Should I wait a few years before starting an MBA program?
I will be graduating this semester and am thinking about graduate school. The school I currently attend has a bridge program that would allow me to complete my MBA in two semesters (option expires after 5 years). While all this is great, I have been told that getting out into the workforce to gain real experiences (opposed to classroom scenarios) is really important before starting an MBA.
The way it was put to me was the following:
Between a young professional with two degrees and no work experience versus a another young professional with two degrees, who took a gap year to gain to experience in the industry, who do you think a firm would want on their team?
7 answers
Donald’s Answer
Academic prowess (2 degrees) with no work experience is, in my opinion, far less valuable than the same degrees separated by work experience. To fully understand the coursework you need to be able to place it in context. Case studies are great as long as you can conceptualize and articulate how they might be applied to a work situation. A very difficult task when you don't really have pracical experience in business. By having the work experience, it may better allow you to apply the knowledge you will acquire in your MBA program. I know a number of folks who got their MBA immediately after graduating - ALL have started in positions inferior to what they thought they deserved.......Good luck...Don Knapik
Thank you for your reply! This is the general opinion I've received when talking to students in the MBA program. I am thinking perhaps it would be most beneficial for me to get into the workforce before starting an MBA.
Laiz
Rebecca Beyer Shark
Rebecca’s Answer
Most MBA programs require a minimum of 2 years of post-undergraduate work experience. The average number of years of work experience for top MBA programs is 4 -5. There are a couple of reasons for this: 1) you will be able to get more out of your classes is you have full-time work experience to relate to what you will be learning; 2) you will be able to contribute more to classroom discussions if you have full-time work experience to draw upon; 3) recruiters expect to see some full-time work experience on your resume if they are going to consider you for an MBA-level job.
My answer is based on 6+ years experience as a corporate recruiter, 3 years experience in MBA admissions and 8+ years experience in MBA career services.
Thank you so much for your response! I believe the general advice that I have been getting is work experience is best. I talked to students in the program and they have also stated that they are able to learn more since they are better able to relate to the courses better due to their experiences.
Laiz
Kim’s Answer
Laiz,
I have helped many jobseekers try to find jobs. Those with Master's degrees, but no experience, are finding that it is very tough. The reason for this? They are "over-qualified" (by virtue of the master's degree) for entry-level positions that will serve as a stepping stone to more professional positions, and under-qualified for the professional positions, because they have no experience.
Secondly, those who were positive this was their "passion," are shocked to find, after having taken out loans for Bachelor and Master degrees, that this is no longer the direction they want to go. I had a man a few weeks ago. He went from HS to College to Masters in Education, "knowing he wanted to teach HS math. Three months into his first year as a teacher, he was looking for a total change in careers.
Third, if you find the job first, and then go for the degree, it is possible the employer will have a tuition assistance program.
Education is extremely expensive. I'm curious as to how this "bridge" program works. If it is shaving a bunch of hours off the degree, that will save some money, so might be worth it, if you are positive this is your chosen path. But then, what are you really learning? And, is that degree going to be of less value in the marketplace than other Master degrees? It might even be worth changing schools, if the degrees from another school are more prestigious. (Although, once you are out of school a few years, where you graduated from and what you majored in become less important.)
Another reason for gaining real world experience is because it gives you something to relate to when covering material in class. I have recently gone back to school to pursue a Master's in Legal Studies. Having lived through a lawsuit, and done some work for some attorneys, I am able to understand the lessons at a much deeper level than those who are being exposed for the first time.
You have a lot to think about. I wish you the best!
Thank you so much for your advice! The general opinion when I speak with students in the program is to take a few years to gain experience.
As far as the bridge program goes, since I will be completing a BS in Business Administration at SFSU, I will have completed the first two semesters worth of classes for the MBA program (essentially, completing prerequisites). For this reason, depending on my GPA, I would be able to apply without having to take the GRE or GMAT. Once in the program, I would only have two semesters worth of classes to complete the MBA program. I just recently found out that this bridge program is also applicable to other CSU campuses and is available up to 5 years after I finish my undergrad. I am not sure if this applies to all CSUs and what the time lapse would be.
Laiz
It sounds like you are doing a good job of getting advice and sorting it all out. Awesome!
Kim Igleheart
Kenyana’s Answer
Look at the jobs that interests you, and see what the qualifications are for that position. If it is a preference for a MBA, then go straight from college into the program because it will give you a heads up over any other applicant. Hope this helps!
Pamela Mapelli
Pamela’s Answer
I totally agree with the last answer. Experience is very important. Graduate degrees and experience go hand in hand. I've seen how students cannot make the most of their course of studies because they lack experience. If you could work and study at the same time, that would be good.
Scott’s Answer
Work experience is very important, but getting your MBA while you can is also important. It will never be easier to get your MBA than now. As you move through life, other responsibilities begin to creep in - family, children, work, financial obligations, etc. The longer you wait, the more difficult it is to go back to school. If you really want your MBA, or if it is required for the position you are seeking, get it as early as you can.
Amanda’s Answer
I agree with the above answers. You need work experience before your MBA so you can make the most of your MBA program. Without any experience you cannot fully understand the coursework. You will get more out of the program if you can relate your previous experience to the material. Lack of experience can also result in a lower starting salary. Most MBA programs will not even accept you if you do not have 2 years of work experience and for good reasons.
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