patrick.net

I don't think a MBA matters as much as confidence, persuading people and continual learning. I know some MBAs that have done very well, but they went to the Air Force Academy for undergrad. They said they became so well rounded in education, they are pointless.

Anyway, I would appreciate $.02 for my solicited advice.

To sell is human, as Daniel Pink says.

What do you think, GreaterNYCDude? What if a MBA is a waste of time?

MBA is a waste of money unless you go to a top 20 school and then get hired to work at JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, etc.

Rather get a certification like Software Developer certificate and then show a portfolio of work along with certificate.

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If you are on a path with doors ahead, forget the MBA

If your path has no doors, then consider it.

I don't know, but I personally wouldn't study anything unless someone else paid for it.

My own approach was not typical; I can't suggest how people live, but I chose being self employed over trying to succeed pleasing "the man" in any capacity.

This was OK because I had no dependents; no nagging wife complaining about my lack of income nor kids needing some shit for school, etc.

The high paying "career" jobs are often in places where I don't wish to live, so I guess I'm the wrong person to opine.

I don’t have an MBA degree. I have a MS degree. I also have a PE license. I obtained the MS degree and also worked for the most prestigious company with the intention of opening my own firm after having adequate experience under my belt. Then something hit me. If I died, the business would die with me. No one would take care of my family. Then the housing crashed, and I gave it a try. Thankfully, it has worked out. The degree and license have been collecting dust for the last 14 years.

The point is that only you know IF an MBA would help, or irrelevant, in your line of work and company.

I came across this article recently, and it may help to add some caveats to what you’re thinking. Good luck with your decision ECBB. I hope it will be the right one. 🤞

https://www.quora.com/What-do-successful-people-know-that-those-who-arent-successful-dont/answer/Asim-Qureshi-17?ch=15&oid=102737971&share=fdfef9b1&srid=hK5Qu5&target_type=answer

Eman says

I have a MS degree. I also have a PE license.

Yeah, I have a PE (in mechanical engineering) and a Masters of Science (in engineering). It has helped secure work, and a lot of it is 1099 independent consulting.

I think an MBA is only really going to pay off (compared to a license like CPA, MD, etc. or a certification like Microsoft systems engineer) if it is from an exclusive and elite university which will get your foot in the door at a Goldman Sachs or at a boutique private equity firm.

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I too have a MS in Engineering (Chemical) and PE in several states. I manage a small department of junior Engineers. The next logical role at my current employer would be a VP role. The MBA gives me a leg up should an opening come about. A few of our senior most people are nearing retierment age which is why the timing to go back "feels" right. Company will pay a portion, but there is a cap to how much they pay per year.

GreaterNYCDude says

I too have a MS in Engineering (Chemical) and PE in several states. I manage a small department of junior Engineers. The next logical role at my current employer would be a VP role. The MBA gives me a leg up should an opening come about. A few of our senior most people are nearing retierment age which is why the timing to go back "feels" right. Company will pay a portion, but there is a cap to how much they pay per year.

So you’re leaning towards getting the MBA for the VP role. Hopefully there are some overlapping in courses, and you don’t have to take all required courses for the MBA.

Good luck.

Saw this meme and thought of your post. A couple of my besties have gone through this cycle. 😅

Eman says

Saw this meme and thought of your post. A couple of my besties have gone through this cycle. 😅

Thanks. I've been through that cycle before. Currently I'm in a good place, but I'm always looking towards the future, trying to find that next mountain to climb.

GreaterNYCDude says

Eman says

Saw this meme and thought of your post. A couple of my besties have gone through this cycle. 😅

Thanks. I've been through that cycle before. Currently I'm in a good place, but I'm always looking towards the future, trying to find that next mountain to climb.

I recommend a trail marathon for the next mountain to climb...specifically Pikes Peak :)

I got my MBA about 17 years ago at a mid-tier school (SDSU). My work paid for nearly 80% of it and it took me 4 years going 2-3 days a week after work. I met alot of cool people, but can't say I did much to network with them for job opportunities.

MBA's are worth it for technically trained folks (engineers, scientists, technicians etc.) who are working their way into management and want to better understand running a business and develop leadership skills.

I have an Environmental Science B.S. degree who worked my way through years of field work where I was managing a branch office of civil engineers, sales reps and technicians. Once I started grad school, I transferred to a Sales role for about 5 years. When I got my MBA, I had the opportunity to manage the OPS and Sales team for the entire West Region which I did for 10+ years. My hiring manager said my MBA definitely put me over the top over other applicants.

A couple years ago I started a new job at a much larger company doing the same thing but about 5X the size and scope and was told my MBA also got my application to the top of the heap.

I think MBA's are not very useful for recent undergrads and think it looks bad on the resume - even if it is a top tier school. I would rather hire a guy that worked for 10+ years and went to a mid-tier MBA school at night because they would get much more out of the program with some real life work experience.