JWMI MBA Program - My experience so far

[Vle045]

I just began the MBA program through the Jack Welch Management Institute.  

Cost - This program is not typically discussed here often because of the high cost.  I was lucky enough to qualify for a significant discount and employer reimbursement.  If you have a generous employer reimbursement program, you might be able to get a similar deal.  Some might even be free.

Coursework - I chose this program because of the way they approach coursework.  The instructors post their own video content, There’s supplemental videos, there are optional weekly zoom meetings, the course notes are posted as a PDF and an audio file.  There are books you can buy for the courses if you prefer books,  (I do).  And the books are free for me because of my “employer discount”.  I can also get some of the books as an audiobook and/or pdf file.  I love these options.  I already listened to one audiobook while I worked.  And I have the hardcover version to refer back to it.   I also like their approach to writing assignments.  They aren’t too long and the format is more “business”.  And from what I understand, you can choose any reasonable format.  (I haven’t gotten to this part yet, but from what I heard, it’s not a strict APA7 rule.)

I am taking two courses to start off, but will probably take one at a time after this… just because I tend to get pretty busy.

The instructors seem to have a pretty decent resume and both also teach at other schools such as Pepperdine, Antioch, UMGC, etc.

So far, no complaints.  I just hope I can keep up.

[LevelUP]

So is this the Strayer MBA? A 15-month program?

https://jackwelch.strayer.edu/why-jwmi/faq

Gl on the MBA.

[Vle045]

So is this the Strayer MBA? A 15-month program?

https://jackwelch.strayer.edu/why-jwmi/faq

Gl on the MBA.

Yes, it is through Strayer.  Although Strayer does have other MBA programs that are not part of JWMI.  You can do 1 or two courses each term.  So the length of time will depend on how many you do at a time.  For me, it will probably stretch out for a few years.  (Which is fine by me.  I am not the acceleration type)

[bjcheung77]

Yes, it is through Strayer.  Although Strayer does have other MBA programs that are not part of JWMI.  You can do 1 or two courses each term.  So the length of time will depend on how many you do at a time.  For me, it will probably stretch out for a few years.  (Which is fine by me.  I am not the acceleration type)

There's really no shame in doing the program at a pace or time you can commit to the program. You're doing great, continue putting into the program what is required and you should be in great shape for the next and subsequent courses. For the most part, acceleration in a program is just icing on the cake, the main part is actually learning and retaining the info to subjects that interest you.

[Vle045]

Yes, it is through Strayer.  Although Strayer does have other MBA programs that are not part of JWMI.  You can do 1 or two courses each term.  So the length of time will depend on how many you do at a time.  For me, it will probably stretch out for a few years.  (Which is fine by me.  I am not the acceleration type)

There's really no shame in doing the program at a pace or time you can commit to the program.  You're doing great, continue putting into the program what is required and you should be in great shape for the next and subsequent courses.  For the most part, acceleration in a program is just icing on the cake, the main part is actually learning and retaining the info to subjects that interest you.

Thanks!  The two courses I am taking now are basically all about personal development that I can utilize at work right now.   My hope is that they really do complement each other.  

When I tried Walden, I found out that CBE is not for me.  Without due dates, I tend to procrastinate when I get stuck.  I did utilize their writing center which was GREAT!  But I didn’t finish any of the for-credit courses.  But being totally on my own and given primarily reading materials, that was rough!  Thank goodness that term was free.   

In comparison, when I couldn’t stay focused on reading last night, I could switch gears and watch some of the videos.  Or do the suggested LinkedIn Learning course (which doubles as continuing ed, if you need it).  Or pull up the “lecture notes” which has a PDF and Audio.  I could read the lecture notes while listening which really helped me to focus.  I tried speechify in the past and it was too robotic and would read footnotes and page numbers.

I am so happy that I found out about my discount on this program.  It’s hard to specify how much it will cost me, because it depends on how many semesters I take per year.  The most it will cost me is $3750 per year - If I don’t take breaks.  And the number of years depends on how many classes I take at a time.   But, unlike CBE, it will actually cost me LESS to spread it out longer, because of the annual reimbursement I get from my employer.  If I were to change jobs at some point and work some place that offers a higher reimbursement amount, it would cost even less, or potentially be free.

[ashkir]

Thank you for sharing your experience, good and bad! This can help future members looking into this!

[Vle045]

First week down and so far I love this program. It has the right mix of videos, interactions with classmates and professors, reading material, and optional live meetings. Everything is laid out so clearly that you know what to expect and can plan accordingly. My assignments so far have been graded with honors (Their equivalent to an A), but it is going to get more involved, so I will have to be sure to keep up the momentum.

[Vle045]

I am a little over halfway through this quarter.  I still really like the program overall. My grades are great so far, but I am still questioning my sanity for taking two classes.  With working full time, I can barely keep up.  I almost dropped one class, but was encouraged not to.  I still have about 3-4 weeks to go.  There is light at the end of the tunnel.  Then I am taking a break for the next quarter.  I don’t think the workload would be too hard for someone with more time, or more experience with getting school work done quickly.  But either way, in about a month, I will have finished two graduate courses.  During that time, I will casually work on some of the freebies and cheapies that interest me.

Of course, I am still interested in other programs.  I can’t help myself.

I think about that HAU MBA for $3,000.  Spread over 2 or more years could make that one free with employer reimbursement.  But I think I would need a lot of comparison info.  Like I said, I like the program I am in.  But it won’t be fully covered my reimbursement.

I also learned about a different program at American College of Education.  They have a M.Ed. In Business Administration.  It’s interesting because I do hope to continue working in some capacity in Education.  But my overall cost on that program would be more than what I am anticipating to pay currently.

And then I have those times where I question why I am doing any of this in the first place.   I’m tired, I want to binge watch some TV, play with my dog, and fold some laundry.  But I have a paper due on Sunday… so I better get back to reading.

[bjcheung77]

It's all personal preference and what you set as your priorities... Get the most of your day complete with the "important things first", then when the kiddos/dog is asleep, work on some studies. I don't know about TV, I usually watch episodes or movies after I've completed some studies...

[Vle045]

I am in the homestretch!  This is our last official week, but all of the work is actually done.  I came really close to dropping my communications class in week 3.  It’s been tough doing two classes while also working full time and with a family and a dog.  Lots of personal things fell through the cracks here and there. Nothing catastrophic.  Everything is graded for that communications class and it looks like my final grade will be an H (their version of an A).  I still have a final paper that needs graded in my leadership class.  That one was HARD.  Mostly because there was a requirement to support everything with class materials.  Over 10 weeks, I can’t remember WHERE I learned certain points and had a hard time finding a specific course reference to support my answers.  Fingers crossed that I did well.  That final paper can make or break my grade for the course.  I had straight H’s every week.  Next, I am taking a break for a term.  I gotta get that laundry caught up!  LOL.  Oh yeah, and I want to work on some of those free tech certs.