So why would I want an MBA?

Topher · Post by **Topher** » Mon Jan 10, 2005 8:55 pm

I have the chance to get a masters degree through evening classes at some local universities (most likely the University of Washington) while I work fulltime. Most of it will be payed for by the company, so money really isn't an issue, it's time.

I could get an MS, but I'm not sure really what I would get it in. Probably Computer Science, but, meh, to me that isn't accomplishing much. It would just feel like more school when I just got out.

So what about an MBA? I hear it's a nice shiny sticker on your resume when trying to break into the "exec" level of positions. Is it worth getting?

Tetrad · Post by **Tetrad** » Mon Jan 10, 2005 9:19 pm

If you're running, say, a publicly traded company and have to hire someone to make business administrative decisions, would you want to risk the well being of both your company and that of your stock holders to someone who doesn't have an MBA over someone who does (unless they've proven themselves already of course)?

If you want to try to go the exec path there really isn't any reason not to get one that I can think of, other than the time and money involved.

Lothar · Post by **Lothar** » Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:20 pm

you followed me to Seattle? Gimme a call sometime.

If you're already doing computer work, consider an MS in a mathematical or engineering field, depending on your interests. An MBA is good if you want to be an exec, but an MS in an appropriate technical field is good if you want to be doing programming / design / engineering.

Topher · Post by **Topher** » Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:36 pm

I will be moving to Seattle when I graduate at the end of August.

I'll be in development for a while with my BS in Software Engineering, but my thinking is there will be a glass ceiling that a technical degree will reach. Maybe not, but if I have an MBA I don't see how it would hurt anything (at least that's what I'm trying to find out)

snoopy · Post by **snoopy** » Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:50 pm

Well, a MBA will certainly help to at least push that ceiling up a long way. MBA = $$ for the most part, if you aspire to make tons of money, and probably have little time for anything other than work, a MBA will probably help get you there.

Genghis · Post by **Genghis** » Tue Jan 11, 2005 7:04 am

Who are you going to be working for? And don't say Microsoft!

An MBA never hurt anyone. It's a lot more benign than a law degree.

Dedman · Post by **Dedman** » Tue Jan 11, 2005 9:29 am

If nothing else, an MBA will open up a broader range of options than a technical masters degree. That is why I am getting one. Now, if you can get your MS is a technical disipline AND an MBA, you will be that much further ahead.

One thing is certain these days. Those who stop learning new skills will quickly fall behind in the job market.

STRESSTEST · Post by **STRESSTEST** » Tue Jan 11, 2005 12:37 pm

and whatever happens get signed up for the Klaymation lan we have here in seattle

Get your game on with the rest of us. (Hi Steve)

Zoop! · Post by **Zoop!** » Tue Jan 11, 2005 12:38 pm

What if you start losing interest in what your doing and want to move up the food chain to try something different? There you go.

Topher · Post by **Topher** » Tue Jan 11, 2005 1:06 pm

Genghis wrote:Who are you going to be working for? And don't say Microsoft!