17 answers
Chloe
Student
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
9
Questions
Updated
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MBA or Keep looking for a job?
I recently just got accepted to an MBA program with a good scholarship and I don't know if I should take it. It also means moving across the world, back home with the program starting in 2 months and I don't know if I'm ready for a change like that in such a short time span.
The reason I'm doing an MBA is largely because I don't feel equipped at work and lack the business knowledge. I also want to start a business one day and I don't have the skills for that. I've also been job searching for the past year and I haven't had any luck with it. Mainly because I'm unsure about my direction.
Would you recommend pursuing an MBA?
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17 answers
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1870
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Many of us felt ill-equipped when we entered the workforce. After about a year and a half, that feeling fades away, and, before you know it, you are training new employees! I would strongly discourage you from getting more education if you are not sure yet where you are going. Get a start in work, and, once you feel like that is the direction that is right for you, then get the additional education. There is no substitute for that first job, and going back to school at this point looks a lot like procrastination.
I would strongly recommend working with the career placement office at your school on refining your resume (if you are not getting interviews) and interview skills (if you get interviews but no job offers). Also consider taking a position one step below what you feel you should be getting. It would let you acquire a working knowledge of the company and be better positioned to move up.
I wish you the best!
I would strongly recommend working with the career placement office at your school on refining your resume (if you are not getting interviews) and interview skills (if you get interviews but no job offers). Also consider taking a position one step below what you feel you should be getting. It would let you acquire a working knowledge of the company and be better positioned to move up.
I wish you the best!
Lauren Kelly
Consulting
5
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
Lauren’s Answer
From my personal experience, an MBA is most valuable when you have some work experience so you can identify with your colleagues, contribute to the case studies, etc and when you have a strong idea about why you want the degree - what exactly will you get out of it. It is a big commitment time and money towards a degree that is not required to work in business (or to start your own business). It will likely be a more meaningful experience for you (and your colleagues - your future network) if you wait to pursue this additional education after you have a bit more experience and clarity.
Omowunmi Osholeye
Financial Advisory Consultant
14
Answers
Lanham, Maryland
Updated
Omowunmi’s Answer
Chloe, You should immediately take the MBA. More importantly, you've got a scholarship to soften the financial pressures and constraints of an MBA. I did mine without a scholarship and in my opinion, a scholarship will keep you more focused during your programme and enable you maximize it fully. Again, all the reasons you listed are all solid and right reasons for pursuing an MBA .
Speaking of the short time line, you can still make it with proper planning. I had major constraints during my own time as i had to switch schools within a very short time frame, got my travel documents late and had to travel within 2 days of receipt. Despite all that, the experience was profound and gave me the needed push in my career. I sustained this for a long time before seeking additional strong credentials. You've got this. Go get it....
Speaking of the short time line, you can still make it with proper planning. I had major constraints during my own time as i had to switch schools within a very short time frame, got my travel documents late and had to travel within 2 days of receipt. Despite all that, the experience was profound and gave me the needed push in my career. I sustained this for a long time before seeking additional strong credentials. You've got this. Go get it....
Aparna Sarnu
40
Answers
Updated
Aparna’s Answer
Hi there! Congratulations on getting into the MBA program! Go ahead and start your journey. I know things might not be fully prepared, but it's still a great choice.
Kevin Teder
8
Answers
Updated
Kevin’s Answer
I think 'work/job' experience is the best to help you gain the right knowledge to start your own company. An MBA can supplement work/job experience, but can not provide the things you learn every day in your work experience. I would find a job for a company similar to what you want to start on your own - this is the best 'learning' on how you'll need to operate your company.
Sherry Gu
1
Answer
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Sherry’s Answer
Hi Chloe, congratulations on getting accepted with a scholarship! That's a big achievement.
It sounds like you might already have a sense of what you want to do. You mentioned feeling unsure, and that's important to consider.
I believe your instincts are spot on. An MBA can be more valuable after gaining a few years of work experience. Right now, you're still exploring your path, which is perfectly fine. People who gain the most from an MBA often have a clear goal in mind. Taking some time to figure that out could make your degree even more rewarding and enjoyable. Jumping into an MBA now might just postpone the "what do I really want to do" question.
What are your thoughts?
It sounds like you might already have a sense of what you want to do. You mentioned feeling unsure, and that's important to consider.
I believe your instincts are spot on. An MBA can be more valuable after gaining a few years of work experience. Right now, you're still exploring your path, which is perfectly fine. People who gain the most from an MBA often have a clear goal in mind. Taking some time to figure that out could make your degree even more rewarding and enjoyable. Jumping into an MBA now might just postpone the "what do I really want to do" question.
What are your thoughts?
Jean Noel Sanchez
Developer/Data Analyst
76
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jean Noel’s Answer
Hi - This is a classic "fork in the road" decision where both options—taking the MBA now or continuing the job search—carry distinct risks and opportunities.
To evaluate this clearly, let's look at the three major drivers behind your decision: Career Readiness & Direction, Timing & Transitions, and The Job Market.
1. Evaluating Your Key Drivers
A. Business Knowledge & Entrepreneurial Goals
• The Pitch: An MBA provides structured exposure to accounting, finance, strategy, and operations—foundational skills for launching or managing a business.
• The Reality: While an MBA teaches business mechanics, it does not guarantee entrepreneurial success. Practical experience, trial-and-error, and self-study (e.g., books, online courses, incubator programs) can teach similar fundamentals without the opportunity cost of two years out of the workforce.
B. The Job Search & Unclear Direction
• The Pitch: An MBA buys you 1–2 years to pause, reflect, build a global network, and pivot your career track with career services support.
• The Reality: An MBA will not solve an unclear direction by itself. If you enter business school without a targeted industry or role, you risk graduating with the same uncertainty—just with a specialized degree.
C. Timing, Readiness & Moving Across the World
• The Challenge: Moving internationally and starting a full-time academic program within 8 weeks is a massive logistical and psychological shift.
• The Risk: Making a multi-year life pivot primarily out of frustration with a tough job market can lead to burnout or regret if you feel rushed into it.
2. Comparing Your Strategic Paths
Criteria Option 1: Take the MBA Now Option 2: Defer MBA & Keep Job Searching
Immediate Benefit Breakers job search fatigue; provides structure, network, and brand. Gives you time to clarify career goals before making a massive move.
Financial / Scholarship Risk High value if scholarship is locked, but incurs tuition + living expenses + lost salary. Low financial risk; keeps options open while earning potential income.
Relocation Pressure High — requires international move and major life transition in < 60 days. Low — stay in current setup while targeting local or remote roles.
Career Pivot Success High potential if you target a specific post-MBA industry from Day 1. Dependent on narrowing down target roles and targeted networking.
3. Recommended Action Plan
1. Request a 1-Year Deferral immediately
o Contact the MBA admissions office and ask if you can defer your entry and scholarship to next year due to the short notice for an international move. Most programs accommodate reasonable deferral requests.
o Outcome: This removes the pressure of moving in 2 months while securing your scholarship as a backup option.
2. Run a 30-Day "Direction Assessment"
o Before committing to business school, spend one month defining 2–3 target roles (e.g., Product Management, Strategy, Marketing, Operations) or business concepts you want to build.
o Conduct 3–5 informational interviews with people working in those roles or running similar businesses to test if an MBA is actually required to get there.
3. Fill the Knowledge Gap Independently First
o If lack of business literacy is holding you back in interviews, take targeted short courses (e.g., Financial Accounting, Business Strategy on Coursera/edX) or read core business literature (e.g., The Personal MBA by Josh Kaufman).
o Test whether self-learning gives you the confidence you need at a fraction of the cost and time commitment.
Which aspect of the decision feels like the biggest obstacle right now—the fear of moving so quickly, or the uncertainty about what career direction you actually want to take?
To evaluate this clearly, let's look at the three major drivers behind your decision: Career Readiness & Direction, Timing & Transitions, and The Job Market.
1. Evaluating Your Key Drivers
A. Business Knowledge & Entrepreneurial Goals
• The Pitch: An MBA provides structured exposure to accounting, finance, strategy, and operations—foundational skills for launching or managing a business.
• The Reality: While an MBA teaches business mechanics, it does not guarantee entrepreneurial success. Practical experience, trial-and-error, and self-study (e.g., books, online courses, incubator programs) can teach similar fundamentals without the opportunity cost of two years out of the workforce.
B. The Job Search & Unclear Direction
• The Pitch: An MBA buys you 1–2 years to pause, reflect, build a global network, and pivot your career track with career services support.
• The Reality: An MBA will not solve an unclear direction by itself. If you enter business school without a targeted industry or role, you risk graduating with the same uncertainty—just with a specialized degree.
C. Timing, Readiness & Moving Across the World
• The Challenge: Moving internationally and starting a full-time academic program within 8 weeks is a massive logistical and psychological shift.
• The Risk: Making a multi-year life pivot primarily out of frustration with a tough job market can lead to burnout or regret if you feel rushed into it.
2. Comparing Your Strategic Paths
Criteria Option 1: Take the MBA Now Option 2: Defer MBA & Keep Job Searching
Immediate Benefit Breakers job search fatigue; provides structure, network, and brand. Gives you time to clarify career goals before making a massive move.
Financial / Scholarship Risk High value if scholarship is locked, but incurs tuition + living expenses + lost salary. Low financial risk; keeps options open while earning potential income.
Relocation Pressure High — requires international move and major life transition in < 60 days. Low — stay in current setup while targeting local or remote roles.
Career Pivot Success High potential if you target a specific post-MBA industry from Day 1. Dependent on narrowing down target roles and targeted networking.
3. Recommended Action Plan
1. Request a 1-Year Deferral immediately
o Contact the MBA admissions office and ask if you can defer your entry and scholarship to next year due to the short notice for an international move. Most programs accommodate reasonable deferral requests.
o Outcome: This removes the pressure of moving in 2 months while securing your scholarship as a backup option.
2. Run a 30-Day "Direction Assessment"
o Before committing to business school, spend one month defining 2–3 target roles (e.g., Product Management, Strategy, Marketing, Operations) or business concepts you want to build.
o Conduct 3–5 informational interviews with people working in those roles or running similar businesses to test if an MBA is actually required to get there.
3. Fill the Knowledge Gap Independently First
o If lack of business literacy is holding you back in interviews, take targeted short courses (e.g., Financial Accounting, Business Strategy on Coursera/edX) or read core business literature (e.g., The Personal MBA by Josh Kaufman).
o Test whether self-learning gives you the confidence you need at a fraction of the cost and time commitment.
Which aspect of the decision feels like the biggest obstacle right now—the fear of moving so quickly, or the uncertainty about what career direction you actually want to take?
Sara Meadow
Management Consultant
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Sara’s Answer
Hi! Congrats on the admissions and scholarship! My biggest piece of advice would be to reach out to alumns of the school and ask how their experience was and what the ROI was like. I think the decision to pursue an MBA is highly personal - it can be very beneficial for some and a time / money suck for others. I would also echo the recommendation to look at jobs reports, but I also think speaking to at least 5 or so recent alumns (you can usually reach out on Linkedin and people will respond) will help with the decision making.
Michele Parmelee
Consultant
4
Answers
New Orleans, Louisiana
Updated
Michele’s Answer
When I was out of college, I began a part-time MBA program -- to challenge me more than my job and learn new skills. My company paid for it. I took one course a semester at night. I figured I wanted to go to a full-time MBA program, but I wasn't ready yet/wanted the job experience. I would say that to get the most out of an MBA program, you need work experience -- it gives you context, it gives you business maturity if that makes sense. It helps you better know what you like and don't like as you pursue employment post the MBA. I worked for 3 years then did my MBA. I also don't think you necessarily need an MBA to start you own business -- but what it does provide is a network, familiarity with a wide range of topics you might not experience in your job, and credibility to your professional resume.
Michael Pagan, MBA
Risk and control
5
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Chloe,
It's normal to feel unprepared or overwhelmed when starting a new job. You'll learn as you go, and that's part of the process. Finding mentors and colleagues to talk to can make you feel more at ease. Your company might have training materials, and there are online courses to help you understand your tasks or improve your skills for future opportunities.
Congratulations on getting into the MBA program and receiving a scholarship! I enjoyed my MBA experience, but it's important to consider if this is the right time and program for you. Think about the points above before committing. You might be able to defer admission for a year, and there are other MBA options, including local and part-time programs, that might fit your needs better.
You're ambitious and asking the right questions. The answers will become clearer as you take things step by step.
It's normal to feel unprepared or overwhelmed when starting a new job. You'll learn as you go, and that's part of the process. Finding mentors and colleagues to talk to can make you feel more at ease. Your company might have training materials, and there are online courses to help you understand your tasks or improve your skills for future opportunities.
Congratulations on getting into the MBA program and receiving a scholarship! I enjoyed my MBA experience, but it's important to consider if this is the right time and program for you. Think about the points above before committing. You might be able to defer admission for a year, and there are other MBA options, including local and part-time programs, that might fit your needs better.
You're ambitious and asking the right questions. The answers will become clearer as you take things step by step.
Wong Loke Yuen
Dean; Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
787
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Based on what you shared, an MBA could be helpful because you want to improve your business knowledge and eventually start your own business. It may also give you access to new networks, career opportunities, and valuable skills that can help you feel more confident at work.
At the same time, I do not think you should choose an MBA only because you are feeling lost or having difficulty finding a job. An MBA is a big commitment, and it is important to understand what you hope to gain from it.
If the program is reputable, the scholarship reduces the financial burden, and you are willing to embrace the change, I would seriously consider taking the opportunity. Feeling nervous is normal. Sometimes growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone and trying something new.
At the same time, I do not think you should choose an MBA only because you are feeling lost or having difficulty finding a job. An MBA is a big commitment, and it is important to understand what you hope to gain from it.
If the program is reputable, the scholarship reduces the financial burden, and you are willing to embrace the change, I would seriously consider taking the opportunity. Feeling nervous is normal. Sometimes growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone and trying something new.
Jaye Aster Broder
Management Consulting
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Jaye’s Answer
While many feel ill-equipped at work and lack the business knowledge, I would generally advise against pursuing an MBA immediately out of undergrad because so much of the valuable learning of full-time MBA programs comes from classmates who've also worked and being able to reflect on your past experiences. So much of learning happens after school as you work over your lifetime.
Because every situation is different, I would encourage you to
a) Review the employment report for that past ~3 years for your MBA program. Are most graduates accepting offers within 3-months of graduation? Are recent alumni working in jobs you want (industry, function, geography)? Are they earning what you would expect to earn out of an MBA? --- If the answers to these questions are all YES, then the program may be a great fit. If not or if unknown, the MBA, unless truly a full-ride scholarship is probably not worth it.
b) Consult your career development services at your university.
c) Reflect on what you want to do and what you need to do to achieve it. The MBA goes by faster than undergrad so you will likely not be able to explore as much. There may be another masters program that is more relevant to your needs. Some professors may also have insight.
Because every situation is different, I would encourage you to
a) Review the employment report for that past ~3 years for your MBA program. Are most graduates accepting offers within 3-months of graduation? Are recent alumni working in jobs you want (industry, function, geography)? Are they earning what you would expect to earn out of an MBA? --- If the answers to these questions are all YES, then the program may be a great fit. If not or if unknown, the MBA, unless truly a full-ride scholarship is probably not worth it.
b) Consult your career development services at your university.
c) Reflect on what you want to do and what you need to do to achieve it. The MBA goes by faster than undergrad so you will likely not be able to explore as much. There may be another masters program that is more relevant to your needs. Some professors may also have insight.
Caroline A
Design Program Manager
4
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Caroline’s Answer
If your MBA doesn't put you in a lot of debt because of your scholarship, it can be a great way to meet people who also want to start businesses and have different life experiences. While an MBA isn't always needed and doesn't take the place of work experience, it can help you get promoted at a company.
Vinayak Kawathekar
Advisory Manager (Information Security)
8
Answers
Edison, New Jersey
Updated
Vinayak’s Answer
I highly recommend prioritizing your graduate studies. Securing both an admission and a scholarship is a fantastic achievement, making this a very straightforward decision. Experiencing anxiety about relocating is a natural part of the process, but it shouldn't hinder your academic journey. Trust that things will align smoothly as you go—there is no need to overthink every minor detail. Wishing you the absolute best!
Swati Mane
2
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Swati’s Answer
Hi Chloe, congratulations on getting into the MBA program! It's a great achievement. You might want to ask your university if you can defer your admission for a year or two. If they allow it, that could be really helpful. If not, it's still fantastic that you have both admission and a scholarship. You even have the chance to finish early. Best of luck with everything ahead!
Brad Boyd
Consultant
4
Answers
Fort Worth, Texas
Updated
Brad’s Answer
Congratulations on getting accepted into an MBA program and receiving a scholarship! It's normal to feel unsure at times, but that's just part of growing, so embrace it!
As for your MBA decision, remember that it's a personal choice. A lot of the value from an MBA comes from the connections you make with alumni, the school's links to the industries you're interested in, and the strength of your classmates. Consider these factors before choosing a program.
Good luck, and I'm confident you'll make a great decision!
As for your MBA decision, remember that it's a personal choice. A lot of the value from an MBA comes from the connections you make with alumni, the school's links to the industries you're interested in, and the strength of your classmates. Consider these factors before choosing a program.
Good luck, and I'm confident you'll make a great decision!
Teresa Williams
2
Answers
McLean, Virginia
Updated
Teresa’s Answer
Work experience will add value and provide clarity to concepts learned in your MBA program. Speak with a career counselor at the college to see if there are jop opportunities available during the MBA program. This could include internships or part -time/full time jobs.