The Northeast Region’s Top Accelerated MBAs
The numerous advantages of an accelerated MBA start with one that’s particularly appealing–low cost. And while accelerated programs are more affordable, they are by no means less valuable or challenging than two year programs. In fact, they can be quite intensive in that they allow students to leverage their undergrad business education directly to MBA studies by covering core requirements.
Top MBA Recruiters: AT&T
Finding employment after graduating from an MBA program can be a challenge for some. Thankfully, new MBAs are never alone in the process. From companies that actively recruit talent from business schools throughout the country, to MBA programs themselves helping to facilitate interviews and job referrals for their students, students should be sure to take advantage of resources available to them.
A look at 2017 employment data from a top MBA program like the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business reveals the overwhelming trend: a whopping 89.2 percent of students found employment through university-facilitated avenues, be it on-campus recruitment and interviews, networking events, or through a Booth-facilitated summer employer. The success of campus recruitment benefits everyone, not only because universities are willing to open their doors and advocate for their students, but because top companies go out of their way to recruit young talent and create opportunities for them.
One such company is American multinational telecommunications holding company, AT&T. Founded in 1983 as the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company—part of the Bell Telephone Company with roots in the late 19th century—today AT&T has more than 254,000 employees worldwide and $190 billion in revenue. With a commitment to MBA graduates through internships and early career development programs, AT&T makes the grade as a top recruiter and employment destination for MBAs.
What Is An AT&T Career Like for MBAs?
It should be no surprise that MBAs love working at AT&T when you know the kind of investment this company makes in the educational development of its employees. In 2016, AT&T spent $250 million on employee training and invested roughly 20 million hours into the process. With so many opportunities for ambitious team members to accelerate their careers through leadership and development programs, this is the perfect company for those looking to quickly rise into leadership roles.
AT&T has been awarded many times for its workplace culture, including being named on Fortune‘s ‘100 Best Companies to Work for in 2018‘ and 3rd overall on the Diversity Inc. list of the ‘Top 50 Companies for Diversity‘ in 2018.
Of course, it pays to have an AT&T career, even beyond a positive workplace culture. According to PayScale data, MBA graduates at AT&T earn an average annual salary over $95,000. This can range as high as $142,000 for those in operations management. Employees, including interns, are rewarded with competitive compensation and benefits, including paid holidays, time off, and discounts for AT&T products.
Getting Started
MBA students interested in starting an AT&T career should keep an eye out for the various recruitment events set up through their university, where they can apply on campus and may be selected to interview with college recruiting managers. Because of the company’s heavy investment in a diverse workforce, AT&T also has a strong presence at recruitment conferences like the Forté Foundation for female business leaders, Reaching Out MBA for LGBT candidates, and the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA).
Many MBAs start their AT&T career through its many internship opportunities, which are found at locations throughout the country and typically last 10-12 weeks. AT&T offers these paid internships a huge variety of fields, such as data analytics, cybersecurity, entertainment group technology, software development, and leadership, among others.
In addition to internships, MBA graduates may apply for one of the many AT&T career development programs. These are full-time, paid rotational programs that may last anywhere from two to three years, providing hands-on experience, exposure and opportunity. Development programs at AT&T include:
- B2B Sales
- Cybersecurity Development
- Engineering and Operations Development
- Finance Leadership Development
- Leadership Development
- Software Development
What Does AT&T Look for in MBA Candidates?
When hiring for its MBA internships and development programs, AT&T looks for students with at least three years of professional experience with the ability to collaborate on complex issues and thrive in a leadership role. The company seeks candidates who are passionate about the role technology can play in people’s lives and its capacity to transform.
In addition to the internships and early career programs, AT&T also looks for more experienced MBA holders for higher-level executive and management positions. For these roles, the company seeks candidates with at least five to eight years in experience related to the role with the ability to work in a team, be a self-starter, and think critically.
UMD Smith Faculty Honored for Contributions to Cybersecurity
Faculty at the University of Maryland R.H. Smith School of Business was recently recognized for their work in cybersecurity by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Researchers Examine Privacy and Security at Lehigh Business
Experts are willing to tackle the controversial topic of security and privacy at Lehigh University College of Business and Economics. When it comes to big data, security and privacy connect closely with the business world—even if not all businesses are up to speed.
The school held a meeting on Sept. 15 where tech, privacy, and legal experts came to the New York City campus to discuss the subject. The annual Impact Symposium featured the likes of Bracket Computing Inc. CEO Tom Gillis and New America Foundation Senior Fellow P.W. Singer, who were the keynote speakers, and both focused on issues of data privacy and data security, per a press release.
“Cybersecurity is framed too often as something that’s really complex,” said Singer, in the press release. “But I think it’s relatively simple: What can you do with information?”
The speakers shared with students how they view this changing landscape. Business professionals must understand the legalities surrounding our constantly evolving technology. And not just what’s legal, but what is ethical. And, as Singer emphasized, what is possible. Still, issues surrounding technology, privacy, and security stretch far beyond the business world. They impact the military and disaster zones, too, for example, having real-world consequences.
Students also heard from Georgette Chapman Phillips, the Dean of the College of Business and Economics. as well as from Provost Patrick V. Farrell. Farrell was sure to note how the topics become even more relevant as companies like Equifax failed to protect the privacy and security of their customers and users. There’s also HBO, which also suffered its own large-scale hacking recently.
Lehigh is committed to keeping its students up to date as the field continues to change. This symposium is just one taste. “The impact of cyberattacks keeps growing,” Gillis said. “It’s more than a financial impact. It’s literally changing the fate of the nation. And will continue to do so.”
D’Amore-McKim Professors Discuss WannaCry RansomeWare Attack
Four faculty members from D’Amore-McKim School of Business at Northeastern University recently weighed in the recent “WannaCry” ransomware attack.
MIT Sloan Co-Hosts Cyber Summit to Discuss How to Thwart Cybercrime
MIT Sloan School of Management last week co-hosted the Cambridge Cyber Summit, featuring a panel of cybersecurity experts discussing ways in which government and financial institutions can minimize cybercrime by “understanding the motivations of the hackers,” according to this recent article.
