Director Says MBA Remains a Solid Investment

Lisa Shatz, recently selected as director of the Full-Time MBA program at UT Dallas’ School of Management, knows the business climate her students may face upon graduation.

“It’s a rough economy out there right now, and I fully understand some students’ reluctance to take themselves out of the job market for 16 months to get an MBA,” says Shatz. “But what I tell prospective students is what I’ve heard from a number of our own MBA alumni – that getting their MBA here at UT Dallas has completely changed their lives. It has allowed them to take on an entirely new career or lifted a ceiling that they felt they were under.”

After earning her own MBA, Shatz worked as a consultant for Deloitte & Touche and then Ernst & Young, primarily in the real estate sector. That career put her on the road much of each year, so she understands the competing responsibilities of being dedicated to her job and finding time for her family. “This is not easy for anyone,” Shatz says. “But what I know is that when professionals take a step off the career track for 16 months to devote themselves to this MBA, when they re-enter the corporate world they will be able to accomplish their professional work in a focused and strategic way.”

Having worked with a number of UT Dallas MBA grads while a consultant, Shatz came to admire the skills they brought to issues at hand. “I have always been amazed at their analytical abilities and work ethic,” she said. When the director’s position for the Full-Time MBA program became available, she was equally intrigued by what she says is a high return on investment. “Not only can you get your degree for a fraction of the cost of other comparable programs,” she said, “but the program is only 16 months, reducing the time out of the marketplace by eight months from other popular programs.”

Shatz has already instituted an important change in the program, adding a corporate component to let outplacement departments know about the Full-Time MBA, along with some on-site services it will provide such as training sessions for interviewing. “We want to be an asset to the business community in North Texas at all levels – and that includes sharing some of our skills with those in need during these difficult times.”

“We’re delighted with Lisa’s energy and innovation,” said Monica Powell, a School of Management assistant dean. “She’s already made important changes in the program that have enhanced the networking capabilities of our alums and our current students.”

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