patrick.net

I've always heard MBA was just to get biz connections and if you aren't at Stanford or somewhere they are worthless because you won't get those other places.

On that note, my brother-in-law got his MBA while working for coca cola and he still has the same job 5 years later. He also doesn't appear to understand finance well but part of that reason is my sister doesn't want him to be able to understand this. ;)

I'm also considering an MBA.. Not sure where yet. If I do go back it wouldn't be until Jan 2024 at the earliest.

Better to get a certification like software engineering certificate or a license like for a professional engineer

I don't see MBA helping much unless you go to a prestigious school and have the right network of connections

Law school online is not viable but I'd do that if I could to earn my law license eventually and start my own law firm

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I have a Masters in Chemcial Engineering and am a licensed Professional Engineer in several states. The MBA would potentially 1) help me move up the corporate ladder and 2) help me run my side consulting buisness better. The fact that a portion of the cost would be paid for my my employer (under certain conditions) is also attractive.

A MBA could make you look over qualified, it could help and it might not matter. Learning in general is a good thing.

I got an MBA from San Diego State University back in 2007. My undergrad is Environmental Science and Chemistry and I was about 8 years into my job managing branch offices when I decided to get the extra education. It took me 4 years going to campus after work 2-3 days a week to finish the program. Most people in my industry are Civil or Mechanical Engineers.......many of which go onto management and get MBA's. Personally, I found it quite helpful learning about all the mechanics of running a business (Accounting, Marketing, Sales, OPS, Legal) and believe it helped me get promoted to Regional Management and helped me get my new job at a much larger firm a few years ago.

That said, I would never spend a fortune on an MBA (even a top-tiered school). I got mine when it was still relatively cheap in California and my company paid for most of it.

I think people who get MBA's right out of school is a waste. I got the most out of my program as I was already working and could apply the education to my real job experiences.

Even though MBA's are a dime a dozen now, if you can show you spent a few years in a real job and decided to get an MBA while working (even online) - that is still impressive on the resume IMO and shows recruiters you are striving for continuous improvement.

Go for it!