Should I get an MBA?

Author: Jodi Fannin

As a Recruiter and former Corporate Director of Recruitment for a very large health care organization I am often asked for career advice. A few weeks ago a business acquaintance posed an interesting question to me regarding going back to college, mid career, in today tumultuous work environment. The outline of the conversation is below.

I have a few professional questions for you... If you have time and don’t mind, I’m considering getting an MBA. Although at this time I have a good job that I love, which appears to be secure, with a stable company, I am wondering how much value your MBA has provided you and where did you get yours? I’m considering an Internet program do you have any advice or suggestions? My response required some thought.

Looking back to 1992, when I received my Masters Degree from Nova University (know today as Nova Southeastern University), the economy was good, life was good and with any career, the sky was the limit. With hard work and drive you and your income could be whatever you wanted it to be. With that attitude I gladly invested in an MBA, went to school nights and weekends, graduated two years later and could not be more happy or proud of myself.

If I had been asked this same question a few years ago, or even last year my advice would have been go for it! Knowledge is always a good investment and you can’t go wrong… Today, I must admit that is not the case and I responded by saying.

My MBA opened doors and no doubt attributed to my career success. Although, experience is truly the key when companies are hiring and the MBA is secondary, and a bachelor’s degree is a minimum standard for upward mobility.

That being said, I am a believer that he who has the knowledge wins and I prefer being over educated than under when compared to a competing candidate in the market today. It has given me a leg up in the corporate world as, most CEO’s/COO’s are not accustomed to Recruiters or a Corporate Director of Recruitment having an MBA and having the ability to understand financials and market impact.

The real question is what you would do differently if you had a MBA… Is this a personal desire? Do you need it to continue working where you are? Would you seek a different role? Field? Company? Would you receive a promotion? Would you get paid more? The bottom line is the return on the investment, personally and monetary. Will you make more money with the MBA and/or is this a personal goal, these are the ultimate questions you may want to think about. If you plan on staying where you are, and the answer is no to the above questions, I may not want to spend the additional money in today’s market, unless of course you have tuition reimbursement that you would like to take advantage of, or a burning desire to go back to school.

If I were considering going for additional advanced education today, I would pursue an online degree for convenience and pace. I know many who have done this and been very happy. Of course U of F is a wonderful school.

I hope this helps. I have never been sorry I spent the money on an MBA or my education, but looking back and considering today’s market, I think we all should have gone into nursing!

Let me know if I can answer any more questions - Jodi