10 Years From Starting My MBA: Definitely worth it!

This goes out to anyone from the Philippines still finding my blog after more than a decade of it being up 😊

I started my MBA in August 2012, and graduated in May 2014. Let me just say that taking my MBA abroad led to opportunities that I never would have expected when I first started applying, and I am quite happy with where my journey has taken me.

A lot has already changed since I wrote most of these blog entries, so the information here is probably not as accurate or applicable anymore. But do know that there are people and resources available if you are interested in pursuing higher education outside the Philippines. Don't be afraid to ask questions (or even negotiate scholarships if it comes to it!), and don't be afraid to ask for help! There are others like me who have taken the path before you who could help you on your way.

Stats on the MBA Class of 2014

The Complete 2014 Business School Ranking has been released, and can be found on this link. For the first time ever, Harvard is not part of the Top 5 and Duke is No. 1! (Also check out how they were ranked.)

It's interesting to see this snapshot of the graduate class I'm part of, courtesy of Bloomberg BusinessWeek. For those of you concerned with the money you have to shell out for your MBA, the ROI of the school could be something to look at.

And, no, I didn't get that $1M signing bonus.

What Business School Does for Your Career 

By Jonathan Rodkin and Francesca Levy November 11, 2014
(Actual infographic can be found on the title link above.) 

Graduated, started a job, now crossing fingers for an H1B

So -- this is it.

Been working for a couple of weeks now after a melange of events that included graduation, out-of-state vacation trips with my parents and my boyfriend, relocation to another state, and lots and lots of packing. I cannot emphasize enough how stressful packing and unpacking can be -- I've been in two temporary apartments in two weeks, and it's really, really awful.

How can Americans be okay with this nomadic lifestyle?! I'm just not used to it.

I've received my first paycheck, and I still have to find a long-term apartment, buy my own car and start another checking account. Depending so much on checks (to purchase a car, to pay apartment deposits) is another thing to get used to.

I'm really proud and happy that I've finished my MBA in flying colors - academic honors, no debt, some extra money after all the vacation expenses. I spent a little more than Php2.5M of my own money; the fellowship plus the money I earned from my internship and my part-time job took care of the rest of my expenses.

I'm a living testament that, yes, it is possible to get your MBA abroad without incurring debt or relying on your family for financial support. Of course, there was a pretty steep price for me to pay - and it started way before I set foot in America, from my very first paycheck.

Now, I'm ready to move on to the next stage. Hopefully, this time next year, I'll have the good news of having an approved H1B work visa. And from there -- who knows?


Thank you very much for supporting my blog and reading my posts. I'm signing off for now,  but will be available to answer questions. Just shoot them at my email pinaymba <at> gmail <dot> com. Thank you once again, and good luck to all Filipino MBA applicants!