tech experience w/MBA

[hd_stud]

I'm half way finished with my MBA and have a few questions for those that have been in my situation. I have about 8 years experience working in the technology field. I've also been in the military for those 8 years. I may be getting out soon so I'm trying to get some kind of roadmap together. I could probably easily step into a defense contractor job, but I would still be working as a technician, not a manager. Plus I would like to stepaway from the defense world. Are there any good headhunters or specific job resources that I should check out? Any other advice you might be able to give me?

Thanks!

[mike]

I can't speak for all employers, but most of them look at MBA's for new managers, not for old technicians.

Most MBA programs have a career services office dedicated you and your classmates. I think your best bet would be to go there.

[sarat]

In the Washington DC and in San Francisco area, I have worked with ex-defense folks in regular commercial jobs. In my opinion, people with defense background are well accepted in the industry becuase of the discipline and the drive. They are good in managing projects, they are self-starters, reliable and also good in business development.
Your defense and technology background(and if you have any clearance) can easily get you into project managment type positions easily with beltway bandits-smaller consulting firms in the DC area that do business with Pentagon, Veterens Affairs, etc. The same stands true if you want to be with the big defense contractors such as Northrop Grummen, General Dynamics, etc. In the past few weekends I have seen ads in Washington Post for Northrop and Microsoft - both companies seeking technology people/project managers that have a TS clearance. You may also want to check with consulting companies such as Accenture, Oracle(professional services), etc as these companies put consulting teams on customer site and they are always in need of managers who does not need a whole lot of supervision and can lead a team of analysts and consultants, manage customer relationship and penetrate the account. Those jobs do require travel.

I hope it helps. Good Luck.