Is it worth it? (MBA)

Snippylynn

I have been living in Europe for the past 5 years, but only 1.5 have been spent working.  Due to the fact that I am in a new country and in a new career, I took an entry-level position.  In the past, I have been a store manager, in charge of up to 10 people, budgets, sales, etc.  

 However, I feel like I have really stalled in my career and that I'm really not going to get where I would like to be in my life. That is a manager of a department. 

With all that being said, I have been looking into getting an online MBA so I can continue to work (because I feel that work experience, no matter how entry-level, is better than just a degree!). Do you think it is worth it? It's a huge expense, and my company will not assist with that.

 

[Poll]

Inkful

I'd say the cost makes it difficult to justify purely for a degree.  You can learn what is taught in business school on the job over time without incurring debt and building experience. One cavaet, if you pursue a top tier, traditional MBA it can absolutely be worth it, especially when you factoring the networking opportunities.

HB's Girl

If it will advance the career you have, yes. If it is to help you get a job, no.

 http://www.askamanager.org/2011/12/thinking-about-grad-school-think-again.html

 http://www.askamanager.org/2009/06/graduated-year-ago-still-cant-get-hired.html?showComment=1244187148022

tobysnuggles

I just got my masters which my company paid half of and I was promoted upon getting a degree (so worth it for me to pay half). A LOT of students in my classes were going to grad school hoping it would help them get into a new industry/new job and it isn't working out that way in today's economy. You end up with a masters (which companies read as likely wanting to make more starting out) but have no experience in the new field. I would recommend getting an entry level job in the new field first, that you can work your way up in that will pay for some of your degree at least.

MMRoberts11

Most places I've seen really look for experience but if you have a higher degree than others, or the same, the experience will look even better.  Plus, some companies have pay ceilings for various degree levels.

magpie1127

A lot of it really depends on which university you get your MBA from.

DH is working on his through a state university, but there are a lot of scammy online MBA programs that aren't very well-respected.

It sounds like you work in retail, correct? Having managed my own store myself, I don't think an MBA would hurt once you get back to a store management level. If you've managed your own store before, it should be too hard to get back into. I'd work on getting a store management position, then work on your MBA while you build your report with that company. They may or may not pay for your MBA, but your MBA (along with a great sales record and lots of company involvement) should help you get a district manager position down the line.

If you're interested in a really great management career (this is not plugging!) The Buckle has a really incredible management program that really guarantees upward mobility if you're talented and dedicated. Their store managers make bank too (I was the Assistant there before I decided retail wasn't for me). They aren't international though (I think they're looking to expand into Canada and Europe, but they haven't yet).

If I misread your text and you aren't working in retail, you can disregard all that!! Good luck, and don't waste your money at a bad online university!