.
I’m thinking about starting UH in January for a 2nd Bachelor’s degree. I’m considering a 2nd degree in Communications with a concentration in Corporate Communications. I figured that being back in college will:
Give me access to all the student services which includes career services…and since I already have a B.B.A., I’ll have a easier time finding a entry level HR postion.
I’ll be back in a business like enviornement, and will get opportunity to interact with others w/ similar goals. I’m definately not getting that in the jobs I’ve been/am doing.
I’ll get back in the “studying mode” and maybe find others students who’re also planning on taking GMAT next year for MBA…hence that emotional support. I moved to Houston right after graduading and don’t know anyone here around my age. Everyone I know are 30 and older w/ professional careers already.
I just miss college.
I’m going to call UH tomorrow to find out the specific requirement for a 2nd Bachelor’s tomorrow b/c they’re closed for Labor Day today. I’ve spoken with 2 of my friends so far about this…1 of them said it’s a good idea, the other thinks it’a waste of my time/money. When I told my dad about it this morning, his first response was why am I not going into nursing!! But at the end he said he doesn’t care one way or another.
Sooooo…I’d like to hear what you guys have to say about my problem. Should I go for the 2nd degree which I THINK will help me find a entry level HR position…or is it really a waste of time/money?
Don't go for another bachelors. Wait a while, and get into the masters program.
Job market is very tight. Just having a bachelors wont get you that far. Masters will take you farther. Having internships is critical as well.
*I went to college in Dallas, right now I live in Houston. *
How do I talk to professors without being a college student?
*I've been looking, but haven't been able to find any internships online. *
*So I should just wait 1 more year to start MBA? It's not worth it for me to get into college just to have access to the job fair and career services and professors in college? Also, will I have problems getting into a MBA program without any professional experience at all? *
Lost your issue isnt your qualifications...its your experience...
Remember there are plenty of people with degrees...what employers want are people with practcial experience...
For instance my friend has completed an internship...when he applies for a job next year he will be ahead of other people with 2:1s because he has the experience...
Degrees come a dime a dozen...experience doesnt...so focus on that rather than bothering with another degree...gain some more experience and you will get a decent job...
I would not limit my search for internships to the internet alone. Physically go to various firms/companies, and hand them your resume. And don't go just to the HR offices. For some reason, those people are such ... argh. Whatever. Hand the resume to the secretaries. Make friends with secretaries. They can be great.
As for professional experience to do an MBA - I'm assuming an internship or two WOULD help you out. But I don't think its essential. Maybe for more competetive programs. Talk directly to MBA admissions offices and see what they have to say. Just make an appointment with an admissions officer and show them your resume, and ask their opinions.
You can definitely approach professors without being a college student. I don't even think they'd find it surprising. If you're wanting to work in the business sector, though, you would want to get in touch with your OLD professors. They might have some better advice/connections.
And since I’ve been out of college for almost 2 years, I’m not even used to being in a professional enviornment or dealing with “business people”. I’m in Houston now and UH and Rice only accept applications for MBA in August with gives me 1 more year.
But at the end he said he doesn’t care one way or another.