MBA - is it worth it

[RallySonsOfND]

I'm starting the process of looking at an MBA. Who out there has gotten one, and what are your thoughts?

I'm not looking for a career change, but be better suited to move up in my organization. I work for a VERY large company, and think it's going to be a necessity at some point and better to do it when I'm young and single.

Look for a good program or a cheap one just to get the letters?

 

[tussin]

You may want to check out this thread:

http://www.irishenvy.com/forums/leprechaun-lounge/271786-online-mba.html

Short answer: It depends.

If you are looking to switch careers into finance or consulting, then only a select few programs make sense.

In your case, since you are content in your current organization, a ton of regional (both full or part time) MBAs all can get you to where you want to be. Try to get sponsorship through your work. They may cover tuition if they like you enough.

 

[RallySonsOfND]

You may want to check out this thread:

http://www.irishenvy.com/forums/leprechaun-lounge/271786-online-mba.html

Short answer: It depends.

If you are looking to switch careers into finance or consulting, then only a select few programs make sense.

In your case, since you are content in your current organization, a ton of regional (both full or part time) MBAs all can get you to where you want to be. Try to get sponsorship through your work. They may cover tuition if they like you enough.

Thanks. I searched MBA and nothing popped. Weird

 

[koonja]

Are you going in person or online? My MBA program is ranked top 10 in the country for online MBA's, and the total program costs just under 30K.

 

[RallySonsOfND]

Are you going in person or online? My MBA program is ranked top 10 in the country for online MBA's, and the total program costs just under 30K.

Haven't decided. I think I'd rather do an in person, but not full time. What program?

 

[koonja]

Haven't decided. I think I'd rather do an in person, but not full time. What program?

Best Online MBA Degree Programs | Online MBA Rankings | US News

UWEC, tied at #10. I have nothing to compare it to, but I have no complaints. Extremely affordable, go at your own pace, and it can be a lot of work but FWIW, I am doing much better GPA-wise than my undergrad. It's not as hard as undergrad classes, just more work.

 

[koonja]

I've worked for 2 large companies. One says the MBA doesn't matter, but you automatically get a pay increase for having one. Other company didn't care, but not having a graduate degree meant you could never become an AD or higher.

IMO, it shouldn't matter, but people do take you more serious when they know you're going for it. It's almost an indication of your drive from what I've experienced. Not saying it personally matters to me, but I feel like to the higher ups the will assume you have big goals if you're going for something graduate-wise.

 

[RallySonsOfND]

Best Online MBA Degree Programs | Online MBA Rankings | US News

UWEC, tied at #10. I have nothing to compare it to, but I have no complaints. Extremely affordable, go at your own pace, and it can be a lot of work but FWIW, I am doing much better GPA-wise than my undergrad. It's not as hard as undergrad classes, just more work.

Thanks.

The program I'm looking at the closest is Texas Tech, since I currently live in Lubbock.

 

[koonja]

Thanks.

The program I'm looking at the closest is Texas Tech, since I currently live in Lubbock.

If location/online doesn't matter, I'd say go in person. You'll just be more connected to the program IMO. With online, I sometimes have a busy day of work and forget I have homework at night, lol.

 

[wizards8507]

I did my Master of Accountancy online and start the Auburn MBA online in January. Having done a full program that way, you really get out what you put in. You can skate by and get a B and get your letters, but if you really engage with the material it becomes much more valuable.

IMO, the big programs with big price tags aren't worth it unless you plan on going into a field that'll generate huge returns based on your network. Think investment banking or something else where you'll be expected to be a rainmaker.