Should I get an MBA?

[Anonymous]

Long story short --

Me: 28, Ph.D. in niche field, currently mid-level manager at a non-profit. Previous experience in fed gov't. Also have a secondary masters in related field. If it matters, married, no kids.

I want to find my way to being a senior level executive in non-profit or foundation.

What do you think, should I pursue an MBA?

[Anonymous]

No.

[Anonymous]

OP Here: Should have added, if not an MBA -- what is my best path to getting to senior executive?

[Anonymous]

No. You have too many alphabets. Can you work harder and network more to your dream job?

[Anonymous]

No - you've got plenty of education, you need to get some work experience now and move through the ranks. Consider moving after a year or two if needed to advance.

Look at the backgrounds of the people you aspire to be. How did they get there? How long did it take?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No - you've got plenty of education, you need to get some work experience now and move through the ranks. Consider moving after a year or two if needed to advance.

Look at the backgrounds of the people you aspire to be. How did they get there? How long did it take?

That's why I feel I need an MBA -- all of the folks I know in senior roles of places I'd like to be have MBAs

[Anonymous]

Nope. I agree with PP. You have enough education. Figure out the angle to getvto the next level. Anyone who can help mentor you?

[Anonymous]

I will take the contrary view to the rest of the posters on here.

If you can get into an M7 Mba (or yale because they place well in non-profit, ngo, gov) i would consider it.

however i know nothing about non-profit hiring/culture etc.

[Anonymous]

M7 or no.

[Anonymous]

Definitely not.

[Anonymous]

Do not get a 3rd masters degree. So much about being senior level at work is confidence, networking, being able to work insanely long hours or travel at the expense of family sometimes, and sometimes luck or circumstances.

Ask yourself, why do you really want to be more senior? Is it about power? Money? There are other ways to do it than another 2 year degree.

This from someone with an MBA at one of the best local schools (ie. Maryland, Georgetown), and while it has helped me, many senior people at my fortune 200 company do not have one and that is not why they are C-level or SVP level.

Instead, I would network like crazy, and do informational interviews, and get good advise from older, wiser mentors on what you can do to improve your career prospects.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do not get a 3rd masters degree. So much about being senior level at work is confidence, networking, being able to work insanely long hours or travel at the expense of family sometimes, and sometimes luck or circumstances.

Ask yourself, why do you really want to be more senior? Is it about power? Money? There are other ways to do it than another 2 year degree.

This from someone with an MBA at one of the best local schools (ie. Maryland, Georgetown), and while it has helped me, many senior people at my fortune 200 company do not have one and that is not why they are C-level or SVP level.

Instead, I would network like crazy, and do informational interviews, and get good advise from older, wiser mentors on what you can do to improve your career prospects.

Interesting. I always wondered if the MBA was a ticket to a better job. I guess in some instances, it is all about networking and really proving yourself. THanks!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: I guess in some instances, it is all about networking and really proving yourself. THanks!

Not some. About 99% of all things.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:M7 or no.

What is M7? I went to a top school for my MBA, always top 10, generally top 5 depending on who is doing the ranking, and I've never heard this.

[Anonymous]

If you can get it free (scholarship, tuition assistance through job), go for it. Otherwise, no.