Career Concern

[asahoo]

Hi,

I am an IT professional with 5+ years of experience with the top tier IT companies. I have an Engineering degree and an MBA from one of the top20 b-schools in India, which I completed before I started working. My current profile is that of an IT consultant and I wanted to do an MBA from the top 5-10 colleges in US to move me into the next level. However the concern that I have is whether an MBA at this stage will justify the opportunity cost, considering the fact that I'd not be working for 2 years and investing a lot of money for the MBA.

Regards,
AS

[Jessica@VeritasPrep]

This is a big concern for anyone contemplating business school and the answer will vary based on the individual. In general, I believe that a top-10 school is a good financial investment, however, this will depend on your current salary and advancement opportunities (without an MBA). It also depends on the type of career you hope to have post-MBA (and how it may differ from your current position). If you currently work in IT but plan to make a move into Investment Banking then your MBA would be a good investment. I'd research the salaries of pre- and post- MBAs in your (desired) field and go from there.

Also, you mentioned that you already have an MBA. Is this not able to help you move to the next level?? Are you given "credit" for this MBA in your workplace?

Personally, I believe that any education is a good investment (if not monetarily than in other intangibles), but, in your situation, I would suggest that you make a simple investment/return analysis and do your best to estimate the variables. This will let you know approximately how long it would take to recoup your costs (include the opportunity costs!) and then you will feel better with your decision.

Good luck!