Smith MBA(University of Maryland) Taking Questions

[Tim0707]

各位好，

我是Smith MBA 二年級的學生，有鑑於許多人錄取Smith並希望多了解我們的Program，在此開個主題，希望大家將您的問題提出，我們會有Current Students盡量為各位解答問題。

簡單說明一下Smith MBA:

Smith 目前著重在三大領域，創業，全球化，以及IT。 目前學校希望藉由創業的課程來整合各大領域的知識，例如Finance, Marketing, Operations 等。在課程安排上，給予學生很大的彈性，除了核心課程外，學生可自行搭配自己的課程組合。舉例來說，若我希望未來可以結合IT背景與銀行產業，我可以選擇Strategy，IT，以及與銀行有關的財務課程。

在學校名聲方面，在大DC地區馬里蘭大學的名聲是蠻不錯的，也有許多不錯的實習機會。但由於DC地區多為政府單位，對於國際學生來說是比較辛苦，但也由於接近DC地區，需多課程都有機會參觀政府機關。例如上個月，我們Banking的課程整班帶到聯準會與高階主管進行討論。

生活的部分，馬里蘭大學位於DC郊區，有地鐵可達DC，但多數學生皆住在馬里蘭，生活費較DC便宜許多。

若有任何其他問題，歡迎提出，謝謝!

[wangshihhao]

Hi guys,

I'm Bobby, 1st-yr MBA with focus on consulting and supply chain management at the Smith. I would like to add on some points for your reference.

Curriculum. As Tim already mentioned, Smith now focuses on GET: Global, Entrepreneurship and Technology. In first year, we have solid core courses -- to refresh your memory (if you have business background) and equip you with the tools you will need in the business world. This is also the year you could contemplate your future and career path -- which field to dive in. In second year, you pick the courses you want.

Location. East coast, 4 hours to NY and less then an hour to DC or Baltimore. What's more appealing: expense. MD state tax is 6% and living cost is relatively low, compared to New York, Boston and etc. To me, it's a compromise -- I want to study at east coast but don't have that much budget. NY still a city of hope: finance (well...), service, business. If you want to go non-profit, DC is the best choice. But, where you stay is not necessary where you will work!

Faculty. We have so many brilliant minds with excellent backgrounds either in academic or industry. So of them are too SMART to catch up....

Ranking or reputation. To some of you might be very concern about the ranking. Yes, last year it fluctuated in US News and Report. But, if you have done some other survey (and you should), such as BusinessWeek (26th/2008) or Financial Times World Ranking (44th/2007), you would find that the Smith does not change a lot.

I was making my decision between Indiana University and University of Maryland. In addtion to the mentioned, Smith's capability in supply chain is the last factor. My suggestion to everyone: pick the school that fits you. I believe that you've heard that for thousand times. But, that's truth. You have to examine yourself before you make the call.

If you have any question, feel free to raise it!

Bobby

[kigosam]

Hi Tim,

我是Eason，就是有去跟你一起上課還有打電話給你的那位，我已經確定要去maryland了，新生訓練是8/8開始，想問問看說大約何時去學校比較好，因為還有很多租屋、買車的問題，另外，台灣同學會上面似乎很少人在討論的樣子，不知道還有哪邊可以找到一些幫助？

Eason

[karmen[origen]]

Hi Eason,

我是Karmen. 我去年是8/1左右來的. 不過前提是因為我剛好有先找好房子.所以8月初來剛剛好.你可以開始瀏覽TSA網頁看看有沒有人要開始釋出房子.車子的話.我是覺得不用急.新車可以當場開支票就把車開回家.而且開學以前時間超多.有的是時間瀏覽比較.建議還是把房子先搞定好.這樣要上網要買東西什麼都比較方便一些~~希望有回答到你的問題。

[Shane]

Good initiative, Tim and welcome to Smith, Eason.
Go Terps!