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Is Pursuing An Mba The Best Bet?
Posted By: rbillingham* on 12/27/2004 11:03 AM (CST) 50 Points
I have been in Marketing/Corporate Communications for six years. I have an English degree that has helped greatly in copywriting/editing and over the years I have gained pure marketing experience; however, I need to pursue more education. It seems that an MBA is the best bet for my career. Could anyone offer advice? It is greatly appreciated.

Posted by: Peter (henna gaijin) Accepted Answer
12/27/2004 12:21 PM (CST)
Where do you want to go with your career? The answer to this question would greatly affect our answer to your question.

If towards a more strategic position (marketing management, corporate management), then an MBA could be very useful. But if you instead want to go off on your own and start your own company, you probably wouldn't find enough value in the MBA to justify the cost (time and money).

So you can understand my background - I have an MBA and also teach MBA classes part time for University of Phoenix.
 
Posted by: Paul Copcutt Accepted Answer
12/30/2004 10:55 AM (CST)
It would seem that the 'value' of an MBA is diminishing rapidly as more 'candidates' come on to the market with the qualification and larger debts.

There are still very good business schools that offer valuable MBA's but the plethora of availability has meant less value by the employer is placed on one.

Experience still counts in most cases, you might want to consider other training and qualifications that will give more relevance and quicker 'return'

Good luck!
 
Posted by: rbillingham* Author Response
1/3/2005 8:57 AM (CST)
Paul Copcutt,

Thanks for your response. When you mention programs that could offer quicker "return" what do you mean? I work as a Marketing Manager who would like to increase his education and understanding but wondered if there were viable alternatives to the traditional MBA that I should be aware of.

I also run a part-time copywriting business. In working with other businesses my thought was that by obtaining an MBA it would increase credibility with clients. I currently hold a BA in English.

Anyway, I am at the crux of my career and appreciate any advice that is available. Thanks again for taking time to answer me.
 
Posted by: Maria Accepted Answer
1/5/2005 6:50 AM (CST)
Hi rbillingham!
In fact I'm in quite similar status in my life...
I did some Master of MArketing 3 years ago, and now I wannder if I shoul do an MBA or not....
Well, there are 3 main ponts to concider:

1. MBA will sort up all your knowledge in your head and you won't be the student who goes to school, but a practicionner who find the answers of some questions from the past.

2. Digging in your mine you loose from what is going on in the world - so time to adjust your watch.

3. MBA is not only school, but contacts- Important point, isn't it?

Good luck whatever your decide!!!
Maria
 
Posted by: SBauer* Accepted Answer
1/5/2005 9:59 AM (CST)
Having a MBA is an asset whether you start your own company or if you work for someone else in a strategic role. However, you do need to know why you are pursuing one. Think hard about it, talk to current students. Think about your career. Many applications include an essay on "where do you see yourself in 5-10 years; why do you want a MBA from our institution?" Know the answer, or at least part of it!

I too had real-world marketing experience and eventually realized that with a liberal arts degrees (communications/economics) I needed more formal education in business. What I learned has certainly helped me polish my skills and take them, and my career, to the next level. I loved every minute of it.

GGG is right on target - it's not just going in as a student. Because you're experienced, you have some "ah-ah" moments where things you've been practicing come together more clearly. It's invaluable.

I did my MBA part-time at the University of Maryland's Smith School of Business, and while it was challenging holding down a full-time job, going to class, and studying, it was well worth the opportunity to apply what I was learning immediately, not to mention bringing real business problems to class and using them to learn solutions.

And, most importantly, it IS the contacts you make and the network you build that add value to your degree. I preached that while I served in a student leadership position, and continue to preach its importance as an alumni!

I'd be more than willing to talk to you offline if you have questions.

Good luck!
Stephanie
 
Posted by: rbillingham* Author Response
1/5/2005 11:35 AM (CST)
Stephanie,

Thank you. I wouldn't mind chatting offline a little bit more about the topic. How do I find your email at the Forum? Or, what is your email?

I appreciate everyone's time and effort. Thanks GGG.
 
Posted by: mgoodman Accepted Answer
1/22/2005 8:31 PM (CST)
I found the MBA to be valuable for several reasons:

1. It did help me make sense out of all the stuff I'd picked up in the workplace, in school (undergrad), and through friends/associates.

2. It gave me exposure to lots of people who have become good friends and business contacts.

3. It set me apart from the thousands of people who didn't have advanced degrees. (I went on to do Ph.D. work so I could stand out from the thousands of MBAs too!)

4. I learned the difference between strategic thinking and tactical thinking in a way that might never have come to me if I'd just stayed on the job or focused on a functional specialty.

Net, I'd say "Get the MBA." Don't expect it to land you in a job that will pay for the degree the first year after you're out. Get the degree because it will make you a better business person, demonstrate to a prospective employer that you have what it takes to commit to a course (of education) and stick with it, and set yourself apart from the thousands of people who never get it.

Hope this helps.
 
Posted by: rbillingham* Author Response
1/24/2005 8:52 AM (CST)
Mgoodman,

Thank you for your feedback. I think I have decided to do so for the reasons you have listed above. It is a difficult decision but one without a any real downsides.

Thanks for yours, and everyone's input.
 
Posted by: Val (Moderator)* Moderator Response
1/26/2005 8:09 PM (CST)
Hello all. I am closing this question, since its more than two weeks old. We do this to make sure members' contributions are rewarded in a timely manner and to improve the visibility of newer questions.

Thanks, so much, for participating!
Val (Moderator)
 
Posted by: Maria Member Response
1/27/2005 6:07 AM (CST)
Hi rbillingham,
Thanks for concidering my point of view too.
As I'm in a similar situation- choosing or not a further degree, so if you like to discuss the topic , please contact me at: mis_maria@yahoo.com
Good luck



Regards:
Maria ( ggg)
 


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