MBA

[jacks09]

Hi, I am considering starting an MBA - and am trying to convince my employer to sponsor me. Does anybody have any experience of this? Feedback I have had from others is that an MBA is only really worth the school you do it at - does anybody have any experience of applying/studying with the top 10 schools?

Really any feedback on MBA's is most welcome....

[KidKruger]

I did OU, never been an issue.

You can use it as a medal based on where you did it, or use what you learn to strengthen your involvement in your roles and increase your confidence.

The kind of jobs/institutions where your chosen MBA school is all that matters you better make sure your accent, creed, public school is also the right one.

[jacks09]

Thanks KK- if it's not too personal did you see a return in your investment (employability for more senior roles , promotion etc)

Was it hard doing it and working full time? I never went to Uni and have got to a decent stage in my career but am finding my cv doesn't even make the paper sift for more senior roles...

[Loz]

My missus did one with Imperial College. Don't underestimate how much work it will be. Kiss a majority of your weekends goodbye.

She (well, we) paid for it herself, but her work did give her a day off every fortnight, which was invaluable.

[KidKruger]

The investment I saw it as was being able to carry my position in a way better for the organisation. It'll increase your experience over time, don't rush that. If you've not got several years work at mgt level already under your belt then you'll end up with loads of theory with nothing from your past to relate ths study to, which negates the benefits of an MBA, IMO.

People can always see the guy with the jargon but no practical application to what he's learnt.

Knowledge-wise yes it was a good investment for me !

Financially - perhaps, but only as a result of what I do based on my experience, not as a result of the medal itself.

[KidKruger]

What Loz says about the effort. I did part-time for 3 years, with late-night feeds for kids on my lap while studying to the early hours. Not a single week was there a break in coursework. I've seen people fold-up under the pressure - it's brutal !!

I admire people who can put that much effort in just to look good on paper.

[jacks09]

Thanks both!! I'm looking at imperial and recieved positive feedback from them regarding my cv.

I've managed to get quickly to a managerial level and have actually felt like I suffered from a lack of theory - really pleased you have felt it helped.

Definitely not under estimating the work.....

[Mick Mac]

I agree with the OP. It's where you did it tbat puts a value on it but to get into the good ones you probably need a semi brilliant cv/education already.

I know two people who churned out an MBA for no obvious benefit.

Just a dose of scepticism.

[KidKruger]

I think any notion of 'value' is obviously based on what you want to get out of it.

[Mick Mac]

True. But business normally means money.

[KidKruger]

I was really surprised on my course to be working with people from the fire service, military, health services, charities, craft specialists, besides the usual suspects.

Yes you can progress your money aspirations, but efficiencies and man-management skills are required in all sectors.

[Mick Mac]

True - but also there are versions geared to the public sector

http://www.brighton.ac.uk/courses/study/public-service-management-mba-pgcert-pgdip.aspx

[holloway]

my old line manager did an mba and he said it was one the most brutal and draining experiences of his life so far. evening classes until 9 pm every friday and a full day of lectures every saturday.

i would hate to do one of these only to end up applying for a job for someone who worked there way up with no education.

[El Pibe]

Isn't it nicknamed the divorce-maker or something like that?

La Piba nearly did one, but luckily her career took off without it.

Plus i advised against it as the last thing she needed to be as an analyst/program manager was a.n.other [dull] Mckinsey clone, when her strengths are that she sees things from unexpected angles.

[MrBen]

I wanted to learn the mechanics of business and choice at 28 years old was:

- Borrow ?60k for an MBA. Spend remainder of career in middle or exec management for blue chip that values it. Spend 5 years paying off fees. Long hours.

Or

- Read as much as possible. Then have a go starting a business myself with all the components in place to learn how it works in the real world. Use the fee spend as seed capital to support this. Long hours too.

What do you want to achieve? Your own gig or steady paying corporate life? Some courses major on entrepreneurship but as El Pipe is spot on saying...its your individualism that will make the difference once the basics are there. And you never stop learning.

Whichever route you go best of luck with it.

[MrBen]

Would also add that MBA s don't seem to have quite the same cache for blue chips as they did 10 to 15 years ago. That said every fecker is seemingly an entrepreneur now days.

[KidKruger]

An unexpected by-product was friends made on the course and inspiration from their persistence, ideas and aptitude.

If I had to rate it in terms of effort I'd say pick your 2nd toughest day at work ever and multiply by the length of your course. Have a leaving party for friends and family before you start !

[????]

As MrBen said isn't it a bit 1990s?

[KidKruger]

I don't think increasing your knowledge (which was my use of it) has an expiry date for usefulness.

Experts in many fields have had their research / conclusions collated into a single course and its all there for you - if you can be assed to put the effort in.

Don't do one if you don't fancy it, simples.