New MBA Jobs Openings: California
The length of California is approximately 770 miles. From top to bottom, visitors will find a mass of fascinating contradictions—Silicon Valley, Napa, Hollywood Glitz, Malibu, the SF Mission, Humboldt County pot farms, Yosemite,
San Diego surf, Fresno farmland, Palm Desert, the rolling hills of John Steinbeck Country.
These are just a handful of examples that represent the wonderful diversity of landscapes and communities all technically located in one U.S. state. It seems abundantly clear why so many MBA graduates look to the Golden State to make careers for themselves.
This week, we highlight four California Job openings available for MBA graduates:
What is the Best Business School Laptop for You?
While preparing for business school means connecting with future classmates, figuring out coursework, and brushing up on your writing and quant skills, other necessities—like what kind of computer you’ll need—can be overlooked. That’s why we’ve rounded up recommendations from leading MBA programs and highlighted which laptops you should consider.
For the desktop faithful, a powerful computer may be well-suited to take on the MBA curriculum. However, considering the majority of students’ traveling demands, in addition to the ease and comfort of bringing a laptop to class, a portable device is likely a better alternative.
Laptop Features that Business Schools Recommend
The question of having the right kind of business school laptop often comes down to simple prioritization, with cost usually at the top of most consumers’ concerns. But before you start roaming for discount deals, making sure your laptop has the right specifications is key.
Business schools, such UCLA Anderson School of Management, offer prospective MBAs a guide to what kind of computer they’ll need for the program, detailed below:
UCLA Anderson’s computer recommendations for its MBA students.
The majority of business schools, including the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management and the MIT Sloan School of Management, suggest the same technical standards.
Most of the technical specifications listed above are fairly standard for laptops produced within the past several years, so finding a product that hits the minimum requirements is fairly simple. For example, Intel, the primary manufacturer of computer processing units, released its 6th generation Core processors in 2015, succeeding its 5th generation models. The only concern prospective MBA students may have are with computers that have an Intel Core M processor, which are below the suggested standards. Laptops with these processors, however, are often the most base-level on the market, and are typically only found in very inexpensive models. Intel has not released a new M processor since 2018.
Major companies like Dell, Lenovo, and Apple have all or most of the suggested specifications, such as webcam interface, integrated graphics cards, and 802.11 wireless connectivity, included standard in newer models. However, even when looking for a brand new laptop, one major element to take note of is the power of the hard drive. Even devices that would be considered in the mid-to-upper price tier, such as the Apple Macbook Pro and Dell XPS, do not come standard with a 256 GB SSD (solid state drive). Rather, the base-level models are usually paired with a 128 GB SSD, and there is a distinct price difference in comparison to 256 GB SSD models. Of course, for the handy few, installing your own SSD card into the computer is possible, and can mitigate much of the cost differential. But for most students, opting for a model with 256 SSD standard will be the most reasonable route.
Be wary: even costly base level models, like the Microsoft Surface, do not come standard with a suggested 256 GB SSD.
Software Requirements (Windows Wins at CBS)
While many prospective students won’t belabor the technical differences between certain laptops, the necessary software can often be more important. Columbia Business School‘s own “Choosing a Laptop” guidelines informs prospective MBA students that the software needed for the curriculum is based around the Windows operating system. Which means Apple users may be at a disadvantage, even if their laptops are fitted with Windows OS. In fact, the school recommends avoiding Apple altogether:
“If you intend to purchase a new laptop for your studies at CBS, the School highly recommends that you purchase a computer that already runs Windows natively (not a Mac). Many students who have chosen to purchase a Mac prior to CBS have later regretted the choice because they ended up using Windows more than anticipated, and Windows virtualized in a Mac never performs as well as if it were ran natively (e.g., the OS is slower and more prone to glitches, and there is a learning curve for the keyboard, etc.). For these reasons, we recommend that anyone who has to purchase a new laptop to meet the School’s minimum computing requirements selects a native Windows machine.”
For those hoping to attend CBS that already have an Apple laptop, the business school will provide students Windows OS free of charge. The only requirement, however, is at least 50 GB of free memory (Windows OS requires 35 GB).
Even if all the hardware specifications are met, Macbook users may be at disadvantage in MBA programs. Many institutions, such as Columbia Business School, require software tools only found in the Windows Operating System.
Affordable Options
MBA prospects that are in the market for a new laptop may be wise to focus attention on affordability. After all, with the cost of education, saving money anywhere you can is a plus. However, this decision comes with an obvious degree of consideration. Laptops under the $500 USD threshold often do not have the necessary hardware to handle an MBA curriculum. But for those who only need a device to get by, several models can do the trick with minimal cost, such as the Lenovo IdeaPad 330.
MBAs with affordability in mind should consider the Lenovo Ideapad 330.
The 14″ Lenovo Ideapad 330 base model starts at a modest $536.79 and comes with an 8th Generation Intel Core i7-8550U processor, Windows 10 OS, and 8 GB of memory, to start. The model can be upgraded with a 256 GB SSD, but cost-savvy buyers would do well to check out Newegg.com, which offers several 330 Ideapad models with 256 GB SSD for under $500.
For those wary about performance but still with cost in mind, the Acer Aspire E 15 might be a better alternative. Laptop Mag rates the Aspire E 15 among the best affordable laptops available, with a direct, succinct review:
“Every once in a while, a laptop comes along that defies its low price. Yet again, the Acer Aspire E 15 is one of those laptops. Punching well above its weight class, the 15-inch machine has a sharp 1080p display, good performance and a wide variety of ports. The laptop’s keyboard is comfortable, its battery life is decent and it stays cool under a heavy workload. Despite a few notable shortcomings—a poor webcam, bulky design and unwelcome bloatware—the Aspire E 15 offers excellent bang for your buck, which is why it’s our best overall sub-$500 laptop and a very good choice for students.”
PC World also highly-recommends the Aspire E 15, rating it as the “Best Laptop Under $500.” And like the Ideapad 330, several Aspire E 15 models can be found over at Newegg for under $500.
Considering the Long Term and an Upgrade
MBA aspirants with major career aspirations likely aren’t going to dwell too much on the price of a laptop alone. After all, for those thinking long term, a modestly expensive model will likely be a better investment. For those looking for a bit higher performance, it’s hard to go wrong with the Dell XPS 13.
For the best blend of hardware, design, accessibility, and price, the Dell XPS 13 has stood out for years.
Tech-savvy readers have likely heard this before. Outlets such as PC Mag, Laptop Mag, CNet, and Engadget have been showering Dell with praise since the introduction of the XPS line in 2012, which was the first official Dell “ultrabook.” In fact, it is currently the only model rated by PC Mag with a perfect score.
The company’s flagship 13.3″ laptop comes standard with an 8th generation Intel-i3 core processor, 4 GB of memory, and a UHD Graphics 620 card. However, for the 256 GB SSD and 8-16 GB of memory models, the price increases from a modest $899 to, at least, $1,079.99. Upgraded versions with touch-screen capability and a larger screen are available, but all of the requirements needed for a typical MBA program are met by the $1,079.99 model, which features 8 GB of memory, 256 GB SSD, and an 8th generation Intel-i5 processor.
Sparing No Expense
Your laptop likely isn’t going to just be for school. From major projects, to personal entertainment, and even gaming, your laptop will likely be your personal hub for many years to come. Virtually every laptop in the upper-cost echelon, ranging from $1,300 and up, fits the hardware requirements needed for an MBA program and then some.
For those already possessing a degree of business experience, the sight of a Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon may be a bit familiar. A typical favorite of business professionals, Laptop Mag refers to the ThinkPad X1 Carbon as the “Maserati of business laptops” in its most recent review, with the 6th generation model boasting a beautiful Intel Kaby Lake-R CPU, and even an optional 2K HDR display. And unlike many of the aforementioned models, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon is built with an extremely sturdy frame, despite only weighing 2.49 lbs. For $1,367.10, it includes a standard 256 GB SSD, an 8th generation Intel-i7 processor, and 8 GB of memory—all of which can be upgraded.
The Lenovo ThinkPad Carbon X1 (6th gen), dubbed the “Maserati of business laptops,” is built perfectly for any MBA candidate.
Finding the Best Business School Laptop Deals
Major online distribution outlet Newegg is a favorite among the tech-savvy and often sports some of the best PC deals you’ll ever find. However, like Amazon, most of the laptop models you’ll find at steep discounts are often among lower-end models (unless, of course, you’re comfortable buying a refurbished computer). In addition, sales are often frustratingly temporary. However, there are certain times of the year when laptops may be had at a modest discount, with the best deals usually happening in the summer.
According to The Nest, “the months of August and September present opportunities for laptop buyers to save money. The traditional back-to-school sale applies to laptops just like it does to other school supplies. A shopper will see advertised sales during the last month of summer vacation and the first month of the new school year. Some laptop sellers even run specials in July as a way of getting ahead of the back-to-school sales.”
This article has been republished and edited with permissions from its original source, Clear Admit.
A Breakdown of LinkedIn’s Top U.S. Companies for 2019
If you’re in the midst of your MBA studies, there’s a good chance that you’ve already started a career that you love, or that you’re seeking a transition into a new industry. Perhaps you’re still in the exploratory stage with regard to future jobs and other post graduate options. Either way, it’s helpful to set your sights high as you make your next move.
LinkedIn recently published its list of 2019’s Top Companies based upon user data. Authors asked which companies were attracting the most attention from job seekers, and which ones retained the most satisfied employees after hiring in order to compile the list. To make it useful to our readers, we’ve broken down the list into the top five in three categories: tech, finance, and entertainment.
Technology Companies
Alphabet, the parent company of Google, YouTube, and Nest, among others, tops the list of the most desirable firms on LinkedIn’s list. With 98,800 employees worldwide, Alphabet is headquartered in Mountain View, CA, and has offices in New York City and Seattle. According to LinkedIn’s data, Project and Program Management, and IT positions have the highest number of new hires. With Google’s current investment of $13 billion for expansion in the U.S, it is a great time for MBAs to explore possibilities at Alphabet.
Google’s parent company, Alphabet, plans on expanding across half of the U.S. by the end of the year.
Current open positions include a Project Managment Summer Internship in Mountainview with Loon, an Alphabet subsidiary; and a Summer internship at Google’s Reston, VA office with one of several teams including finance, strategy, product management, and operations.
Facebook, the parent of What’s App, Oculus VR, and of course, Instagram, was ranked second overall on the LinkedIn ranking. Like Alphabet, Facebook employs the most new hires in its project/program management and IT departments. Facebook has 36,000 global employees and is headquartered in Menlo Park, CA, and its top hiring locations are Seattle, New York City, and San Francisco.
Facebook is now hiring a Consumer Marketing Manager for Messenger, a Marketing Manager for Data & Privacy, a Finance and Business Operations Manager within its Global Marketing Solutions department, among other positions.
San Francisco based cloud software company Salesforce, with 22,000 employees across the U.S., is another of the top companies for tech-related careers according to LinkedIn. With a large number of new hires in engineering, business development, and sales positions, Salesforce is a wise target for MBAs. Current open positions include a Platform Engineering Product Manager in both the Dallas, TX and Indianapolis, IN offices; and an Analytics Lead for Strategy & Growth in the San Francisco office. All three of these positions encourage recent MBA grads to apply.
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Outside the Salesforce Tower, the tallest building in San Francisco, located in the downtown South of Market district. The company was ranked fourth overall on the annual LinkedIn list.
With available positions for Senior Managers in New York City, Annapolis, MD and Durham, NC, along with Finance and Business Strategy positions in Culver City and the Cupertino headquarters, Apple is another top destination for job seekers on LinkedIn. New hires most often land in IT, Engineering and Sales Positions. Its ever expanding campuses are set to hire 20,000 people by 2025, and a brand new, $1billion campus is planned for Austin, TX.
Oracle, ranked ninth overall on the LinkedIn list, employs 137,000 global employees, and also hires many of its new employees in IT, sales, and engineering. With a reputation for hiring a large number of new grads, Oracle takes great pride in a culture of camaraderie. In a recent LinkedIn article on the topic, Kim Levin, Oracle’s senior organization and talent development consultant, says, “We understand how important it is to have that first, successful onboarding.” Its robust recruitment program hires from a number of large universities like Ohio State and Penn State, along with private colleges and universities.
Recruits are sent to one of Oracle’s hubs in Austin, TX; Reston, VA; Burlington, MA, or Santa Monica, CA, where they can connect with fellow recruits and become acclimated to their jobs. The company is currently hiring an Innovation Program Strategist in Philadelphia, as as well as for a Financial Analyst position in Reston, VA, and Cloud Sales positions in Chicago and Atlanta.
Entertainment Companies
Amazon, third on LinkedIn’s list, employs 250,000 people in the U.S. alone. As parent company to Whole Foods, Zappos, and Audible, along with its thriving media and entertainment brand, Amazon has a multitude of job opportunities for MBAs. Operations, Engineering and Sales are among the top departments for new hires, and the company is also seeking to fill positions for a Senior Product Manager for Technical Products, as well as Program and Project Manager positions in Seattle.
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Despite major expansion, Amazon, ranked as the second best company in the U.S. by LinkedIn, the tech giant still calls Seattle home, with plenty of openings for MBA talent.
The 11th ranked Netflix, with 5,700 employees in the U.S., continues to expand its workforce in an effort to remain competitive amidst the growing crowd of streaming content providers. According to a recent Quartz article, Netflix wants to be perceived “less as a subscription-driven technology business and more like a movie studio or TV network’, which is good news for MBAs seeking an entertainment focused career. Netflix is currently hiring in content marketing management, product management, and finance, ad well as in multiple other roles at their Los Angeles offices.
Although it was originally founded outside the U.S., music streaming giant Spotify ranked 14th overall on the annual LinkedIn list, with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston and New York. Spotify is hiring Business Development Analysts, Project Managers, and Production Managers and various other positions nationwide.
Comcast NBCUniversal continues to rule the media landscape in the U.S. with 184,000 employees. The company’s top hiring cities are New York, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia, where its new Technology Center recently became one of the city’s largest employers. Comcast is currently seeking a VP for eCommerce and a Financial Operations Auditor in Philadelphia, along with MBA Summer interns in its Santa Monica, CA location.
The massive Comcast Center in Philadelphia tops the city skyline, with the two biggest buildings in the United States outside of New York or Chicago. The major media company ranks 15th overall on the LinkedIn top company list.
Disney, the parent company to ESPN, Pixar, and ABC, has over 200,000 employees globally. It hires the most new employees in operations, media & communications, and business development. The company supports education for its staff at all levels—it will cover the price of school for both full and part-time employees. Disney’s top hiring U.S. locations are Orlando, Los Angeles, and New York. Current available positions are a Digital Pricing Manager in New York, a Senior Financial Analyst in Orlando, and a Finance Manager in LA.
Finance Companies
One of Deloitte‘s most appealing facets is its encouragement of entrepreneurship—Startup Deloitte challenges employees to pitch ideas for startups to be funded by the company. With a workforce in the U.S. of close to 85,000, Deloitte brings in the most new hires in consulting, business development, and accounting roles, and its locations in Washington DC, New York City and Chicago are the most desirable according to LinkedIn.dds Margot Thom, Deloitte Global’s Chief Talent Officer, says, “As an organization, Deloitte is dedicated to creating an experience that allows its people to thrive and grow.”
With nearly 85,000 employees, Deloitte is the top-ranked finance company on the LinkedIn Top Employer list at fifth overall.
Deloitte is currently hiring for numerous positions, including Accounting and Reporting Manager in Philadelphia, Strategy and Operations Associates in New York and Chicago.
If you’re hoping to work with Bank of America, ranked 18th overall, it’s good to know that they currently acquire the most new talent in finance, sales, and support roles. New York, Dallas-Fort Worth, TX and Charlotte, NC are its leading locations. Globally, Bank of America employs 200,000 people.
Available job openings include an Executive for InterAffiliate Services and a Product Services Consultant in Charlotte, along with a Senior Relationship Manager position in Boston.
Goldman Sachs, 21st overall, hires the most new people in IT, business development, and finance, and has a worldwide headcount of 36,600. It has recently implemented higher standards for diversity, pledging to grow its numbers of female and non-white employees. Dallas-Fort Worth, Salt Lake City, and New York City are its most-searched locations, according to LinkedIn. Goldman Sachs is hiring in New York City for Associates and Analysts, and also for Operations and Associate positions in Dallas-Fort Worth.
Citi, 22nd overall, has a high numbers of new hires in business development, finance, and leading offices in New York, Dallas, and Tampa, where they are all currently hiring for analyst positions. Citi employees 66,000 people in the U.S., and each of these offices is currently hiring analysts, among other positions.
Like Goldman Sachs, Citi has stated its commitment to increasing diversity—the company has pledged to expanding the numbers of women in its highest ranks, from VP to Managing Director, to 40 percent by 2021.
New MBA Jobs at Four Tech Companies Making Big Announcements
Some of the world’s largest tech companies made waves recently with exciting, and in some cases game-changing, announcements at and around the 2019 Game Developers Conference. These new ideas, products, and services were developed by teams comprised of developers, marketers, and MBAs brought on to bring innovation to the table. Continue reading…
Five Surprisingly Lucrative MBA Destinations
Even though the most common MBA careers are those in the areas of consulting, banking and finance, there are other options out there. In fact, you’d be surprised to learn which companies truly value hiring MBAs into high paying management positions, and the sectors those firms occupy. Whether its tech, media, or retail, here’s a breakout of five surprisingly lucrative MBA destinations. Continue reading…
7 Best Schools that Specialize in Supply Chain Management
Supply chain management delves into business at the big-picture level. It puts all the operations together to ensure that everything functions smoothly. It’s the ideal position for individuals who are interested in managing people, organizing moving parts, and analyzing global trends.
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, supply chain management and operations is a fast-growing career field. The employment rate is expected to increase by 7 percent by 2026. It’s also an industry with high salary potential with additional earning opportunities due to commissions and bonuses.
Earning an MBA in supply chain management opens up a host of opportunities to work as an inventory control manager, purchasing manager, vendor managed inventory coordinator, warehouse operations manager, and more. And almost every company needs quality employees in the field, which means you could find yourself working in retail, healthcare, technology, and more.
If that sounds of interest to you, the key is finding the right MBA program for success. Below, we’ve outlined our top seven picks for MBA programs in supply management. Continue reading…
