Suffolk University - Executive MBA Program SAWYER BUSINESS SCHOOL

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8 ASHBURTON PLACE
BOSTON, MA 02108-2770
Phone: (617) 573-8660
Fax: (617) 994-4239

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Boasting a sizable part-time population, many students choose Suffolk University because of its flexible scheduling options, which allows students to take courses at the main campus, at one of the many "satellite locations outside of Boston," or via the Internet. In that and many ways, Suffolk, "really caters to creating the optimal experience for someone who is working full-time and going to school part-time." Whether studying full-time or part-time, all Suffolk MBAs are required to take three introductory courses, plus 24 units of core course work in areas such as management, economics, and marketing. After completing these requirements, Suffolk students have a great deal of liberty in planning their educations, because the school offers more than 100 electives in areas such as accounting and finance, entrepreneurship, health administration, information systems, international business, and marketing.

A large percentage of the school's full-time students hail from outside the United States, which adds a "fresh, firsthand, and global intelligence to the classroom." Students appreciate the international angle, describing themselves as "a business-focused ‘United Nations'â€"working together to learn about business and our place it." The school further demonstrates its commitment to an international business education through core and elective course work, including a series of global-travel seminars. These week-long courses are conducted in a foreign country and "At least two professors attend and really take part in the learning experience with the students."

Students further praise Suffolk's "commitment to group work and real business cases/studies," saying the teaching methodology reflects the fact that "important business decisions are not made [by] taking a written exam but by how you react in a situation and under pressure." Students have the chance to stretch their wings in the classroom thanks to "smaller class sizes, typically 25 to 35, where I . . . have the opportunity to share my working and leadership experiences as well as hearing about my peers'." Because of the practical focus, Suffolk students feel they are well prepared to start or to advance in their career after graduation. A student sums it up: "What will set a Suffolk University MBA grad apart from the others is the in-depth training we receive on crucial skills such as networking and follow-up protocols, self-assessment and self-evaluation skills, goal setting, speech and presentation skills, resume writing, interviewing skills, and business etiquette. The expertise and confidence gained from this knowledge is well worth the tuition."

Students Say - Admissions
To apply to Suffolk University Sawyer School of Business, students must submit undergraduate transcripts, a resume, and a completed application, including essays. Those applying to the full-time program must have at least 1 year of work experience; however, the average admit has logged 3 years in a professional position. Part-time applicants are expected to have spent more time in the professional world and average 5 to 7 years of work experience. Applicants must also submit GMAT scores, though exceptions may be made for practicing CPAs, and attorneys.

Students Say - Campus Life
Whether you call it networking or socializing, "Suffolk stresses getting to know your peers and receiving the best education at the same time." With an admissions process that emphasizes personal qualities as well as academic excellence, "Suffolk University does an excellent job of handpicking the candidates for this program," admitting students who are "inquisitive travelers, inventive thinkers, creative problem-solvers and just plain down-to-earth." Thanks to the international focus and part-time programs, the school boasts a "very diverse culture with respect to age, ethnicity, gender, and employment background."

In addition to the friendships they make within the school of business, Suffolk MBAs also participate in "a graduate school association that often holds events at neighboring pubs and restaurants." Located in the heart of downtown Boston, "The campus has a constant buzz about it." A few blocks from Boston Commons and all the downtown restaurants, nightlife, and public transportation, the "terrific location" is what attracts many students to Suffolk in the first place.

Students Say - Careers
Suffolk prides itself on preparing students for the real world, and effective, long-term career planning is a major piece of the puzzle. In fact, every student at Suffolk must take an introductory course aptly named Effective Career Planning, designed to help students evaluate their professional skills and career paths and to make a solid plan for what they wish to accomplish with an MBA. In addition, the Suffolk MBA EDGE offers professional development events throughout the academic year. These events run the gamut from seminars on power lunches and the professional image to MBA networking week and Technology Day. MBA EDGE also hosts a number of career services events such as workshops on resume writing and salary negotiations.

Ideally located in downtown Boston, "There are numerous top Boston-based businesses that recruit at Suffolk University." However, some suggest that the school could broaden its scope of opportunities. "I would like to see the school bring in top recruiters in the investment banking and private equity sectors, and I know I am not alone in that desire. A Suffolk MBA can get a job in these sectors but it requires a great deal of leg work," explains a student.

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