Omitting Campus Info

KnowledgeKick · 07-09-2012, 10:57 AM

Would you guys consider it unethical to omit a particular campus from your resume altogether? For instance, using University of Michigan instead of University of Michigan - Flint.

Obviously writing Ann Arbor on there would be wrong, because that is a lie.

Where do you come off on conveniently leaving things out though?

ECAdmStudent · 07-09-2012, 11:01 AM

Savvy employers would make sure to ask, and could view that omission as deception. It's not worth it, IMO

Bill73 · 07-09-2012, 11:07 AM

I once interviewed someone that listed the University of Illinois as his alma mater on his resume, and when I asked him about a certain place on campus, he had no clue what I was talking about, and then said that he had attended UIC. Personally, I thought he had misled us, but he ended up getting the job so I guess others in management didn't think it was a big deal.

KnowledgeKick · 07-09-2012, 11:48 AM

Thanks. Any other opinions?

KnowledgeKick · 07-09-2012, 11:51 AM

I agree. It does feel misleading. However, I was thinking that leaving it off might be the difference between scoring an interview and not. Where including the lesser-campus might disqualify you, maybe the omission of it will at least get you an interview where you can explain yourself and maybe impress them in other areas.

Does anyone agree with this?

I haven't attempted this (yet), but I'm just taking you through my thought process.

MD Mom · 07-09-2012, 11:55 AM

My resume always included the name of the university and the town it was in, so your scenario would not be an option.

University of Michigan
Flint, Michigan

ECAdmStudent · 07-09-2012, 11:57 AM

Even if it gets you that interview, upon full disclosure that you did not attend Ann Arbor, they would most likely take it negatively and disqualify you immediately. This is also regardless of whether you would've gotten the interview saying you went to Flint. I've seen friends of mine thrown out of consideration for similar issues (including the wrong date of graduation). Almost above all else, employers want applicants with integrity - even this small act of "maybe-deception" can look REALLY bad if they notice, and they probably will.

KnowledgeKick · 07-09-2012, 12:06 PM

I ask mostly out of curiosity. I'm not enrolled anywhere currently.

I've been looking into Online MBA programs offered by a lot of decent schools and noticed that the schools have far cheaper options at their less-prestigious locations.

This includes Michigan- Flint, UMass- Lowell, etc.

I know that an Online MBA is not ideal, but I'm just trying to find the most cost-effective option that looks best on a resume.

Bill73 · 07-09-2012, 12:20 PM

Wow. So, you had thought about attending UM Flint's online MBA program, and you wanted to list that on your resume as an MBA from the University of Michigan?

Definitely seems misleading.

KnowledgeKick · 07-09-2012, 12:22 PM

Again...I haven't DONE any of these things. I am merely thinking outloud. I'm trying to figure out the best way to earn an MBA online for the best price and how to include it on my resume. I certainly do not want to lie, and I do not want to be misleading either. The purpose of posting this is just to get feedback and determine what people might find acceptable/unacceptable.

Bill73 · 07-09-2012, 12:29 PM

"I'm trying to figure out the best way to earn an MBA online for the best price and how to include it on my resume"

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but an online MBA program from an average state school isn't likely to open many doors for you. An MBA can be helpful if you attend a good school (i.e. Ann Arbor) that has very selective admissions, but outside of that, I don't think many of them are worth the time, effort, and opportunity cost.

KnowledgeKick · 07-09-2012, 12:32 PM

So I've heard/read. However, I don't need to include "ONLINE" anywhere on the resume right? I don't think I'll have any qualms leaving that out, because the coursework is the same and I know employers will look at that negatively.

With that said, does everyone really believe that if your MBA isn't from a top 25 program then it isn't worth getting whatsoever?!

Bill73 · 07-09-2012, 12:40 PM

"does everyone really believe that if your MBA isn't from a top 25 program then it isn't worth getting whatsoever?! "

When you factor in the cost of attending and the opportunity cost of not working, I think many MBA programs are a waste of time and money.

KnowledgeKick · 07-09-2012, 12:44 PM

I agree with this. However, the reason why I am looking into an Online option is because I'm working full-time as a first year analyst.

Any further advice?

ECAdmStudent · 07-09-2012, 12:44 PM

I've heard (I am by no means very knowledgeable in this area, so everyone feel free to correct me) that if you have the option of going to a mediocre MBA program or working in the field for a few years and THEN having a chance at getting into a better MBA program, that you should almost always pick the second option. Work experience and employer recommendations can mean a lot.

That's just what I've heard though.