Is it worth it to pursue an advanced degree in business?

Hi Nathan!

If you are looking to earn a BS in Business and then continue on to an MBA, I think the answer is that it is PROBABLY not worth the investment. I say probably because there are companies who value that combination and are willing to pay for it. I would think about earning your BS and then get a job. Many companies will pay for grad degrees so you can work on an MBA part time. However, pure business is not my expertise. I am in technology and have been for 30+ years.

In technology, the sweet spot is a technical BS degree, say Computer Science, and an MBA. Companies are definitely willing to pay for that combination. You need to have the technical understanding to really be effective.

Another option is to double major in business and whichever field you are interested in.

Best of luck!

Jeff

In order to be accepted into an MBA program, a candidate needs to show 5-7 years of work world experience. As an MBA grad, I am very happy with my decision. However, I built my track record in publishing (books, magazine and web) and marketing before entering a grad program. That's how it works. You pay your dues, build your credibility and then fine tune what you already have with learning leadership theories and best practices. In other words, in business school Masters programs you learn names to principles and theories you have already witnessed first-hand through hard-knocks on the job. So in short, the answer is you must work after your undergrad years in order to be considered for an advanced degree.

You will also be expected to have shown you have held responsibilities as a team leader and in been in charge of budgets before you are accepted into a worthwhile MBA program.

Reflect on why you want to major in business at all. Do you already have a concrete path? Is it because you want to learn how to manage a family business you will inherit? Do you want to specialize in Operations for a Startup? Is it your dream to be a Finance Accountant? Think about why and consider a concrete destination. Then work backwards to create a path to get there.

Being awestruck of Richard Branson isn't enough.

Earning my MBA was right for me but it isn't the right investment for everyone. Especially since like an attorney who must stay in good standing with annual Continuing Education Units as a member of the bar association, to be an in-demand MBA grad the individual must update himself/herself/themself every year learning the newest business best practices, new technology and the changing culture of digital work. A person must love and be willing to be a lifetime learner and never allow oneself to fall behind innovation.

Hi Nathan, 

This is different for everyone. You don't need and MBA to get into entry level positions out of college. No all career paths require you to have to move up. My best advice isn't to think that far ahead. This is a good question to come back to when you are at the end of your Bachelor's. At that point you'll have a better gauge as to whether or not your need. Treat your entire undergraduate degree as though you are going for it. That means maintaining a high GPA, keeping your textbooks and notes from your courses (you'll need these to prep for the GMAT) and keep your mind open to opportunities to complete it mor quickly or at a lower cost. I had the opportunity while at Penn State to stay another year and complete my MBA. I really wish I had done that instead of going back later.

So I would say that's not a bad idea. It all depends on what you want to do.

Hi Nathan - I agree with Jeff. If you're getting an undergrad degree in business, an MBA might not be the best investment unless you're leveraging a certain high ranked program like Harvard for example. In general, I would pursue an undergrad business degree and go into the workforce to see what you like doing and then pursue an advanced degree in that. I was a civil engineering major undergrad and I pursued a MS in business after wanting to do management information systems and wanting a balance of business and tech.