MBA Advice

[mastermental]

Hey,

Anybody out there got there MBA. What did it do for you? Any regrets for going for it? Are you happy with your current position?

I am in my 3 year in a big financial company doing programming and software development. I still feel I need a few more projects under my belt to be considered an excellent programmer, however something tells me I should go for my MBA. Simply because I am young with no obligations, and that its something I will ultimately want.

My impression though is it will change things up dramatically, and I would be leaving the technology realm for an unknown area. Ultimately I want to make big money. However I'm not sure an MBA will bring me that money and happiness.

Any advice would be appreciated,

Mastermental

 

[histick]

Definitely go for it. If you like programming, managing information systems could be something to look into. Lot of Business Admin MBA programs that focus on exactly that. Check out assist.org.

BA's and BS's are pretty common. It's becoming more common to see people get an easy degree like history or something in art then get their MBA. That person is going to have more clout over the person who has a BA/BS degree in something like biological sciences or engineering. Sad but true.

I'm pretty sure you have met plenty of fellow IS/MIS/IT peers who had degrees in something totally unrelated to what they do. Most of them probably just wanted ANY degree to get their foot in.

Get that MBA. I'm planning on getting mine and would like to attend a selective school. 3.5 GPA or higher to apply. In the long run, it will surely help you with your goals.

Also look into getting grants and financial aid. There is pleny of free money for graduate students.

 

[rawlo5660]

I do not have a Masters yet, hower I will probabaly get one. My dad has a Masters degree as well as many of my family members. A Masters degree can put you in a better position to obtain financing, or just network more effectively. Especially for African Americans, a Masters degree can signal more money for investing or entreprenurial ventures. Go for it!

 

[d_the_inc]

I may rock the boat a little with this one..,but be selective about the school you select....Online degree programs though popular....perception is that they are not as effective....The goal of an MBA is to gain connections+relationships+greater Opportunity=more income potential.

If you can, pick a grad progam with a great reputation..after all perception is reality. A great indicator is to check the schools placement stats, see which firms typically recruit their grads...also check usnewsandworld report.

I concur with the other posters an MBA will set a part from the competition

 

[rawlo5660]

You are correct about some online programs, however there are now some prominent schools like Florida University that offer online programs. One will still have to make trips to the school to perform tests once a semester, but a MBA from that university is a good choice. In coming years Harvard, M.I.T and Yale are looking to create distance learning programs (their version of online degrees) because of the expected trend that will shift away from traditional college attendance.

 

[Temujin]

Online MBA programs are alright. But you might want to consider an executive MBA program where you can go to school and work. One of the great things about grad school is networking. Especially with an MBA you will meet a lot of people that will be making a lot of money. Social networking with an MBA is vital so that is a negative with online degrees.

Also the better the school you go too the more networking and job opportunities you will have when you get out.

Good luck an MBA is an excellent supplementary degree. If you have a MBA/MPH or and MBA/JD or and MBA/Science Doctorate you are in the upper echelon and are looking at some serious cake. So when looking at MBA programs see if the school offers a combo program in the field your in. You might be able to get an masters in programming with your MBA you are looking at being an executive in an IT firm from the gate. I wish I had got my MBA when I got my JD it would have only been an extra year.

 

[mastermental]

Thanks for the advice. I'm looking at the executive MBA closely, my company is very selective about who they choose. I really want to get into an I V league school If I go. Let me tell you first hand, this GMAT stuff aint fun.

 

[neo_cacos]

Thanks for the advice. I'm looking at the executive MBA closely, my company is very selective about who they choose. I really want to get into an I V league school If I go. Let me tell you first hand, this GMAT stuff aint fun.

JUST DO IT NOW. Later is too late and you might have other obligations.
what it will bring.
-you'll be eligible for upper management position
-project management position
-will give you more options/more flexibility in terms of carreers.
etc.
-the GMAT is not that bad, most universities give prep. programs for it.

Go for it bro.