“American businesses need workers who are not only knowledgeable in their technical fields but also have the skills that can adapt that knowledge to compete profitably in the marketplace. Graduates with an MBS degree will know how to lead innovations from idea to commercialization, understand market and customer needs, know how to assess financial decisions and demonstrate leadership and team-building skills.” –Deborah Silver, Ph.D., 2010
The above quote was excerpted from a news article in which MBS Executive Director Deborah Silver explained the purpose and value of a Master of Business and Science (MBS) degree; the article was written more than ten years ago, when Rutgers Professional Science Master’s program (PSM) was newly established. In 2021, these sentiments are more relevant than ever, and the value of the MBS degree continues to grow.
Employers continue to seek individuals who possess an expert grasp of navigating both the science and business worlds, together— who possess advanced, science-based knowledge, great business acumen, and a desire to think out of the box and drive innovation. This very need has been fueling our program since its 2010 inception and is now at an all-time high.
Earning a Master of Business and Science (MBS) degree requires the acquisition, mastery, and integration of three key elements: advanced STEM-based academic knowledge, professional business education, and a learned-yet-impassioned entrepreneurial spirit.
The MBS educational model is highly successful as it is experiential in nature, giving students the opportunity to immediately apply classroom learning to real-world challenges through programs such as MBS Graduate Internships, the MBS Externship Exchange, or within students’ own current professions.
So where do you fit in?
“How do I have an impact?” “Where do I need to be?” Answering these questions is a difficult task. Developing the experience is the best way to know if you like something or not. People who have a clear vision and goals for their future are often uncertain how to get from where they are to where they want to be, asking “Where do I even begin?”
You took the first step: You are here!—Our program gives you access to unlimited experiential opportunities, coaching, and support as you gain clarity on the life and career you want, and as you design your individual path and an actionable plan to attain academic, work, and life goals accordingly.
Networking for Success
Building a network – for support, connections, advice, and professional leverage and success–needs to be a key priority for us all. So how can you build your network? It's easier than you think! Stay active, stay engaged, and be sure to utilize the many resources around you, including:
· Connect with fellow MBS students
· Acquire and maximize colloquium credits!
· Leverage MBS student resources!
A hallmark of the MBS program: MBS’s Executive Coaching Program, which offers “guided thinking” to support to each and every student from Day 1 of their MBS journey. Our expert, in-house coaches are here to hold space for you to think, to gain clarity of thoughts, to talk through challenges, and to brainstorm whenever necessary. NOTE: Coaching is different from advising.
Through targeted questions, our coaches help you gain insight to ultimately answer the question, “What is best for me?”
In her Summer 2021 director’s message, Dr. Silver shared a favorite statement about the importance of being prepared and the willingness to take risks: “BRING A PARACHUTE: You don’t need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice.”
As with skydiving—a risk that requires a literal leap of faith—you, too, may one day be faced with an exciting decision or opportunity that carries with it potential reward along with significant risk. Maybe it’s taking a new job or starting a new venture. Don’t ever, ever be afraid to take risks—or a leap of faith—to go after what you want. To pursue something that excites you. Just ensure you have the tools necessary to land on your feet (flexibility, resilience, grit, and mental fortitude are all helpful). Your MBS education has been designed to provide you with such tools—and the lessons you learned during your time here can serve as that metaphorical parachute. Don't be afraid to use them!
Her advice is not only timeless, but it's an adage and personal belief that she, herself, has drawn upon extensively throughout her own career. It’s the reason that Rutgers Professional Science Master's program was established in the first place, and a reason that that our program continues to grow and thrive.
We at MBS are here for you with one goal: to ensure your success!
With that, welcome to Summer Semester 2021 and to the wealth of opportunities our program can offer to you!