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Mallory
Student
Grafton, Ohio
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What does a masters in business help with?
Is pursuing getting a Masters in business worth it or should I focus on a Bachelors degree? Would a Masters open any extra doors for future career options? #help #business #MBA
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12 answers
Mary Ann Osiecka
1
Answer
Updated
Mary Ann’s Answer
Hi Mallory,
To add to the prior answers, the decision to pursue an MBA is very personal, depending on your specific situation. As others have stated, I would suggest obtaining professional experience before applying to programs. This not only makes you a more competitive candidate, but also allows you the opportunity to better understand how to leverage your MBA, where to focus in the program, and bring a real world perspective to the content you learn.
I have listed a few benefits of obtaining an MBA below.
1. Opportunity to pivot: MBAs can allow students to enter a new field, if changing directions, though this is an easier switch when enrolling in a full-time program
2. Financial: Depending on your prior role, you can obtain an understanding of your expected pay bump right away by researching schools' published reports, though the long run trajectory may be more significant
3. Career progression: Some organizations create fast track programs for those with MBAs
4. Credibility: When recruiters, hiring managers, and peers see an MBA from a high level program on your resume, they may use this as a sign of credibility and willingness to take initiative
5. Network: A strong MBA provides you with a network which you can leverage throughout your career to find new opportunities and advancement
As others have mentioned, this is a significant financial and time commitment, requiring one to balance many priorities at the same time, so there is no perfect answer to this question. Researching MBA programs, alumni paths at schools, and connecting with current student ambassadors listed on the admissions websites can be a very useful tool in making this decision! If you have the opportunity, I would also suggest visiting programs to get a better understanding of fit for your career aspirations.
Hopefully this provides additional clarity!
To add to the prior answers, the decision to pursue an MBA is very personal, depending on your specific situation. As others have stated, I would suggest obtaining professional experience before applying to programs. This not only makes you a more competitive candidate, but also allows you the opportunity to better understand how to leverage your MBA, where to focus in the program, and bring a real world perspective to the content you learn.
I have listed a few benefits of obtaining an MBA below.
1. Opportunity to pivot: MBAs can allow students to enter a new field, if changing directions, though this is an easier switch when enrolling in a full-time program
2. Financial: Depending on your prior role, you can obtain an understanding of your expected pay bump right away by researching schools' published reports, though the long run trajectory may be more significant
3. Career progression: Some organizations create fast track programs for those with MBAs
4. Credibility: When recruiters, hiring managers, and peers see an MBA from a high level program on your resume, they may use this as a sign of credibility and willingness to take initiative
5. Network: A strong MBA provides you with a network which you can leverage throughout your career to find new opportunities and advancement
As others have mentioned, this is a significant financial and time commitment, requiring one to balance many priorities at the same time, so there is no perfect answer to this question. Researching MBA programs, alumni paths at schools, and connecting with current student ambassadors listed on the admissions websites can be a very useful tool in making this decision! If you have the opportunity, I would also suggest visiting programs to get a better understanding of fit for your career aspirations.
Hopefully this provides additional clarity!
Errica Diaz, MBA
3
Answers
Updated
Errica’s Answer
Hello! An MBA is a wonderful thing. It's that something extra that sets you apart from other candidates, especially in corporate America.
Any large company will look for applicants with MBAs for jobs in finance, marketing, sales and data analytics. Also, you will have a higher paycheck than those with just BAs because of your higher level of education.
You can always graduate with a BA, interview for entry level jobs and look for a company that will pay for your higher degree. LOTS of companies do that. It's a glorious thing not to have additional student loans.
Any large company will look for applicants with MBAs for jobs in finance, marketing, sales and data analytics. Also, you will have a higher paycheck than those with just BAs because of your higher level of education.
You can always graduate with a BA, interview for entry level jobs and look for a company that will pay for your higher degree. LOTS of companies do that. It's a glorious thing not to have additional student loans.
Colleen Lang
Communications Manager and Contract Administration
13
Answers
Woodhaven, Michigan
Updated
Colleen’s Answer
My best suggestion, in considering an MBA program, is to gain at least SOME professional experience before beginning the program. I had considered going right from undergrad to graduate, but the program was much more applicable and relatable when I had real world situations to apply the solutions. Other than that, an MBA is worth it to advance your career and to also obtain more specialized tools to use in your work than the basics learned during undergrad studies.
Paul Morris
Sales Representative
11
Answers
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Hello Mallory
I agree with the answers as listed and one thing to consider is that you do not necessarily need a bachelor's in business/commerce in order to pursue an MBA. Meaning, that you can explore other interests in your undergraduate and then decide to pursue an MBA. An MBA has a lot of value in itself from the courses you take, but it can be even more valuable if it's complementary to your undergraduate. More and more employers are seeking "well-rounded" individuals, thus just having an MBA does not necessarily guarantee success. If you really would like to enhance your MBA experience may I suggest you look into an MBA co-op program that allows you to work and apply your learning as you progress.
I hope this helps
I agree with the answers as listed and one thing to consider is that you do not necessarily need a bachelor's in business/commerce in order to pursue an MBA. Meaning, that you can explore other interests in your undergraduate and then decide to pursue an MBA. An MBA has a lot of value in itself from the courses you take, but it can be even more valuable if it's complementary to your undergraduate. More and more employers are seeking "well-rounded" individuals, thus just having an MBA does not necessarily guarantee success. If you really would like to enhance your MBA experience may I suggest you look into an MBA co-op program that allows you to work and apply your learning as you progress.
I hope this helps
Simeon Snow
Risk Assurance
1790
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Simeon’s Answer
MBAs are useful tools, but they generally open doors for post-graduation. Most entry level positions probably won't offer you any additional consideration for getting hired. Like others have said, I would see if I could get my MBA financed by your employer at some point. However, if it's more convenient for you to knock out the MBA now, go ahead and go for it. It'll open doors for you for sure, but you will just have to wait a little bit to see the fruits of that labor.
Nancy Blair
Program Management
4
Answers
Framingham, Massachusetts
Updated
Nancy’s Answer
My generic responses is to get your bachelors, get a job, work a few years, then get your MBA.
Some large businesses and financial institutions will take MBA grads with little or no work experience into training programs that are unavailable to people with only an undergraduate degree. If you are interested in joining one of those companies, then probably going directly to MBA would work.
But even for programs like that, having some work experience prior to getting your MBA is still a better resume for most positions.
You'll get much more out of the courses if you have some real world work experience already. Without that, everything is theoretical casework. I taught an MBA class one semester. The students with work experience did better in the class academically as well.
Employers like to see a resume that shows tangible activities that they can relate to the job requirements. Coursework is supplemental to that and no substitute for experience.
Finally, after you've been working for a few years, you'll have a better idea of where you'd like to focus in your graduate studies. Most MBA programs will provide specialty classes to choose from once you've completed required courses.
Some large businesses and financial institutions will take MBA grads with little or no work experience into training programs that are unavailable to people with only an undergraduate degree. If you are interested in joining one of those companies, then probably going directly to MBA would work.
But even for programs like that, having some work experience prior to getting your MBA is still a better resume for most positions.
You'll get much more out of the courses if you have some real world work experience already. Without that, everything is theoretical casework. I taught an MBA class one semester. The students with work experience did better in the class academically as well.
Employers like to see a resume that shows tangible activities that they can relate to the job requirements. Coursework is supplemental to that and no substitute for experience.
Finally, after you've been working for a few years, you'll have a better idea of where you'd like to focus in your graduate studies. Most MBA programs will provide specialty classes to choose from once you've completed required courses.
Sydney Barnes
Manager
12
Answers
Baltimore, Maryland
Updated
Sydney’s Answer
Mallory,
I agree with Danielle's response, that a Masters in Business degree will open some extra doors for you. Having an undergraduate degree is typically required for entry-level positions when you don't have the work experience. The Master's degree will put you in a higher ranking position when comparing all the applicants on paper. I had this experience at my current employer where someone else was selected over me based on completed degrees. The decision was narrowed to myself and one other person. He had a Master's degree but I did not (I was still working on my MBA).
I highly suggest considering a Master's degree after completing the undergraduate degree because it helps put you ahead of the competition when applying for a job. One benefit is the time it takes to complete a Master's might be roughly 2 years full-time compared to more like 3 years part-time when you are working full-time. Another benefit is the time it takes to realize the financial gain is shortened and you earn more in the long-run when you get a Master's sooner.
The Master's degree also opens your eyes to look at things in a different way than you did before. It forces you to elevate your level of thought and approach to be more like the CEO of a major company compared to an employee at the same company working diligently to perform their job well.
After doing some research, I found https://www.mastersprogramsguide.com/earn-masters-degree/ and https://thebestschools.org/magazine/reasons-to-get-masters-degree/ have compelling reasons why to consider getting a Master's degree.
Best of luck!!
Read https://www.mastersprogramsguide.com/earn-masters-degree/
Read https://thebestschools.org/magazine/reasons-to-get-masters-degree/
I agree with Danielle's response, that a Masters in Business degree will open some extra doors for you. Having an undergraduate degree is typically required for entry-level positions when you don't have the work experience. The Master's degree will put you in a higher ranking position when comparing all the applicants on paper. I had this experience at my current employer where someone else was selected over me based on completed degrees. The decision was narrowed to myself and one other person. He had a Master's degree but I did not (I was still working on my MBA).
I highly suggest considering a Master's degree after completing the undergraduate degree because it helps put you ahead of the competition when applying for a job. One benefit is the time it takes to complete a Master's might be roughly 2 years full-time compared to more like 3 years part-time when you are working full-time. Another benefit is the time it takes to realize the financial gain is shortened and you earn more in the long-run when you get a Master's sooner.
The Master's degree also opens your eyes to look at things in a different way than you did before. It forces you to elevate your level of thought and approach to be more like the CEO of a major company compared to an employee at the same company working diligently to perform their job well.
After doing some research, I found https://www.mastersprogramsguide.com/earn-masters-degree/ and https://thebestschools.org/magazine/reasons-to-get-masters-degree/ have compelling reasons why to consider getting a Master's degree.
Best of luck!!
Sydney recommends the following next steps:
Sydney,
Thank you so much for all your help!
Mallory
Danielle Clark
Accountant
5
Answers
Itasca, Illinois
Updated
Danielle’s Answer
Hi Mallory,
A Masters in Business can open a few extra doors for you. It really depends on what you are trying to do as a career. Some companies will require you to have a Masters Degree in order to advance to higher positions to further your career. However, there are some that will not, if you have the experience and have been at the company for a while.
I think if you have the opportunity to purse a MBA it is beneficial for you as far as a gaining the added knowledge.
A Masters in Business can open a few extra doors for you. It really depends on what you are trying to do as a career. Some companies will require you to have a Masters Degree in order to advance to higher positions to further your career. However, there are some that will not, if you have the experience and have been at the company for a while.
I think if you have the opportunity to purse a MBA it is beneficial for you as far as a gaining the added knowledge.
Sirlei Farley
Program/Project Manager
54
Answers
Updated
Sirlei’s Answer
Hi Mallory!
Obtaining an MBA helped me get a broader understanding into what it takes to run a business. It teaches you about leadership, project management, process improvement, starting a business...I had a lot of fun!
To top it off, it just plain looks great on a resume. Employers at times require only a 4 year degree, but will prefer a candidate who has a master's degree as well, with an MBA being accepted for a variety of jobs.
Obtaining an MBA helped me get a broader understanding into what it takes to run a business. It teaches you about leadership, project management, process improvement, starting a business...I had a lot of fun!
To top it off, it just plain looks great on a resume. Employers at times require only a 4 year degree, but will prefer a candidate who has a master's degree as well, with an MBA being accepted for a variety of jobs.
Suthida Prukbamroong
Tax Professional
3
Answers
Norwalk, Connecticut
Updated
Suthida’s Answer
Hi Mallory,
The MBA is a good credential to have especially if your goal is to be in a top management position of the company (even though not all companies will require you to have). Some companies will also pay you more if you have a Master Degree or pay for the course as an investment in the future leader of the company.
Good Luck!
The MBA is a good credential to have especially if your goal is to be in a top management position of the company (even though not all companies will require you to have). Some companies will also pay you more if you have a Master Degree or pay for the course as an investment in the future leader of the company.
Good Luck!
Amy Xu
Strategy & Investment
1
Answer
Germany
Updated
Amy’s Answer
Hi Mallory,
In the US, an MBA is well respected and a lot of organizations build their career tracks around it. This means you can definitely achieve a lot of things with such a degree; however it does not necessarily mean you need an MBA. An MBA requires substantial time and money commitment. You need to be clear about your career goals and targets first to see if that investment makes sense. Because you have not shared possible career aspirations, I cannot comment to that.
On the other hand, if you think you want an MBA further down the road or if that is a possibility you want to pursue, then please note the top programs usually seek a track record of excellence. Your academic and extracurricular performance in undergrad, the nature of your work experiences etc. will all matter and form a comprehensive profile of you. It would be worthwhile for you to look into the profiles of people who pursue MBA now to see how you should plan your time in the next years; you can also look at what they do to see if those are the kind of careers you want to pursue.
In the US, an MBA is well respected and a lot of organizations build their career tracks around it. This means you can definitely achieve a lot of things with such a degree; however it does not necessarily mean you need an MBA. An MBA requires substantial time and money commitment. You need to be clear about your career goals and targets first to see if that investment makes sense. Because you have not shared possible career aspirations, I cannot comment to that.
On the other hand, if you think you want an MBA further down the road or if that is a possibility you want to pursue, then please note the top programs usually seek a track record of excellence. Your academic and extracurricular performance in undergrad, the nature of your work experiences etc. will all matter and form a comprehensive profile of you. It would be worthwhile for you to look into the profiles of people who pursue MBA now to see how you should plan your time in the next years; you can also look at what they do to see if those are the kind of careers you want to pursue.
Brian Edwardson
23
Answers
Updated
Brian’s Answer
The ideal path would be as follows:
1. Finish your bachelors degree
2. Obtain a job with a company that will assist with paying for your MBA
3. Get your MBA while also working for your employer. This does involved a good amount of work but you will have the most time when you are young to do this.
One thing to keep in mind is that many people do not get their MBA directly after obtaining their bachelors for some strategic reasons:
1. Many companies assist in paying for an MBA (as listed above)
2. Getting your MBA can be used as a "pivot" to a different career in a different industry
3. Getting your MBA can be used as leverage towards a promotion in your current company
4. Once you have been in your career for a couple years you may have a better idea on what you want your focus while obtaining your MBA
5. A very underestimated part of getting your MBA is the networking that occurs while obtaining it. This networking could be more valuable later in your career if there is a moment when you believe your network growth has stalled.
I hope some of these things help you out and potentially gave you some angles to think about.
1. Finish your bachelors degree
2. Obtain a job with a company that will assist with paying for your MBA
3. Get your MBA while also working for your employer. This does involved a good amount of work but you will have the most time when you are young to do this.
One thing to keep in mind is that many people do not get their MBA directly after obtaining their bachelors for some strategic reasons:
1. Many companies assist in paying for an MBA (as listed above)
2. Getting your MBA can be used as a "pivot" to a different career in a different industry
3. Getting your MBA can be used as leverage towards a promotion in your current company
4. Once you have been in your career for a couple years you may have a better idea on what you want your focus while obtaining your MBA
5. A very underestimated part of getting your MBA is the networking that occurs while obtaining it. This networking could be more valuable later in your career if there is a moment when you believe your network growth has stalled.
I hope some of these things help you out and potentially gave you some angles to think about.