Guided learning

Discussing MBA programmes with your alumni leads to unexpectedly valuable insights, writes Dr Ronald K Chung

Now that you know about the importance of your future classmates, what about those that have "been there, done that"? Last week, I noted that "Harvard is Harvard because of its strong alumni network..." The word I planted here was alumni - the people who have gone through a programme.

Alumni are important when you are making your decision in three regards. First, they have "buying experience". Talk to them and you will discover almost everything you need to know - and maybe more. What's better than getting information from an insider before making your decision? Whether we had a good or bad experience, most of us only retain fond memories of the study process - how hard we studied or how much we laughed. Unless a programme was really lousy, we are sentimental about the institution, regardless of the "buying experience". So, if schools are reluctant to help you get connected with their alumni, beware.

Second, alumni provide a good preview on your future classmates. For instance, they suggest the average age and work (or supervisory) experience, etc. Chances are that you are looking at working with people with backgrounds similar to those in the alumni group.

Finally, you may share a common bond with these people if you attend the same programme. Imagine bumping into an interviewer from the same programme - you'd have an instant bond. If you choose their programme, you will be one of them and they will be your future connection - so choose carefully.

Talking to alumni is important and meeting an enthusiastic alumnus is usually a big plus. Unfortunately, this opportunity isn't always available, partly because most non-US schools are not even aware that the alumni network is a resource, let alone appreciating its value or taking the initiative to manage it.

This is even more the case when it comes to off-shore, part-time programmes. For instance, graduates from the University of Hong Kong (HKU) are very proud of their alma mater. However, graduates from HKU's School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPACE) do not have the same degree of affiliation and are surely different.

To be fair, part-time programmes are, by definition, for part-timers and they have better things to do with the rest of their time. However, last week we looked at the number of hours, days, weeks and months that participants spend together in a typical MBA programme. Furthermore, HKU alumni also have full-time jobs, but can remain close. Why should part-timers be different? In fact, the ET Business College has recently helped establish an alumni organisation for a group attending a part-time diploma programme. They are not even from a full-scale degree programme, but are very close. I'm sure they will continue to exchange and explore ideas, help each other out and flourish.

Attending a programme provides an opportunity not only to learn but also to tap into a completely new and different network - the alumni and student body. Put this into your equation, but don't lose sight of the fact that your number one goal is to learn. The alumni and student body network is just a very nice add-on.

Remember... Be prepared for tomorrow. Until next time, work hard, play hard.

Acknowledgement Dr Ronald K Chung is academic development director of the ET Business College, a member of the Hong Kong Economic Times Group. He has worked for a number of private companies and universities in the United States, as well as Hong Kong's Consumer Council. To contact Dr Chung, please write to DrChung@etbc.com.hk.

Taken from Career Times 2003/10/24