Has the MBA lost its luster?

2016-06-16T16:05:14-04:00

So I started my MBA degree last month. It seems like the MBA lost its shine since soon many universities are offering it. For those who got a job in the business realm, did having the MBA help?

Response by TSgt Alex Benningfield made Jun 16 at 2016 4:06 PM

2016-06-16T16:06:12-04:00

Please forgive my horrible spelling. Typed it on my phone.

Response by Lt Col Timothy Parker, DBA made Jun 16 at 2016 4:54 PM

2016-06-16T16:54:33-04:00

I think it depends on what you intend to do. Since you have an MDiv you may not need the MBA if you intend to go into a church (although there is a lot of value in focusing on "leadership" if you can get that concentration). I somewhat agree with SSG Thornton in avoiding unaccredited schools (meaning they should have regional accreditation by the US Dept of Ed; and one of the business accrediting bodies if possible). Univ of Phoenix doesn't have a good reputation, but other on-line programs do so don't discount them all.

Then there is the idea that if everyone else has one, are you being left behind without it? Again, I think it depends on what you want to do. I'd be curious to hear what you decide in the end.

Just my humble opinion.

Response by Capt Michael Greene made Jun 16 at 2016 5:09 PM

2016-06-16T17:09:56-04:00

The MBA had luster?

Seriously, get the MBA. It counts. But it doesn't get you a job; it gets your resume out of the computer onto the personnel manager's workload in HR. The personnel manager will spend 30 seconds or less to see if you have a respectable resume and cover letter, and if you've got the qualifications that the hiring manager told him to look for, he'll send your resume to the hiring manager in the workplace. Then the hiring manager will interview you to see if you guys get along personality wise, and hire you.
In short, the MBA opens the door. Then it's up to your personality to get the job. (All this assumes you are somewhat qualified for the job.)

Response by SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint made Jun 16 at 2016 5:34 PM

2016-06-16T17:34:14-04:00

Getting a MANAGEMENT job is easier with an MBA. It made it easier for me in Civil Service. In the end, I ran out of manager promotions and attended the Executive Classes from OPM...they were very similar to my MBA!

Response by CPT John Sheridan made Jun 16 at 2016 6:01 PM

2016-06-16T18:01:21-04:00

I worked for a large global conglomerate. They valued the MBA and paid for most of it. To them, it didn't matter where I got it. It mattered far more that I already worked for them and that they knew who I was. Based on my experience with that, I believe that it has relatively little luster. I didn't see people getting hired because they had an MBA. We had many where their Master's in a STEM field had a lot to do with getting hired, including me.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jun 16 at 2016 6:28 PM

2016-06-16T18:28:22-04:00

I'm in the MBA didn't have much luster to start with camp. 20-30 years ago, firms were using that as a screening filter before they'd interview or otherwise figure out what you could really do for the company. Since there's been an oversaturation in the marketplace AND firms are pondering the Hillary Question "At this point, what difference does it make?", the value of it appears to have diminished significantly, even from my lower starting point.

I've also seen graduates with a technical degree are generally far better off getting a MS in their field especially considering professional registration more frequently requires it. Engineering now requires 6 years of college education as an example. Teachers get a bump in pay if they have a qualifying masters but more school districts don't give a bump for MBA. They want a ME.

Bottom line, a MBA is pretty much a higher education process that you go through that gives you more depth of a variety of business aspects but doesn't make you an expert in anything. Nowadays with specialization more the norm, time spent getting that high end IT or finance ticket likely opens more doors. As always the "results may vary" disclaimer is very appropriate on this topic.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2016 9:32 PM

2016-06-16T21:32:51-04:00

Honestly, I look at MBAs as being the Poltiical Science/Buisness degrees of the Masters world. Sure, when compared to someone who doesn't have one they are solid, but there are better degrees you could have. Also with Bachelors Degrees essentially being the new High school degree I would say that in the next decade or so people are going to start wanting more competitive degrees.

Response by SPC David S. made Jun 16 at 2016 10:59 PM

2016-06-16T22:59:14-04:00

I think a lot depends on your career path -

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jun 17 at 2016 8:44 AM

2016-06-17T08:44:09-04:00

In todays environment you would add great value to your person by certifying as PMP, through the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is likely that your University has a program.

Response by CPO Miguel LaraMaya made Jun 17 at 2016 8:44 AM

2016-06-17T08:44:36-04:00

From personal experience, get it. My MBA got me interviews with major firms and I am currently working in one.

Response by LTC Thomas Tennant made Jun 17 at 2016 9:26 AM

2016-06-17T09:26:07-04:00

Not really but ... you need it to come from a "brick and mortar" school house to have any gravitas. Having sat on a few boards, on line programs have the appearance of being simply diploma mills. This left us with the impression the candidate was trying to "ticket punch" their career.

Response by SPC Paul Jennings, J.D. made Jun 17 at 2016 10:13 AM

2016-06-17T10:13:30-04:00

An MBA is nothing special, what is special is the name and reputation attached to it. An MBA from Harvard and an MBA from Walden University are essentially the same degree, but the one with Harvard on it will nearly guarantee you a six figure salary.

I think the key thing is applying the degree towards one's own needs. For example, if you desire to work in finance an MBA may not be the best route, instead a focused Masters in Finance may prove more useful. There is an assumption, normally incorrect, that an MBA translates into a cushy management job. Once you realize that this assumption is flawed, you can make the decision that is best for you, whether it means an MBA or something else.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2016 6:50 PM

2016-06-18T18:50:28-04:00

It all really comes down to what type of job you want and where you want your career to lead you. If you are going to work in the religious field, I don't believe an MBA would do a lot for you. If you want to work in Business or even Information Technology field, an MBA or an IT degree with a focus on Management is probably worth the trouble.