School of Executive Education launches three industry-specific MBA fellowship programs

The Lipscomb University College of Business School of Executive Education has launched a new MBA Fellowship Program which provides participants with industry-specific job experience as they earn their degree in three “hot” job markets: sports, health care and entertainment/new media, John Lowry, assistant dean for the school, recently announced.

 

“This is an innovative program that gives the fellows the best of both worlds. The student  gets a top-quality business education while working in a job in his or her desired field. It is not only very engaging but provides the student a highly marketable educational experience,” said Lowry.

 

“Entering into the health care, entertainment/new media and sports management fields can often be tough because jobs in these industries demand a level of specialized knowledge from the first day. This fellowship program gives students that experience as well as an opportunity to network with professionals in those fields. One of the greatest values of these fellowships is that doors are opened in these industries that would not be opened otherwise for these students.”

 

Lowry said another advantage of the Lipscomb MBA Fellowship Program is that it is completed in one year. Similar graduate business programs often take an average of two or more years to complete.

 

“With our accelerated format we save the student time and money. Because they can complete the degree in such a short period of time, they are able to get into the workforce in an industry they want to be in more quickly as well,” he said.

 

Lowry said the companies partnering with the university also benefit from the program.

 

“We conduct a national search for our fellowship candidates and go through a rigorous application process. So, we’re getting some of the top students in the country. The students who are selected for our program then work for these companies for a year and become very familiar with the inner-workings of the organization and the industry. At the end of the year, the company ends up with a top-quality job candidate,” said Lowry.

 

Fellows take classes two nights a week. The curriculum includes industry-specific courses as well as management, accounting, financial management and strategy, strategic global management and leadership. In addition to course work, students will attend special lectures and events specific to the health care, entertainment or sports management industries. Fellows also dedicate a 30-hour workweek to their Lipscomb MBA Fellowship Partner and receive a monthly stipend of $1,500 for the 11 months of the program.

 

“The Lipscomb Sports Management Fellowship experience has opened a door that I could not have otherwise opened. Last year, I never imagined having the opportunity to work for the Tennessee Titans. This program has made my dreams of working in professional sports come true,” said Nick Mackey, a 2009-10 sports management fellow.

 

The application deadline for the 2010-2011 Lipscomb MBA Fellowship Program is April 9. To apply, prospective students must pay a $25 application fee, submit a resumé, college transcript(s), GMAT scores, a personal statement, two letters of recommendation and complete the online application at mbafellows.lipscomb.edu. A selection committee, comprised of representatives of the College of Business and the Lipscomb MBA Fellowship Partners, selects the most qualified applicants based on a written application and subsequent interview. To be selected, a candidate must demonstrate excellence in scholastics; character and integrity; oral and written communication skills; analytical skills; campus and community service involvement; interest in the entertainment industry; and leadership potential, Lowry said.

 

Lipscomb University’s School of Executive Education consists of non-degree programs designed to enhance the professional skills and knowledge base of business leaders. Through courses and certificate programs, the School of Executive Education provides interactive learning experiences, offers engaging dialogue, exposes participants to leading thinkers and practitioners and elevates skills required to achieve new levels of success.