BREAKING: Target Test Prep releases Brand New 2026 On Demand GMAT prep course

Redeem

General Question: IS MBA right for me?

Share tips as you apply, write essays, interview...
This topic has expert replies
Post new topic Post Reply
Previous Topic Next Topic
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 1
Joined: Wed Oct 22, 2008 4:44 pm

General Question: IS MBA right for me?

by TroySJ » Thu Oct 23, 2008 2:30 pm
Hi everyone,

I am new to this forum so I have lots of questions to ask.
I need your advice. I have decided to post this message on Bussiness school and I am hoping for feedback from a range of people.

I'm a 35 year old male currently working as a R&D hardware Engineer for a large technical company in bay area. I finished my PhD in Electrical Engineering in 2006 from one of the top ten schools in the states. Based on my observation on the technical side, the progress through technical path is relatively slow and I don't see myself doing the same thing in 10 years. Money is a major factor in my decision making. My pay scale is in the lowest 6 digit figure, but I am not sure that I will be getting that much of a higher salary if I do my MBA. Especifically, does the pay increase justify the money going to the school.

Question: Do you think it is worth it for me to get an MBA? Pros and Cons?

I have also heard that MBA only worth if it is from the best schools
(Harvard, UPen, ...) otherwise it does not worth it. How would you judge such an statement for my case.

More specifically, I have two options (evening program) in bay area, UC Berkely and Santa Clara Univerisity. Apart from the difficulty of getting in UC Berkely, it costs almost 60k more than Santa Clara.

What do you think about Santa Clara does it worth thinking about?
What do think about UC Berkey?

Thank you very much much for your advice,

Troy
Top
Source: — The Application Process |
Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
Posts: 23
Joined: Sun Oct 19, 2008 12:13 pm

by sckvck » Thu Oct 23, 2008 7:58 pm
Hey,
Thought i would reply.The only thing we have in common is we share a common technical background. I work as a design engineer for a packaging firm and deal mostly with mechanical design with some focus on electronics. I have about 3 yrs of experience and an undergraduate degree to boot. When I think about why I want to apply to pursue my MBA first and foremost I think about the improved standard of living a.k.a higher pay. Top schools usually offer very impressive alumini networks which could lead to oppurtunity previously unavilable to you.I am in the same boat where I dont see myself a piss on engineer and working another 15 yrs to become an engineering manager of sorts. So think about it you have a PhD which means you have a very focussed technical degree. So how do you see the MBA in the larger scope of things. Where does it fit in with respect to what you want to do in your future? Also how does it tie in with your previous experience and education. To sum it all up I belive the benefits of attending a top program is access to an impressive alumni,brand name recognition. And as far as pay goes someone from MIT SLOAN told me the avg starting salary for class of 2007 was about 120,000 dollars. I belive a top school would make sense if you plan to work for a corporation but if you want to start your own business or plan to work for yourself I would settle for a top 40 program. Just a little insight dont know if this really helps.
Top
MBA Admissions Consultant
Posts: 690
Joined: Thu May 01, 2008 12:51 pm
Thanked: 39 times
Followed by:3 members
GMAT Score:750+

by VP_MBA_Guru » Sat Oct 25, 2008 8:11 am
Hi Troy,

The Pro/Con MBA debate is a lengthy one, so I wont go into to many specifics, as much of it depends on your personal preferences (career path, money, stage in life, ect). But I do believe the MBA is really what you make of it. I know many H/S/W grads that didnt fare any better 'professionally' (defined in many ways) compared to grads from top 25/top 50 schools. Once you get in the professional world, its up to YOU to prove yourself... not your school.

That said, I am starting to learn more about Santa Clara and have been very impressed by their program and connections to the Bay Area. Yes, it is not as prestigious as Haas, but if you were able to leverage the schools network, it could be a great asset - esp since you already have a PhD from a top school.

Do your homework and learn more about the SC program- specifically the companies that recruit from the school and whether they fit your career/industry interests.

Let us know if you have any other questions.

Regards,
Nikhil P. | Admissions Consultant | Veritas Prep
Top
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 1
Joined: Tue Jul 27, 2010 2:06 am

by umangkumar » Tue Jul 27, 2010 4:08 am
Hi TroySJ , MBA is a good option for you because it's add lot's of value to your profile & provide better opportunities in future . I am Umang Kumar and I am pursuing MBA from International Academy of Business Management (IABM) (https://bit.ly/9PkokA ) at Pune is good one. It's really nice institute, there is proper environment for studies & adequate faculty you can pursue your MBA from this institutes. I would like to introduce this institute. You can visit here & have some sessions to know more
Top
User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Posts: 247
Joined: Tue Feb 23, 2010 11:27 am
Location: Houston
Thanked: 52 times
Followed by:42 members
GMAT Score:740

by Jessica@VeritasPrep » Wed Jul 28, 2010 9:04 am
Hi Troy,

I may be in the minority here, but, I'm not sure an MBA is necessary for you and it may not provide you with the ROI you are looking for. If you do pursue an MBA, I'd consider a part-time program or executive program and I'd suggest seeing if your current employer will help cover the costs.

You should also consider whether you seeking business knowledge (which you could get in a part-time program or by taking a few classes at a local community college) or if you need the full experience (networking, internship, team-building, career searching/switching, etc.). You would be almost 40 coming out of a traditional full-time MBA program, you'd have a very different profile from the average graduate and you may find yourself unhappy with the job offers and career options.

I am a huge fan of education (and seeing that you have a PhD, I assume you are as well!) and I think there is value in knowledge even if it doesn't lead to a higher paying job, but, given the concerns you expressed, I'm not sure the pay-off that you are looking for will be there.
Jessica
MBA Admissions Consultant
Veritas Prep

Enroll now. Pay later. Take advantage of Veritas Prep's flexible payment plan options
Top
Post new topic Post Reply
• Page 1 of 1