Is getting an MBA Worth It?

[saden1]

I'm thinking of enrolling in the University of Washington's Technology Management MBA Program. Anyone in here with MBA? Was it worth it and do you feel like you got your money's worth? My company will pay roughly 18% of the tuition but the reset is on me.

I know this is a subjective question but I just want to get other people's thoughts on the matter.

[SmootSmack]

I don't think it hurts to get one, especially if work is going to cover a portion of the tuition. The hardest part, in my opinion, about being in an MBA program is that there is so much group-work involved so you're life for 2 years (or however long you choose to do it) is dependent on so many other people. Is there a ceiling to your career that can only be "broken" with another degree, such as an MBA?

I'm glad I got my MBA. I was able to sharpen several skills, particularly when it comes to anaylsis and presentation. I didn't use my MBA in the traditional sense (not an investment banker, not working on Wall Street) and in a way that helps because it tends to separate me from my co-workers in my line of work. Although, there is a growing trend now to hire more MBAs in my field.

[MTK]

I have to be honest and say that right now it's probably not helping me all that much in my current job. But long-term is where I think the real payoff is.

I agree with SS, it really did help me in a lot of areas. Public speaking, working with groups, and the discipline involved with juggling a full-time job with going to school part-time at night.

I got a heck of a lot more out of grad school than I did undergrad. It's a different learning experience, I really enjoyed it.

And if your employer is going to foot some of the bill, you'd be stupid to not take advantage of that.

Think long-term, the MBA is worth the time, $$ and effort.

[saden1]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

Is there a ceiling to your career that can only be "broken" with another degree, such as an MBA?

I'm involved more in the technical side of things right now and though I'm quite happy with that sort of work I wouldn't mind getting my hands dirty in the business side of things. For me it isn't about increasing my pay or anything like that, I just want to make it easier for me to climb the corporate ladder in the long run and I'm not sure if MBA will get me there easier or faster.

[Schneed10]

It's paying off in my world, I work in financial administration. If I didn't have the MBA, I couldn't have reached the level I'm at right now. There are two people in my office who have very good reputations for strong work, and have college degrees. But they're holding steady at their current positions and don't figure to move upward without the MBA. I've gotten to one level ahead of them now, largely because of the MBA. I don't know exactly what their salaries are, but I'd guess I'm making 5-10K more than they are at this point in my career.

But like Matty said, the real value is down the road. Without the MBA, there's no way those other two could ever get considered for director of finance (130K per year or so). The MBA gives me a fighting chance at that position down the line.

I think in today's business world, the MBA is pretty much required if you want to reach that director level. I don't know how that translates to the IT and IS world though.

[Schneed10]

Originally Posted by saden1

I'm involved more in the technical side of things right now and though I'm quite happy with that sort of work I wouldn't mind getting my hands dirty in the business side of things. For me it isn't about increasing my pay or anything like that, I just want to make it easier for me to climb the corporate ladder in the long run and I'm not sure if MBA will get me there easier or faster.

I think the MBA will lend legitimacy to your resume when you go for a position requiring more business administration and management. In terms of climbing the corporate ladder, nothing helps your cause more than simply demonstrating excellence in your current job, of course. And the degree isn't going to make you perform better, of course.

But managers are funny when they think about hiring and promoting people. If they think you're good, and you're capable, then they'll think about promoting you and putting more responsibility on you. But having the MBA helps them point to something tangible in conversations with their boss as to why you were a wise choice. That can be just enough to convince them to give you a shot.

I know the cost is no small consideration, but no matter what happens with your career, you'll still learn some cool stuff in the classes regarding business, which sounds like something you'd be very interested in.

[MTK]

The MBA will definitely help give you that edge when going up against similarly qualified individuals.