Is it better to work with a B.S Degree get experience then go get an MBA?

Question

A counselor at my college told me that sometimes that is the better choice to go. Because your degree will be nothing without experience. So get the experience then get the MBA. Have you guys heard of such? Or is this just bad advice?

Serious Answers only please
Thanks

Answer 1

Yes.
My parents agreed to it. Here is my current situation.
I had worked so many years that now I really do not want to obtain my Master.
First of all, once you obtain a Master, no corporation wants to hire you because you are too expensive.
If you are going to be a teacher, then it is worth a Master after you start teaching.
Or if you are going to become College Professor, then continue your education, not work.

Answer 2

In most situations, I would start working a few years before pursing a MBA, the reason being the admission process for MBA program are so competitive that it is almost impossible to get into top MBA program without significant work experience.

Another factor which I think is the more important factor is, if you go to a MBA program right after graduation without any work experience, you might find yourself both under and over-qualify when applying to position after MBA. You are under qualify for many management position, yet over-qualify for entry level position, if you go through the program keep thinking whether you can get a decent internship and job after then you should put off MBA. Unless you have CPA, CFA, etc where you know you will not have a hard time finding job, it is better to wait. There are fellowships where companies train new MBA graduate with little experience to mid level manager, but those programs are so rare now, and are extremely competitive to get into, you are looking at less than 5% chance of getting into those fellowship programs.

Best of luck.

Answer 3

Yes, this is a much better option. First, after just getting out of school you don't know what you really want to do yet. And, what that is may have nothing to do with an MBA or may change the focus of your MBA.

Second, your classes will make much more sense if you have some real-life experience to apply them to.

Third, many companies will pay for all/part of an MBA program so this could save you a lot of money.

Answer 4

I will tell you my story and then you decide.

I have an Associates degree - Legal Assistant
A Bachelor's degree from a private university in Legal Administration where I graduated with honors and I am 4 classes away from getting a Master's in Public Administration where I am also going to be graduating with honors.

Even though I have this much education I am not where I should be in my career. I have always been told that I lack the experience which is quite frustrating because if someone is trained properly they are able to do the job.

I'm even thinking of going onward toward a Ph.D, but then there is not guarantee of getting the job I want either.

I live in Michigan and the job market is really bad here.

So I can't tell you what your best bet is but I thought I would share my experience with you.

Answer 5

Some experience first, then an MBA, makes a lot of sense. The MBA courses will probably be more valuable if you can relate them to real-world situations. You'll probably do better in the MBA courses if you have some business experience.

Answer 6

Honestly, it depends on your situation. Experience is a huge factor in many work environments so it's not bad advice. The only concern I have for you is the difficulties involved with post-grad work while working full-time at a real job. You may find that you get a job you like and don't have time to go back to school and finish what you started. The amount of time you need to complete your Masters depends on the subject. Need more info though, and since I have not completed my Masters yet, it would be advice lacking in experience.Also I'm going to be a teacher at the college level so I have to do post-grad work.

Answer 7

There is a major advantage to working immideately. You'll get income! Then you can save for something else, like a house or paying down student loans. Another advantage is that many companies will pay for your additional schooling. It also depends though, if your degree is in accounting, many people get the MBA so they have enough credits to sit for the CPA exam (if you're in a blue state).

But yes, I have heard of that advice and it is definately plausible.

Answer 8

It depends on the programs at those school. I don't think it matters if you got your BS degree from that school. If the program is a GOOD one then go with it.

Answer 9

http://www.daylon.com/mba/

That page has some good information about the MBA degree.

Answer 10

I think so.