InformationWeek

August 25, 1998

I have been a Unix network engineer with a major company for three months. I'd like to stay in this position for two years, then move over to the SAP department for two more years. Furthermore, I'm starting my part-time MBA program soon and my future aspirations include: management /IT consulting, senior-level management, and perhaps starting my own management-consulting business. Do you think that two years of Unix networking and two years of SAP knowledge (coupled with an MBA) will help me accomplish my goals? Finally, I'm thinking of taking a general course of study for my concentration in the MBA program, so that I can have the flexibility of taking courses that I would "really" need. Are there certain courses that I should consider?

Great plan! Your career road map flows well. The combination of Unix integration as well as the ERP experience will prove to be excellent experience as well as highly marketable. The MBA will round out your focus to manage or consult. As to your general study question, go with what interests you instead of what may interest others. The MBA alone, regardless of the general study, will make a strong statement.

More Questions:
I'm a lawyer, and would like to move back to a technology job, but I'm having trouble finding a position with my background. What can I do?

Should I accept a counter-offer?