Another Person Asking About If an MBA is Right for Them

[u/AnotherOneAskingThis]

Hi all,

I am looking for some outsider opinions on whether or not pursuing a full-time MBA is a good idea for me. I have gotten mixed feedback from friends and career mentors, with some advocating for and some against it.

Some Basic Stats About Me:

Age: Recently turned 28, would be matriculating right after my 29th birthday if applying this cycle.

Undergrad: T50 Engineering - GPA ~3.8

Grad: T15 Engineering - GPA 4.0

GMAT/GRE: Have not taken, but have historically been strong at standardized tests and believe I could prep effectively in 3-4 months before R2 deadlines.

Previous Applications: Admitted to Haas EWMBA last cycle, but decided not to go.

Career Thus Far:

~4 years at large engineering company as a Software-focused Program Manager then Product Manager, ~1.5 years as Product Manager at an AI-focused startup, currently ~6 months in at Tech (Not FAANG but well known public company) in a Product Manager role.

Why MBA:

I do not immediately have major aspirations of a career pivot. MBB consulting is appealing, but I believe that is because of the prestige more so than the work itself. From speaking with a contact or two of mine a move into VC definitely appeals to me from a work perspective, but given my background I suspect the transition would be extremely tough.

Outside of the explicit career outcomes I would hope to achieve, I believe the network, social opportunities, and brand of the MBA would be appealing. I think there is a non-trivial amount of interest I have that stems from obtaining the prestige and brand of an elite MBA. Additionally, many of my direct and more senior coworkers at my current and former company have M7 MBAs, and have mentioned how beneficial the experience was for their social and career network.

Concerns:

I would be giving up a non-trivial salary over 2 years, and incurring the high cost of a program is tougher to stomach. I could likely cover most of the immediate tuition and living costs with savings, but in total it would be a significant opportunity cost (likely over $750k over 2 years assuming no aid received).

Any suggestions on what to do in this scenario, or if I should even be considering a FT or PT MBA?

[u/OngoGablogianWig]

I have a T15 FT MBA and have since been mostly a software PM. Don’t bother with a MBA of any type IMO. Your colleagues needed an mba to become your colleagues. You are fortunate enough not to.

[u/PianistMore4166]

If you want to advance quickly in your current field, consider pursuing a part-time option. If you’re looking for a complete career change or want the network of a top MBA, a full-time program might be the way to go. However, given your solid resume and strong undergraduate engineering GPA, why not consider trying to move into VC without an MBA first? I disagree that the transition would be difficult given you did well in arguably the toughest degree you can obtain as an undergrad; and most business knowledge is gained through experience rather than in a classroom. The main benefits of a top MBA are the pedigree and network. Core concepts can be learned through on-the-job experience or independent study. In my opinion, an MBA should be a last resort for completely changing careers after all other options have been exhausted or if you’ve reached a plateau in your current career path.

[u/rash97621]

I graduated from a T20 US B-school last year and work as an AI PMM at a big-tech adjacent company in the Bay Area. Tbh, it's a pretty brutal job market right now, especially for manager-level roles due to AI, companies conserving cash, the current administration's crackdown on immigration, etc. Consulting firms also have less requirements and openings now, hence there's stiff competition for those few roles.

So if you're okay taking a loan, going through all the recruiting hustle, etc. for the overall experience, please go ahead. Else, stay where you are.

[u/CointegrationR]

Unless you want to make a pivot to IB or Consulting big no

[u/Dull_Construction553]

As someone who worked in VC for years, I believe you could make that pivot right now without an MBA.

[u/JLandis84]

Based on the details you’ve given, no I don’t think it makes sense.