Selecting the right b-school

Analyze the facts or go with your gut?

Check out Jeffrey’s tips for selecting the b-school that’s right for you

Investing in an MBA is a big decision, so it’s worth taking the time to make sure you get a good ROI. It’s certainly paying off for me. Since starting the UNC EMBA program about 18 months ago, my direct-report staff has increased 92%, revenues from my contract have increased 29%, and my compensation is projected to go up 10-15%.

Several people have asked how I chose UNC. I came to my decision using both sides of my brain – the analytical side and the subjective.

In early 2006, I was ready for new responsibilities with my company, but I wasn’t sure what my next step should be. I had thought about an MBA but never fully understood what the degree was actually about.

At 5:30 a.m., about to roll out of bed for work, I heard a UNC information session ad on the radio. On impulse, I decided to attend the lunch session and hear what UNC had to say. I was impressed, but I don’t make decisions based on emotions. I had to do some research.

Some might say I got carried away with my left-brain analysis! I built a spread sheet and analyzed the cost of seven b-schools from all perspectives. I even examined cost per class, cost per day, and cost per credit.

I narrowed my choices down to UNC and Georgetown. The deciding factors were cost, curriculum and team environment. Then I turned my attention to the subjective right-brain features.

To get the inside scoop, I contacted a coworker who was enrolled in Georgetown’s program. She gushed over the leadership and management aspects I was looking for. For UNC, I received follow-up calls from the alumni who ran the info session. I liked what I heard enough to visit both schools.

The UNC experience was great. I drove to Chapel Hill with my family. I wanted my kids to see where I might be going to school, and I value my wife’s opinion. She often sees things that I miss.

UNC’s class sessions were excellent and the professors fantastic. The facilities and dining experience at the Rizzo Center were also great. The UNC classes I attended affirmed the focus on collaboration and teams, rather than individual competition. The classes encouraged discussions, and the students were respectful of different opinions.

It’s easy for a school to say that they put students first, but UNC “walks the talk.” Teddie Nicholson, the programs coordinator, talked with my wife, Anne, and children while I was in the classroom. Anne felt very welcomed and appreciated the family support Teddy told her the program offers.

My impressions where confirmed when I heard that Anne-Marie, Weekend Program director, drove through football game traffic to pick up a backrest a student had left at the main campus. No one should expect this level of service, but she went way beyond the call of duty. That told me I could focus on my studies while the logistical aspects would all be handled smoothly.

In the final analysis, both UNC and Georgetown had their pros and cons. But with a more well-rounded Program and great people, UNC came out on top.

Even before graduation, my company and I are seeing a strong ROI. I’ve gained the knowledge and confidence to volunteer for new projects and assist with proposal development at the corporate level. I have conducted business development and written position papers with ideas to obtain new work for my company. I even negotiated a new one year contract with my customer to provide leadership, management and operational efficiency consulting, a far cry from the project management IT I was doing when I started UNC.

Most importantly, I have changed how I work with the 18 employees I manage. My attitude toward team development, customer satisfaction and individual motivation has changed 180 degrees and today we are enjoying a level of productivity and customer appreciation not seen before with this customer. I graduate in August, and I’m sure this is just the beginning.