Job interviews & studies

[edgygirl]

Would you tell a prospective employer you're interested in doing a MBA soon?

 

I have an interview tomorrow and can't figure out the best way to go about it.

 

In one hand, I think it shows determination / interest in self-improvement and that you're someone who wants to gain more knowledge, can apply the knowledge in your job, etc.

 

On the other hand, they might think "will be busy studying and therefore not that dedicated in their role", "will not last long in their position as they want to go up the ladder soon", etc.

 

Thing is, I would need my next employer to agree to let me take every third Friday off (Executive MBA) for 1.5 years. As I'd need their consent, maybe it's important to find the right employer. On the other hand, I would like to find a new job and start working asap as I've been out of work for quite a few months due to illness in the family, and I do need to make money again. Ahhh.

 

What is the best way to proceed here? At least 1 out of the 3 people I'm interviewing tomorrow has an MBA herself. But I am not sure if they'd see my wish in a good light or not.

[newmoon]

they are meeting with you already without the mba so it can't be that important to the job you're seeking. it might be important for promotion at the company, so just casually mention that a future goal of yours is to work on your MBA. you don't have enrollment presently, so it's not a sure thing at all. it's a plan that may or may not happen, so don't think too far ahead. it's a goal for now and that would be how i'd mention it. when that question "what do you see for the next five years" comes up, or a similar one.

[acrosstheuniverse]

No, don't mention it, not if it takes time away from your job. They won't look favourably on someone starting the role then asking for every third Friday off. At the start of a working relationship the employee is expected to be at the employer's beck and call, agreeing to everything. It's a tough job market too. If you were just going to do it in your own time then maybe, but as it'll take you away from work absolutely don't mention it.

 

Get the job, then ask if you can have the time off. If you can't, you'll have to postpone your MBA until you are able to have that time free. I'm assuming you can't even do the MBA without a job and some money coming in but I might be wrong about your financial situation.

[edgygirl]

Thank you, you are both right.

 

And surprisingly although numbers point otherwise yes it's still a tough job market.

[pink_sugar]

No point in mentioning it unless it's relative to the job. If they ideally want a candidate with an MBA, you could mention your plans to further your education, but if only a BA is required, just focus on selling your skill set.

[CarrieT]

I dunno....

 

How soon after you start the job are you going to be needing every third Friday off?

 

If I were a hiring manager, I might be pretty pissed to hire someone and THEN have them tell me they need a three-day weekend every three weeks.

[Got it]

If you are going to have scheduling needs I would mention that prior to a job offer. You should tell them as that may not be an accommodation they are interested/able to do.

[Arabella]

Eh, yeah.

 

I would not hire someone who is going to need every third Friday off. Expecting your prospective employer to give a crap about your development when you've put NO work into theirs is completely self-centered and unrealistic.

 

Now, say I had a top performer who's been at the company for several years... I would definitely let them take the day off, and I might even pay them half day.

 

Completely different situations.

 

Build a relationship with your employer, put in the work to make yourself deserving, and then ask for things.

 

Imo, you have your priorities all wrong... If I were you, I'd postpone the MBA plans until you have a job, and a solid relationship with your manager.

 

-A

[edgygirl]

I don't see how my priorities are wrong, I think that's a generalization. Many consulting firms such as McKinsey, Bain etc, not only welcome people interested in doing a MBA, but it is also an expected track within the firm. Also I am on the older side and can't be taking years to first gain an employer's confidence and only then apply for a MBA. No way I'm doing that.

 

Maybe I have to search for a firm that's friendly to this kind of career track and has incentives for career development. They are out there. It's happening less than in the past, but many firms pay for MBAs and then you sign a two year contract having to stay in the firm for at least that amount of time.

 

I agree though that they should know I might intend to be applying for it next year. I might certainly lose offers though.

[rester]

At the very least, you need to mention it during contract negotiations over your salary and benefits. They may be willing to give you the time off unpaid, or they may lower your salary. If they really want you to work there, it's possible you can both come to a mutual agreement.

 

If they're not willing to accept that you will be taking those days off, you may have to quit the job to go back for the MBA. And you do risk them not hiring you at all, but there's not much you can do about that. Either decide it's worth the risk of not getting the job, or change your future plans.

 

If it were me, I'd get an offer in hand and then see if they would be open to time off for getting your MBA after a certain amount of time. For instance, see if after one full year of good work, would they allow something like this, if even for a reduction in pay. It's all negotiable.

 

I would definitely not accept the position and then spring it on them after you've been working there awhile. If I were your manager, I'd be much more likely to let you go rather than let you have the time off, simply because you weren't upfront about your future plans.

[Got it]

All, many companies offer flexible hours so one could have every Friday off if they are working 10 hour days Monday through Thursday, or 4 9 hour days and every other Friday off. This isn't uncommon and in fact the Federal government allows their employees to follow these schedules.

 

We have employees who are pursuing their MBA, had have candidates in the middle of the process when they apply with us, etc. and it really is a case by case basis on accommodations. But it really isn't seen as a major deal. What would be an annoyance is if not told until their first day, then that would be a problem. But if on the up and up usually not a hill a company, who really wants a candidate, will die on.

 

I would ask prospective employers what their tuition reimbursement benefits are. Some offer them, some don't, but your MBA could fall into their category and may have some assistance in the cost. Doesn't hurt to ask.

[Arabella]

I don't see how my priorities are wrong, I think that's a generalization. Many consulting firms such as McKinsey, Bain etc, not only welcome people interested in doing a MBA, but it is also an expected track within the firm. Also I am on the older side and can't be taking years to first gain an employer's confidence and only then apply for a MBA. No way I'm doing that.

 

Maybe I have to search for a firm that's friendly to this kind of career track and has incentives for career development. They are out there. It's happening less than in the past, but many firms pay for MBAs and then you sign a two year contract having to stay in the firm for at least that amount of time.

 

I agree though that they should know I might intend to be applying for it next year. I might certainly lose offers though.

 

My background is in IT consulting and managed services, and where I come from, the only ways you'd get that kind of arrangement would be:

 

- Using your vacation time to schedule that day off every 3 weeks (reasonable if you have 3 weeks vacation available to use)

 

- You are a SUPERSTAR with amazing credentials and I gotta have you, at any cost.

 

Yeah, plenty of my employees pursued grad degrees, but most did it in with evening classes or online.

 

Age has got nothing to do with it. Why should you not have to build a relationship with your manager just because you're older and "don't have time"? That just reeks of entitlement.

 

If you're going to ask your future employer to go along with your plan, you better be some seriously hot stuff that they can't afford to pass up on.

 

What I get from this post is that your priority is not your career. If you came across like this during the interview, I wouldn't hire you just based on that... even if you never even mentioned the intent to pursue an MBA.

[edgygirl]

Man... I sacrificed my personal life over my career over the past 10 years. There's no way someone would think I am not prioritizing my career. Actually who would go through the hassle of doing an MBA while working full time if their priority is not their career?

 

I was actually brought the US by the biggest architectural company in the country who sponsored a working visa for me 10 years ago, and I ended up staying. Since then had 2 additional jobs in really important companies Fortune 500.

 

Usually executive MBAs are weekend classes, not night ones. And I wanna study in another city in one of the most important universities.

 

I guess I have to look for someone who thinks differently than you then

 

My background is in IT consulting and managed services, and where I come from, the only ways you'd get that kind of arrangement would be:

 

- Using your vacation time to schedule that day off every 3 weeks (reasonable if you have 3 weeks vacation available to use)

 

- You are a SUPERSTAR with amazing credentials and I gotta have you, at any cost.

 

Yeah, plenty of my employees pursued grad degrees, but most did it in with evening classes or online.

 

Age has got nothing to do with it. Why should you not have to build a relationship with your manager just because you're older and "don't have time"? That just reeks of entitlement.

 

If you're going to ask your future employer to go along with your plan, you better be some seriously hot stuff that they can't afford to pass up on.

 

What I get from this post is that your priority is not your career. If you came across like this during the interview, I wouldn't hire you just based on that... even if you never even mentioned the intent to pursue an MBA.

[edgygirl]

I'd be open to that, lowering the salary etc. and it's a good idea to propose if needed, thanks.

 

The issue is I need to be employed to apply for an EMBA so yes I do have to find a willing employer. I agree that it's not that nice to suddenly come up with it in like 3 months from now after I'm hired. Applications are January or May.

 

At the very least, you need to mention it during contract negotiations over your salary and benefits. They may be willing to give you the time off unpaid, or they may lower your salary. If they really want you to work there, it's possible you can both come to a mutual agreement.

 

If they're not willing to accept that you will be taking those days off, you may have to quit the job to go back for the MBA. And you do risk them not hiring you at all, but there's not much you can do about that. Either decide it's worth the risk of not getting the job, or change your future plans.

 

If it were me, I'd get an offer in hand and then see if they would be open to time off for getting your MBA after a certain amount of time. For instance, see if after one full year of good work, would they allow something like this, if even for a reduction in pay. It's all negotiable.

 

I would definitely not accept the position and then spring it on them after you've been working there awhile. If I were your manager, I'd be much more likely to let you go rather than let you have the time off, simply because you weren't upfront about your future plans.

[edgygirl]

Agreed, makes total sense and I was thinking about this, to work more in the other days. I think people are overreacting a bit. As long as I do my work, why not? I'm that kind of person that am wired to work 24/7 anyway when something is needed from anyone (yeah I'm that stupid lol).

 

True I'll ask about reimbursement but most companies that finance MBAs are usually finance and consulting ones (I am in neither unfortunately). My last company was a Fortune 500 and yet tuition reimbursement was only 8k / year (either grad school or other things that made sense work-wise). Cheapos... meanwhile one of the owners was making 1 billion $ donations to museums instead of investing back in the employees. I was the only one in my whole division of 100+ people who use tuition reimbursement, I had Spanish private lessons 3-4 times a week for months after work. I was dead but happy to have free private language classes. I didn't get people who didn't take advantage of that ever, and were there for like 10 years. That's 80k right in the trash I get it if you have kids and a family and want to spend your free time with them.

 

The MBA I want costs 170k. In my current industry, I think I'd only get reimbursed for that if I was in an Executive Director level with a good connection with the right VPs at the company.

 

I agree with your previous post - it's prob best to try and gauge how they'd feel about the MBA prior to a job offer although there's quite a chance I won't get one if I tell them. What a shame I didn't stay in my last company... I had a VP tell me he'd be willing to help me with my interest in the business side and all. Oh well.

 

All, many companies offer flexible hours so one could have every Friday off if they are working 10 hour days Monday through Thursday, or 4 9 hour days and every other Friday off. This isn't uncommon and in fact the Federal government allows their employees to follow these schedules.

 

We have employees who are pursuing their MBA, had have candidates in the middle of the process when they apply with us, etc. and it really is a case by case basis on accommodations. But it really isn't seen as a major deal. What would be an annoyance is if not told until their first day, then that would be a problem. But if on the up and up usually not a hill a company, who really wants a candidate, will die on.

 

I would ask prospective employers what their tuition reimbursement benefits are. Some offer them, some don't, but your MBA could fall into their category and may have some assistance in the cost. Doesn't hurt to ask.

Edited October 1, 2015 by edgygirl

[Got it]

Agreed, makes total sense and I was thinking about this, to work more in the other days. I think people are overreacting a bit. As long as I do my work, why not? I'm that kind of person that am wired to work 24/7 anyway when something is needed from anyone (yeah I'm that stupid lol).

 

True I'll ask about reimbursement but most companies that finance MBAs are usually finance and consulting ones (I am in neither unfortunately). My last company was a Fortune 500 and yet tuition reimbursement was only 8k / year (either grad school or other things that made sense work-wise). Cheapos... meanwhile one of the owners was making 1 billion $ donations to museums instead of investing back in the employees. I was the only one in my whole division of 100+ people who use tuition reimbursement, I had Spanish private lessons 3-4 times a week for months after work. I was dead but happy to have free private language classes. I didn't get people who didn't take advantage of that ever, and were there for like 10 years. That's 80k right in the trash I get it if you have kids and a family and want to spend your free time with them.

 

The MBA I want costs 170k. In my current industry, I think I'd only get reimbursed for that if I was in an Executive Director level with a good connection with the right VPs at the company.

 

I agree with your previous post - it's prob best to try and gauge how they'd feel about the MBA prior to a job offer although there's quite a chance I won't get one if I tell them. What a shame I didn't stay in my last company... I had a VP tell me he'd be willing to help me with my interest in the business side and all. Oh well.

 

Actually not true. Many will cover if it is germane to the department the person is working in. So even someone in operations can get it covered (of course varies by companies). Remember, tuition reimbursement is a tax write off for companies which is why they are more free about covering it. There is some off set on the out of pocket expense they are incurring. But they may have a partnership with one school so you are limited to what they are offering.

 

It is not uncommon for companies to cover tuition reimbursement, with perimeters, requirements, etc. than not to. It is a vary common item that candidates ask about when going over the benefits and perks of a prospective employer.

 

I think people would be surprised but even more "blue collar" companies are routinely doing this like Starbucks, Burger King corporate, to name a few.

[edgygirl]

Interesting info on it being a tax write off, I keep forgetting education is, in general (for anyone) so it makes sense that it would also be for companies. Than it's not like they are really really paying for it, good to know thank you.

 

Yes Starbucks offers undergrad college tuition to baristas level which is cool. They were interested in me for a corporate position, I wonder if they'd cover an MBA too lol.

[Got it]

Interesting info on it being a tax write off, I keep forgetting education is, in general (for anyone) so it makes sense that it would also be for companies. Than it's not like they are really really paying for it, good to know thank you.

 

Yes Starbucks offers undergrad college tuition to baristas level which is cool. They were interested in me for a corporate position, I wonder if they'd cover an MBA too lol.

 

Definitely talk to them! They are a great company and retail/food is a fast growing world. I highly recommend getting into it and it leads to a lot of opportunities. Are you looking at field based? They are really invested into their tuition/education programs so talk to them about the MBA. Definitely might be a possibility.

[edgygirl]

Thanks for your response, Got it - sorry for the late reply, I was abroad.

 

So I decided to be upfront and ended up mentioning (briefly, without making an issue out of it) the desire to do an MBA to people I recently interviewed with - and I just got the best offer I ever got in my life! They even changed the initial contract position to full-time, which jives more with MBA schools!

 

One other company was more conservative / close-minded and preferred someone who was asking for a lower salary. So what... it was not the best fit anyway.

 

To the nay-sayers... think big, people! That's what I do, and it usually takes me places. Good companies / managers don't want sheep or people who are afraid to say their mind and think about improving themselves. I did -- and, pending background checks and verifications, got the best offer I ever received in my life. HR recruiter mentioned they do pay for MBAs, but there's a necessary period that I have to be employed... so be it. I'll get there. And hopefully the company will believe in me enough to pay for the expensive studies, instead of me

 

Thanks everyone!

Edited October 24, 2015 by edgygirl

[Beach Guy]

Congratulations!

[Got it]

Thanks for your response, Got it - sorry for the late reply, I was abroad.

 

So I decided to be upfront and ended up mentioning (briefly, without making an issue out of it) the desire to do an MBA to people I recently interviewed with - and I just got the best offer I ever got in my life! They even changed the initial contract position to full-time, which jives more with MBA schools!

 

One other company was more conservative / close-minded and preferred someone who was asking for a lower salary. So what... it was not the best fit anyway.

 

To the nay-sayers... think big, people! That's what I do, and it usually takes me places. Good companies / managers don't want sheep or people who are afraid to say their mind and think about improving themselves. I did -- and, pending background checks and verifications, got the best offer I ever received in my life. HR recruiter mentioned they do pay for MBAs, but there's a necessary period that I have to be employed... so be it. I'll get there. And hopefully the company will believe in me enough to pay for the expensive studies, instead of me

 

Thanks everyone!

 

Congrats!!! And I agree, think big! To me that, and thinking outside the box, is the biggest differences from those that are workers and those that are leaders/visionaries. If I didn't push for what I wanted, if I accepted limitations, constraints and fears then I would never have gotten to the position I am in.

 

Not sure if you have looked into it but there are many Lean In groups all around the world and on social media. It is a great grass roots effort helping women achieve a bigger footprint in management and the executive ranks. If you have read the book yet, definitely read it, but you might find it very helpful! Wishing you all the luck and future successes!

[edgygirl]

Thanks, Got it! I totally agree. I like to believe I'm in the second category -- I hope I am

 

That book has been in my Amazon cart for a while, perhaps this is a good time to get it! My friend called me for Lean In meetings but I never joined, great suggestion, I'll check it out myself now.

 

Read a few of your other posts and really enjoyed it - you seem to give great professional advice Thanks for the wishes and I hope the same for you! Much success!

 

Congrats!!! And I agree, think big! To me that, and thinking outside the box, is the biggest differences from those that are workers and those that are leaders/visionaries. If I didn't push for what I wanted, if I accepted limitations, constraints and fears then I would never have gotten to the position I am in.

 

Not sure if you have looked into it but there are many Lean In groups all around the world and on social media. It is a great grass roots effort helping women achieve a bigger footprint in management and the executive ranks. If you have read the book yet, definitely read it, but you might find it very helpful! Wishing you all the luck and future successes!

 

[edgygirl]

Just a quick last question:

 

As I start in 3 weeks only, (if verification goes well) and got the offer from their HR Recruiter, should I send a quick "thank you for the offer" / "looking forward to join the team / the company" note to the 3 people who interviewed me?

 

I already sent them post-interview thank you notes, but it's been a while, over a month!

 

Seems weird to remain silent for almost a month, but also don't want to seem crazy / over doing it. What do you guys think?

[pink_sugar]

Just a quick last question:

 

As I start in 3 weeks only, (if verification goes well) and got the offer from their HR Recruiter, should I send a quick "thank you for the offer" / "looking forward to join the team / the company" note to the 3 people who interviewed me?

 

I already sent them post-interview thank you notes, but it's been a while, over a month!

 

Seems weird to remain silent for almost a month, but also don't want to seem crazy / over doing it. What do you guys think?

 

If you want, but I don't think it's necessary. They will most likely have you respond with either accepting or declining the offer. Usually, you will verbally or by email accept an offer and you could say "Yes, I would like to accept your employment offer and I'm looking forward to working with you" or something to that effect.

[edgygirl]

Oh I accepted the offer already by email, answering to their Executive Recruiter.

 

My question was if I should also email the actual professionals who interviewed me in the office, the ones who made the decision to hire me, and that I am going to be working with. I haven't been in any form of contact with them since my post-interviews "thank you" emails, and that was over a month ago. And I will only start in 3 weeks... which leaves me a total 2 months of not speaking with the people I will be working with if I don't send a quick note thanking them for choosing me.

 

If you want, but I don't think it's necessary. They will most likely have you respond with either accepting or declining the offer. Usually, you will verbally or by email accept an offer and you could say "Yes, I would like to accept your employment offer and I'm looking forward to working with you" or something to that effect.