Is Real World Experience Better Than an MBA?
Many people who are considering going back to school for an MBA degree wonder if it would be better to spend the time it takes to earn the degree working instead. College students may wonder if going straight from their undergraduate studies and entering an MBA program will hurt their chances of finding a great job after completing the program. This article will discuss some of the answers to these questions.
Leaving Your Job Creates a Risk
If you already have a good job after college, leaving it to pursue an MBA degree could be a waste of time, and it can be even more difficult in some cases to find a job after earning your degree. It may not advance your career the way you had hoped. Some experts believe that earning an MBA degree is a waste of time and urge students to think twice before signing on student loans to earn another degree. A 2009 study found that most students at top schools actually had higher salaries before entering the MBA program than they did post-graduation.
Real World Experience is Always Valued by Employers
Consider an MBA degree to be a career enhancement instead of a way to start your career. You will have much more focus in an MBA program if you already know what you want to do. An MBA is a very general degree that can be applied to boost your candidacy in top jobs. Even if you know you would eventually like to earn your MBA degree, consider working for a few years to build a strong resume.
Top MBA Programs May Require Real World Experience
Many of the top MBA schools require a few years’ worth of experience before they will consider your application seriously. Of course, test scores can compensate for a lack of experience, but recruiters at top schools expect to see both. Students who have experience with top companies can bring their perspective into the classroom. Prior connections can also lead to job leads for others within the program.
Consider a Part-time Program
A part-time program is available at some schools for students who want to continue gaining real world experience while earning an MBA degree. If you want to have the best of both real world experience and earn your advanced business degree, this could be a good option. Some schools don’t offer part-time programs, but it is worth consideration, especially if you are trying to work your way up in a company and want to be competitive in the application process for higher positions within the company.
An MBA Degree Can Actually Be a Disadvantage for Some Positions
The disadvantage of an MBA degree is that it can make you seem overqualified for positions that actually interest you. Employers may decide that you may be asking for a higher salary than they want to provide. If you already have a good job, it may be better to put more years into trying to advance rather than quitting to pursue higher education, unless your employer offers to sponsor it.
