Phoenix is the fifth-largest city in the US, and Arizona State University’s W. P. Carey School of Business is on its doorstep
With so many business schools in the US, it can be difficult to choose the one that’s right for you.And it’s not only the school you should be thinking about—when you’re spending two years on an MBA program in a new place, you need to know the location is right as well.
has its campus just 15 minutes drive from downtown Phoenix, the fifth-largest city in the US and state capital of Arizona.
As one of the top-10 largest public universities in the country, Arizona State University offers plenty of opportunities for MBA students to get involved in campus life, and the Phoenix urban area was recently ranked the 20th best performing city in the US, meaning there are plenty of career opportunities in the local area too.
We spoke to current W. P. Carey student Abby Rudd, who grew up in Arizona, about why Phoenix is the best place for MBA students.
1. Job opportunities
While Phoenix is currently the fifth-largest city in the US, it is forecasted to move up to fourth place in the list by 2020, and this growth means plenty of companies are also finding their place in the area.
Four Fortune 500 and 13 Fortune 1000 currently call the city home, including Bank of America, Delta Airlines, and Wal-Mart—where Abby will be doing her summer internship at the end of her first year of the MBA.
“Within the past 5-10 years, we’ve seen a lot of businesses moving out to the Phoenix valley,” Abby says. “There’s a lot of opportunities for people that are not only getting an MBA but trying to build a career in business.”
In W. P. Carey’s 2017 MBA cohort, 73.4% of students had secured a graduate job by the time of their graduation, and 96% of students had secured a job within three months of graduating.
But even just two semesters into the MBA program, Abby already feels confident that she’ll find a position after her degree.
“I feel more ready to tackle the challenges of that unknown business landscape than I would have felt maybe a year ago,” she states.
2. Innovation
As well as a hub for international corporations, Phoenix also has a great startup community in the area, and W. P. Carey is part of that entrepreneurial innovation as well.
At Arizona State University—ranked the number one university in the US for innovation—the Centre of Entrepreneurship offers a dedicated startup program to help students get their business ventures off the ground, as well as mentorship opportunities so you can get all the best business tips from entrepreneurs in the Phoenix area.
Innovation is also a strong part of the —within their Forward Focus curriculum, students get to participate in projects with non-business students in order to develop their cross-functional skills.
3. Location
In the heart of Arizona, in the southwest of the US, Phoenix is less than a day’s drive from Los Angeles, but students can also take advantage of the opportunities provided within Arizona, America’s sixth-largest state.
In fact, the state is predicted to add almost 550,000 new jobs by 2026, and with W. P. Carey School of Business joined to the state’s largest university, an MBA from the school could open doors to a host of opportunities after your MBA.
4. Diversity
As a large urban area, Phoenix offers a cosmopolitan atmosphere to rival the comparatively larger cities in the US, but, according to Abby, it’s the blend of city-sprawl and small-town that makes Phoenix so unique.
“You kind of have the best of both worlds,” she explains. “You have the opportunity to go out and explore the larger companies that are situated in the Phoenix area, but because it is a smaller town you have a lot of small businesses too.”
She also notes that the growing diversity she’s experienced in the Phoenix area is reflective of the diversity within the business school, too.
The prides itself on having a variety of students in the classroom—just 27% of the incoming September 2017 cohort had an undergraduate degree in business.
“W. P. Carey brings in that are pivoting into business from different fields—it’s a unique culture that you don’t see at a lot of other business schools,” says Abby. “It’s interesting to be in the MBA classroom and hear those very unique perspectives.”
5. Opportunities outside of study
For Abby, the time spent outside of the MBA classroom is just as important as the time spent in it. “An MBA is a perfect time for over that two-year period to really broaden your experience and perspective,” she says.
As one of the largest public universities in the US, Arizona State offers MBA students at W. P. Carey plenty of opportunities to join clubs and organizations outside of their business studies, including the chance to get involved with student government and mentoring.
It’s these unique experiences, Abby says, that really make a difference when it comes to applying for a post-MBA job.
“I’ve seen the way in which recruiters are really interested in engaging with W. P. Carey MBAs because we do have a bit of a different perspective with how we approach problems,” Abby explains.
“Ultimately, you feel more prepared to get your first job because you have those broader perspectives.”
Student Reviews
W. P. Carey School of Business - Arizona State University
Hands on Experience, labs
I love that that this school is known all over the world and the education is of high quality. It's been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as No. 1 for best online bachelor's in business programs
Amazing Start to Your Career in Social Sciences
I had a great experience at ASU as a Political Science student. ASU is one of the biggest universities in the U.S., offering a wide range of studies. The student body was diverse and overall great to study with. ASU is rich in both academics and student life. There are many clubs, student organizations, amenities, and activities you can join. One thing I would recommend is invest in a lot of sunscreen and good walking shoes. Due to it's large campus you'll be doing a lot of walking which is great but can be a bit of a struggle during the very hot summer months.
Great MSW program!
Arizona State University has an amazing online Master of Social Work Program. Even though it was an online program, I feel that I developed great connections with professors, co-instructors, and peers. Finding an internship placement was stress free because of the high level of support the program offered. I would definitely choose to go back to ASU if I decided to further my education in future.
Long lasting friendships
I have been able to have incredible experiences and make connections that will live long in my memory. I've had the chance to start my career here in a way I never thought I would. I love how the university lets you choose your major and minor and take classes with a lot of freedom.
Continuous Support
Opinion
Arizona State University has many great opportunities available to students. All of the departments are very helpful and really care about student's succeeding.
What's there to like?
One think I like about ASU is their Education program. They really ensure that students will receive useful information that is directly applicable to their career.
One thing I dislike is, nothing! It is a high ranking university but one notable thing is that the school is located in Arizona; where temperatures reach well over 100° throughout the entire Summer.
Would I reccomend ASU?
I would certainly reccomend Arizona State University for any students who are looking to learn and gain meaningful experiences throughout finishing school.
Arizona State University
ASU is a wonderful university with so many educational opportunities. Its professors are friendly and approachable and were always willing to help or give advice to students whenever their help was needed. It also provided students with many opportunities to meet people outside the classroom for example clubs and other social events hosted within the university. ASU offers great education and I loved the campus and faculty
Practical Lecturing
The amazing features about Arizona State University would not allow me to write less when it comes to recommending the second to none university to the public! Life on Arizona State University campus is an intriguing possibility! Here is where dreams are realized due to the immense support from lecturers academically as well as fascinating large lecture halls with modernized appliance that makes learning easier. Goals are realized with ease as students who need support are given chances
University program
The university offers a lot of options for students, particularly in terms of integration and extracurricular activities including involvement in several student organizations. However, I am dissatisfied with the quality of the information offered and the degree of practice skills needed for success in a professional position. Fantastic university location
ASU infrastructures
Without a doubt, I would suggest this university. There is a highly educated personnel with an exceptional commitment toward teaching. The highly developed infrastructure and technology is another significant plus.
Hands on Experience, labs
I love that that this school is known all over the world and the education is of high quality. It's been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as No. 1 for best online bachelor's in business programs
Amazing Start to Your Career in Social Sciences
I had a great experience at ASU as a Political Science student. ASU is one of the biggest universities in the U.S., offering a wide range of studies. The student body was diverse and overall great to study with. ASU is rich in both academics and student life. There are many clubs, student organizations, amenities, and activities you can join. One thing I would recommend is invest in a lot of sunscreen and good walking shoes. Due to it's large campus you'll be doing a lot of walking which is great but can be a bit of a struggle during the very hot summer months.
Great MSW program!
Arizona State University has an amazing online Master of Social Work Program. Even though it was an online program, I feel that I developed great connections with professors, co-instructors, and peers. Finding an internship placement was stress free because of the high level of support the program offered. I would definitely choose to go back to ASU if I decided to further my education in future.
Long lasting friendships
I have been able to have incredible experiences and make connections that will live long in my memory. I've had the chance to start my career here in a way I never thought I would. I love how the university lets you choose your major and minor and take classes with a lot of freedom.
Continuous Support
Opinion
Arizona State University has many great opportunities available to students. All of the departments are very helpful and really care about student's succeeding.
What's there to like?
One think I like about ASU is their Education program. They really ensure that students will receive useful information that is directly applicable to their career.
One thing I dislike is, nothing! It is a high ranking university but one notable thing is that the school is located in Arizona; where temperatures reach well over 100° throughout the entire Summer.
Would I reccomend ASU?
I would certainly reccomend Arizona State University for any students who are looking to learn and gain meaningful experiences throughout finishing school.
Arizona State University
ASU is a wonderful university with so many educational opportunities. Its professors are friendly and approachable and were always willing to help or give advice to students whenever their help was needed. It also provided students with many opportunities to meet people outside the classroom for example clubs and other social events hosted within the university. ASU offers great education and I loved the campus and faculty
Practical Lecturing
The amazing features about Arizona State University would not allow me to write less when it comes to recommending the second to none university to the public! Life on Arizona State University campus is an intriguing possibility! Here is where dreams are realized due to the immense support from lecturers academically as well as fascinating large lecture halls with modernized appliance that makes learning easier. Goals are realized with ease as students who need support are given chances
University program
The university offers a lot of options for students, particularly in terms of integration and extracurricular activities including involvement in several student organizations. However, I am dissatisfied with the quality of the information offered and the degree of practice skills needed for success in a professional position. Fantastic university location
ASU infrastructures
Without a doubt, I would suggest this university. There is a highly educated personnel with an exceptional commitment toward teaching. The highly developed infrastructure and technology is another significant plus.
Uncomplicated and lots of great classes
The application process and anything with admin was easy and made students' lives easy. There were many good classes to choose from as well. The professors were professionals in their subjects and led successful class discussions. The reading lists were also full of great choices.
Flexible coursework
I liked about the way a student could choose from thesis, applied project, or a portfolio to complete a degree. And it’s in a prime location where semiconductor companies are situated. Also the university is diversified and cost of living is less.
Flexible
ASU is great for working students. What I like most is the flexibility. Students can choose to take their courses during the mornings, afternoons, evenings, or online. I dislike most is the lack of good electives to choose from.
amazing professors
As a student at Arizona State University, I've had the pleasure of learning from outstanding professors who are not only experts in their fields but also genuinely care about their students' success. They make complex topics easier to understand through engaging and practical teaching methods. Professors are approachable, always available for support during office hours or via email, and their passion for their subjects makes learning enjoyable. Their dedication and commitment truly enhance the academic experience at ASU.
