Will an MBA disadvantage me?

Question

I am a recent college grad working as a secretary in a college academic department. This allows me the chance to get free grad school and I am currently working toward an MBA. My concern is that once I have my MBA in about 2 years, I won't really have any valuable work experience to apply to jobs in the field, only work within a college administrative setting. Do you think this will put me at a disadvantage when I apply for jobs?

Answer 1

Education is never a bad idea. Also you may be able to transfer to more of an administrative position (rather than administrative assistant) within the college itself as there is a definite business aspect to academics. Good luck!

Answer 2

NOT AS MUCH AS SOME ONE WITH NO EXPERIENCE.
CAN YOU get management to teach you add you to the team some management projects? on the side?
maybe a part time internship if you could squeeze it in? you can now afford a free job since bills are paid and some of the not paid internships have rewards later.
as a Secretary you have access to all the work product so you can learn a lot on your own.!
see if you can get into management meetings board meetings etc.. ask how they can help you relate your job to your career.
what field do you want to work in? that is where you should try to be although switching jobs too quickly also doesn't look good on a resume.
much management work experience is the same or similar in all fields.
transferable skills are whats important.
so make sure its a plum job before you change.

Answer 3

I really don't think so. The opporuntities that will open up from having the MBA, as opposed to not having it, will be tremendous. I am too old now, but wish I would have gotten mine 10 years ago. There is a point of diminishing return where it is not worth it financially. You then have to get it for other reasons - love of learning, etc.