School Is In...
...and with it comes a serious increase in traffic. Where do all these cars come from anyway? Are they parents that stayed home with the kids during the summer or is it people altering their schedule in conjunction with their kids going to school? Also, someone please explain to me why kids can't stand at the bus stop instead of waiting in their parents cars? (note: all year long, not just a few days) Is it because the parents are afraid of them getting snatched, because 65° is too cold or because those seven minutes are the only time they can spare for their kids and have to make the most of it? I'm all for parents taking a more active role in their kids' lives, lord knows it's needed, but what happened to the days of walking to the bus stop? At the risk of sounding like an old codger, the bus stop was a necessary evil in the socializing and growth of a child... and we usually froze our asses off doing so. You introduce parental units, or a complete lack of interaction with other kids in this case, and you're sterilizing one of the experiences that make kids who they are.
Okay, enough of that. The real purpose of this post is to formally introduce you to what I'll be doing for the next 15 months. I posted about the admission process awhile back and eluded to it in recent posts; this coming Friday I'll be starting my work towards a Masters degree. I've been getting some questions here and there about the details so I present to you the Official Chris Goes Back to School FAQ™.
Where are you going?
I'll be attending classes at the Virginia campus of George Washington University. It's a well-regarded school with a quality program that's 6.5 miles from the house. What else could I ask for?
What degree are you seeking?
I'll be working towards a Master of Science in Information Systems. MBA is a popular choice, especially in this geographic area (I know 10+ people with/pursuing one), but it wasn't what I wanted. With my undergrad in Finance, I wanted something more specific to technology since it's probably where I'll spend my entire career. See below for their description.
The EMIS program is a unique academic blend of in-depth technology and management studies presented in a dynamic and innovative format. The program enables rising and senior IT decision-makers to fill in the gaps in their work experience, incorporating information on the latest technologies and management issues. Students are challenged to integrate the wide range of technologies, methods, and techniques with an understanding of the strategic implications.
As you can see, it's actually more of a management and technology hybrid, which is perfect for my needs. After completion, I'll also be able to apply for a CIO University certificate, which can only help my career.
How long will it take?
It's an executive program; it lasts 15 months in an accelerated format. It will be a painful 15 months but I do get August (plus usual school breaks) off and it's better than stretching it out over 3.5 years, in my opinion. If all goes well, I'll be done with grad school by Christmas of '09!
When are your classes?
Being an accelerated format, the class schedule is a bit atypical. I'll be in class all day (8.5a-5.5p) on alternating Fridays and Saturdays. This means I spend all day in class this Friday, preserving my weekend, but spend all day in class next Saturday. My employer has been gracious enough to allow me a 10x4 or 9x8 work schedule to make up for the day off work every other week. This also means I won't be traveling for any length of time in awhile.
What are your fellow students going to be like?
I haven't met them yet so I can't say for certain. However, as with any executive program, it's likely that most will be working professionals who have similar or more experience than I do. I suppose it's possible to have recent college graduates but seems unlikely given the program. Admission statistics indicate an average age of 38 with 14 years of work experience, so I'm probably on the lower end of the bell curve.
Perhaps the most interesting thing about the program is its cohort format. There is only one admission per year and it's limited to 21 students. You run the entire 15 months in a predetermined class schedule with the same 20 people. If someone leaves the program, they don't fill the hole, they just keep on truckin'. It gives you an opportunity to work closely with everyone and really get to know each other which has to be a good thing.
Are you getting any help from your employer?
Again, I'm fortunate enough to have an employer that places a high value on education. Not only are they letting me adjust my work schedule around class, they're also paying 100% of my tuition, books and fees. Partial cost will be my responsibility if I leave before a year after I graduate or get laid off before I finish. While I do have the ability to pay, we're going to operate under the hope/assumption that doesn't happen. :-)
Nervous?
36 hours and counting. Egad! I'm nervous and excited all in one. I don't like the unknown and am questioning how much work it's really going to be but am excited to meet new people and get some formal education again. I think once I settle into a routine in a month, things will be a lot better.
Okay, enough of that. The real purpose of this post is to formally introduce you to what I'll be doing for the next 15 months. I posted about the admission process awhile back and eluded to it in recent posts; this coming Friday I'll be starting my work towards a Masters degree. I've been getting some questions here and there about the details so I present to you the Official Chris Goes Back to School FAQ™.
Where are you going?
I'll be attending classes at the Virginia campus of George Washington University. It's a well-regarded school with a quality program that's 6.5 miles from the house. What else could I ask for?
What degree are you seeking?
I'll be working towards a Master of Science in Information Systems. MBA is a popular choice, especially in this geographic area (I know 10+ people with/pursuing one), but it wasn't what I wanted. With my undergrad in Finance, I wanted something more specific to technology since it's probably where I'll spend my entire career. See below for their description.
The EMIS program is a unique academic blend of in-depth technology and management studies presented in a dynamic and innovative format. The program enables rising and senior IT decision-makers to fill in the gaps in their work experience, incorporating information on the latest technologies and management issues. Students are challenged to integrate the wide range of technologies, methods, and techniques with an understanding of the strategic implications.
As you can see, it's actually more of a management and technology hybrid, which is perfect for my needs. After completion, I'll also be able to apply for a CIO University certificate, which can only help my career.
How long will it take?
It's an executive program; it lasts 15 months in an accelerated format. It will be a painful 15 months but I do get August (plus usual school breaks) off and it's better than stretching it out over 3.5 years, in my opinion. If all goes well, I'll be done with grad school by Christmas of '09!
When are your classes?
Being an accelerated format, the class schedule is a bit atypical. I'll be in class all day (8.5a-5.5p) on alternating Fridays and Saturdays. This means I spend all day in class this Friday, preserving my weekend, but spend all day in class next Saturday. My employer has been gracious enough to allow me a 10x4 or 9x8 work schedule to make up for the day off work every other week. This also means I won't be traveling for any length of time in awhile.
What are your fellow students going to be like?
I haven't met them yet so I can't say for certain. However, as with any executive program, it's likely that most will be working professionals who have similar or more experience than I do. I suppose it's possible to have recent college graduates but seems unlikely given the program. Admission statistics indicate an average age of 38 with 14 years of work experience, so I'm probably on the lower end of the bell curve.
Perhaps the most interesting thing about the program is its cohort format. There is only one admission per year and it's limited to 21 students. You run the entire 15 months in a predetermined class schedule with the same 20 people. If someone leaves the program, they don't fill the hole, they just keep on truckin'. It gives you an opportunity to work closely with everyone and really get to know each other which has to be a good thing.
Are you getting any help from your employer?
Again, I'm fortunate enough to have an employer that places a high value on education. Not only are they letting me adjust my work schedule around class, they're also paying 100% of my tuition, books and fees. Partial cost will be my responsibility if I leave before a year after I graduate or get laid off before I finish. While I do have the ability to pay, we're going to operate under the hope/assumption that doesn't happen. :-)
Nervous?
36 hours and counting. Egad! I'm nervous and excited all in one. I don't like the unknown and am questioning how much work it's really going to be but am excited to meet new people and get some formal education again. I think once I settle into a routine in a month, things will be a lot better.
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