Should I get an MBA?

Question

Right now I'm doing my undergrad in poli sci. I have been considering getting an MBA afterwards. I am just curious about what the content of a MBA program is. Is it mostly theory, or is there a lot of practical math? Any other advice would be appreciated!

Answer 1

It is a mix of theory and practical work. Some classes (finance and operations research) are very mathematical. Others (management and marketing) are less quantitative. Bottom line -- you can make the degree as quantitative or as qualitative as you like.

I would not recommend getting an MBA in a full time program unless you can get into a ranked program. Job prospects for those going to unranked programs aren't much better than those who have an undergraduate business degree from an average school.

Students from top programs get multiple job offers at high salaries. However, those schools will want you to have three to five years of work experience.

Answer 2

The answer to your question varies program by program... so if there is something specific you want, you will most likely be able to find it!

I went to an MBA program that was quite theoretical, and feel that it serves my needs well. Other programs I looked at were much more "hands on", and in some cases were targeted toward very different career tracks.

That said, I would argue against going right back to school for an MBA. If you are interested in a business career, you will be well served by going out and working for a few years before going back to school. The best MBA programs generally don't even consider candidates without work experience, because they know the importance of context during your studies.

Good luck finishing your undergrad!

Answer 3

Make sure you get work experience in before you apply.