Should I get an MBA?

[windward]

I graduated from college with a Bachelor's degree in History (which looks nice in its frame but that's about it.) in 2007 and have been working in a retail management position for the past two years that pays 36,000 a year plus some bonus potential.

I'm in a high-volume market and as our company expands in the islands I could potentially be in contention fora general manager position in the store that pays 50,000-60,000 depending on a store's particular sales volume. After working with the company for 8 years, I know how to run a successful store in our company. I'm just concerned with there being an eventual glass ceiling due to my lack of a business degree.

I think the MBA would do much to increase my earning potential long-term. I can handle the quantitative aspects of the MBA as I am pretty decent at Math.

I would probably leave my current job (at least temporarily if they were to approve) as retail management is not conducive to a lot of MBA programs (I won't do online as I understand MBA recruiters hold them in low regard in comparison to university MBAs)

I'm 26 and I'd like to make this decision sooner rather than later

 

[Duane]

I can tell you that getting an MBA has helped me advance at work as well as everyone else I've known. It will also open a lot of doors that wouldn't normally be open to someone with a BA in History.

 

[theogt]

Depends on the cost.

 

[DFWJC]

It's a degree that can be way overrated. But on top of your History degree it could help.
There is almost a direct correlation between the quality and rank of the MBA program you graduate from and the salary you start out with. Where you go from there is on you. Average starting slaries from top 20-30 programs range from 70-120K/year....so if you get in there and do alright, then you would get a nice bump.

In the long term, it will be how you do in the workforce obviously. But in your case, an MBA may be worth it.

Many years ago I left a job paying about 50K and and landed one starting at about 100k after the top tier MBA. That was way back in 1991 though.

BTW, your experience should help you alot--both in the the classroom and in getting into better programs.

Also, like theogt said, you'll have to factor in cost from both ends (real and opportunity costs).

 

[CanadianCowboysFan]

I sometimes regret not getting a combined LL.B and MBA but at the time I did not want to go one extra year and one additional summer to get the MBA. As a result, I just got the LL.B. In the end, the MBA would not have helped me as I practice divorce law but would have been nice to have the MBA as well.

 

[WoodysGirl]

There are tons of MBA programs where you should still be able to work and go to school. Graduate school in general has made it alot easier for returning students.

I can't think of any reason why a person would leave a job to go to school....

 

[xWraithx]

I just got promoted at work to about 50k a year with benefits and the Director of Operations at our place came by my office and congratulated me and strongly suggested that I continue getting my MBA, highlighting room for more promotions/higher salary/etc

so I say do it

 

[windward]

There are tons of MBA programs where you should still be able to work and go to school. Graduate school in general has made it alot easier for returning students.

I can't think of any reason why a person would leave a job to go to school....

there are some weekend MBA programs but in retail that can be problematic with having to work weekends and all

 

[big dog cowboy]

There are tons of MBA programs where you should still be able to work and go to school. Graduate school in general has made it alot easier for returning students.

I can't think of any reason why a person would leave a job to go to school....

I totally agree with this. My company would also pay for it.

 

[WoodysGirl]

there are some weekend MBA programs but in retail that can be problematic with having to work weekends and all

Just do the research. Tons of schools out there, even in Hawaii. I don't think you'll be limited to weekends either.

I'm not a fan of online schools, but if it's an accredited institution, then it's something to consider.

As BDC mentioned, see if your company offers tuition reimbursement. If they do, then maybe they'll work with you on the programs.

I totally agree with this. My company would also pay for it.

My new company would, as well. They're totally into employee development.

 

[Cajuncowboy]

Nah, just buy the Clippers and be done with it.

 

[windward]

Nah, just buy the Clippers and be done with it.

So I can do my straight up Blake Griffin for Erick Dampier trade, right?

 

[Hostile]

In a word, yes. You will never regret getting it, but you could regret not getting it.

 

[trickblue]

I graduated from college with a Bachelor's degree in History (which looks nice in its frame but that's about it.) in 2007 and have been working in a retail management position for the past two years that pays 36,000 a year plus some bonus potential.

I'm in a high-volume market and as our company expands in the islands I could potentially be in contention fora general manager position in the store that pays 50,000-60,000 depending on a store's particular sales volume. After working with the company for 8 years, I know how to run a successful store in our company. I'm just concerned with there being an eventual glass ceiling due to my lack of a business degree.

I think the MBA would do much to increase my earning potential long-term. I can handle the quantitative aspects of the MBA as I am pretty decent at Math.

I would probably leave my current job (at least temporarily if they were to approve) as retail management is not conducive to a lot of MBA programs (I won't do online as I understand MBA recruiters hold them in low regard in comparison to university MBAs)

I'm 26 and I'd like to make this decision sooner rather than later

Do it... and don't look back... a PhD would even look better...

You are young and an MB looks great on the resume...

I'm thinking of the same thing although I'm an old guy...

 

[bbgun]

If we're talking about a Masters in Booty Administration, then yes, go for it.

 

[SLATEmosphere]

If we're talking about a Masters in Booty Administration, then yes, go for it.

FAIL

But anyways, Is getting a master degree really worth it? I'm graduating from Cal in a year in Business and have been debating if it's worth the time, effort and money. Is it a long process?

 

[bbgun]

But anyways, Is getting a master degree really worth it? I'm graduating from Cal in a year in Business and have been debating if it's worth the time, effort and money. Is it a long process?

Don't bother. The GMAT will crush you.

 

[theogt]

For all the "just do it" responses, I say hold up a bit. Once you get the degree, you can't get a refund and you can't replace it. What I mean by that is (1) it can be costly, so make sure you're not just throwing money down the drain and (2) make sure it's from the program that you want to be in. You can only get an MBA once from one school. Don't be so hasty as to get an online MBA from Podunk Community College, only to later on think you should have tried for one from XYZ University which is much more prestigious. It should be obvious, but where you get your degree from is as important and often more important than what degree you got.

 

[YosemiteSam]

Ask your self this:

1. What do I want to do for a living that will make me happy? (not concerning money)
2. Will this MBA help me do that? (ie will it matter all that much, I will explain this)

What I mean by will it matter is, In many jobs, if they aren't looking for an MBA, then an MBA may not help much. Some jobs on the other hand it makes a big difference. That said, one thing I've found the biggest boon. Especially if you're already in the company, is knowning your job backwards and forwards and working hard at it and doing a good job.

Experience is the most valuable thing you can have period. If I'm hiring for a certain position that isn't product development related, (I don't mean software development) I look at experience before I look at college degrees. Understand that not everyone see this the same way.

 

[Danny White]

There are tons of MBA programs where you should still be able to work and go to school. Graduate school in general has made it alot easier for returning students.

I can't think of any reason why a person would leave a job to go to school....

I'd agree with that, and add that you might be able to pitch it to your employer to try to get them to foot the bill for your degree. You might have to agree in return to work for them for at least a set amount of years, but it might make it worth it.