Is a MBA really worth it?

1. 83

   kerbevposted 10 years ago

   Is a MBA really worth it?
   
   Is it worth the time and money to obtain an MBA or does it make more sense to go straight for on the job learning?

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2. 63

   Miss Infoposted 10 years ago

   An MBA will help you to move forward in your career, since employers perceive the degree as a standard of competency. On-the-job training from a previous employer cannot be assessed formally by a new employer when you are seeking a new job. Therefore, on-the-job training cannot ensure that you move forward in your career.

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3. 66

   davidrioposted 10 years ago

   The best MBA programs usually prefer students with some work experience ( 5 years or so), therefore I would try to add some relevant experience to my CV before going MBA program as you`ll get a better sense of your needs, tastes and a clearer vision of how you see your career progression

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4. 0

   Sri Tposted 10 years ago

   If a person wants to work for others, then they must abide by their rules and conditions. That said, there are lots of millionaires in America with no college education. But they write their own rules. They learn whatever is needed and hire the people they need from the universities.  So that's the situation. If a person feels secure working for others, with a good salary, then an MBA is the way. There are also those with an MBA who own their own companies too. It certainly doesn't hurt.

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5. 70

   dashingscorpioposted 10 years ago

   It really depends on one's goals and which MBA program is (respected) by the perspective employer.
   I know some people who only went into a Masters program to avoid the start of paying back their student loans.
   At the end of the day companies are looking for candidates whom they believe will help them get to next level.
   A resume that demonstrates this person has increased sales a certain percentage, improved processes, and various other accomplishments far outweigh someone who has done nothing but be a full-time student all of their life. Especially if it's not a top business school.
   Before pouring time and money into more schooling it's best to determine what your overall goal is.
   Look for people that hold the position  you'd like to have some day. Do they all have MBAs?  If so, then go for it.
   On the other hand don't be surprised to learn that their (performance) in previous roles is what led to their station.
   Some people need higher degrees to boost their own (self-confidence) before they'll go after their dreams.
   Know yourself!

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6. 71

   stephenteacherposted 10 years ago

   MBA's are one of the top degrees today. Businesses need MBA's. An MBA is a different degree, and I it seems the answers here do not take that into account. Perhaps they are just talking college degrees in general. Working at the college level, I can tell you that there are useless degrees. An MBA is not one of them. It has nothing to do with working alone or other such stuff. Companies from big to little are seeking out MBA graduates. An MBA is not a typical graduate degree. It's not one to just tide you over until you start paying off student loans. I'm not even going to talk about prerequisites. If you are applying, the prerequisites and experience is already in the mix. Nobody would apply without it. MBA grads earn top dollar, starting at almost $100K. Virtually everybody graduating with an MBA is hired within a few months. If not, that's your fault. You can go into any field of business, from computer to medical. Not many degrees have that many options.
   
   The bottom line is: Go for an MBA and don't look back.

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7. 86

   Millionaire Tipsposted 10 years ago

   Yes it is. When I worked at the bank, people had to have a Bachelor's Degree to get a particular level job. Where I work now, you must have a Master's Degree to be automatically qualified at a particular level job.  You can still get that job without a Master's (I think), but you do have to prove yourself first.

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8. 51

   Nicole Nichols-Smposted 10 years ago

   I say yes however in August 2011, one week before I graduated with my MBA in Health Care Management I accepted a temp (which led to full time) job as accounts payable administrator for an electrical contractor. I heard all of the statistics about hospitals not hiring due to government mandated insurance "Obamacare" and so I got comfortable. I am not working in my degree field and tried to move up in my company by asking for more responsibility which I did get but did not get a raise. And this past couple of weeks I asked about a raise and or for a position outside of accounting, just to be terminated today. I haven't been making the money that someone with my degree and experience should be paid. By the way that school didn't just had me a piece of paper I worked very hard for that degree.

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9. 0

   belizaposted 10 years ago

   No, unless you're working for a company that will foot the bill or you can pay cash for the tuition. The cost of graduate school is outrageous and adding more or new student loan debt isn't worth the degree.

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10. 68

    connorjposted 10 years ago

    Yes indeed it is worth both the time and money. Besides it is the easiest degree to receive. Your Bachelors degree is more difficult to earn...
    It begins to open doors for you and it allows you to "stand" above the norm...

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11. 70

    Old-Empresarioposted 10 years ago

    No it isn't worth it unless you're some sort of networking fanatic. Most people with MBAs are disappointed, broke and yoked with tens of thousands of dollars in loan debt. Worst of all, most are trying to enter the competitive world of business in their late 20s with no actual experience on their resume. The average corporate employer looks for experience and specialization in a particular market or a particular industry. New MBA grads are competing for positions against people in their 40s who have this.
    
    An MBA probably gives one the tools one needs to start their own business, except two things: experience or a vast knowledge in a particular field. The MBA is the biggest can of snake oil ever conceived, because it feeds off the American misconception that college is a trade school. College is not a trade school. It is simply a place of learning where you become certifiably educated by a governing body in academia. But almost no degree guarantees you a job. It makes me sad to see middle class parents excited and working hard to push their kids into MBAs thinking it will be their child's big ticket to success. But there is no reason to take my world for it. Just look at statistics and do as much research as you can with what's available to you.
    
    I don't know if you're asking this question for yourself or not. If you are and are already on the path to getting an MBA, my advice is to go ahead and finish it. But take this time to surround yourself with successful and well-connected people. You will need a good position in a company sooner or later and ordinary friends don't help with that.

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