Thread: MBA's- Still worth something or not?

Originally Posted by 1slo23

I can assure you I am not just chasing money. I certainly do want financial security given by a good paying job, but I do not have illusions of granduer of what being a lawyer is like. Its long hours, lots paperwork, tons of meetings, etc. My cousin works Chicago big law and I know he works a lot, but doesn't hate his job. (at least not yet) I have put a lot of thought into this and intend to do a lot more. I don't want to end up doing something I will hate, no matter the amount of $$$

Reason why I say what I say is because an MBA and Law degree are two different fields. It would have made a lot more sense if you would have asked if you should get my MBA now or go work in the real world first.....or maybe a question like what is working in law like? But to ask which degree you should get (two different ones at that), project that you are chasing money degrees. Time to go to the men's warehouse or suit mart to buy a half ass 3 piece and cheap shoes....make sure you leave them unshined and dont use shoe trees

Reminds me of the last stripper I talked to that said she was studying cardiology and was an angel investor on the side. VERY INTERESTING.....

Originally Posted by donblackie

Reason why I say what I say is because an MBA and Law degree are two different fields. It would have made a lot more sense if you would have asked if you should get my MBA now or go work in the real world first.....or maybe a question like what is working in law like? But to ask which degree you should get (two different ones at that), project that you are chasing money degrees. Time to go to the men's warehouse or suit mart to buy a half ass 3 piece and cheap shoes....make sure you leave them unshined and dont use shoe trees

Reminds me of the last stripper I talked to that said she was studying cardiology and was an angel investor on the side. VERY INTERESTING.....

I can understand where he is coming from. Two different fields? Yes. But there comes a point in a students career that they WOULD have to make a decision.

You can't go straight into an MBA out of school. So by going out into the working world to obtain that mandatory work experience you could effectively be slowing down the process of getting into law earlier.

Could it be possible he has both an interest in business and law? OMGGGGGGGGGGG!?!?

Also lots of people get JD's/LLB's and don't become your typical practicing lawyers. They become entrepreneurs, business people, etc. It's a useful degree.

I can't speak for the OP. Maybe he's better off without either, they both have a very high opportunity cost. But I am in a similar boat. Your a good student, motivated, and have left your options open. As you near the end of your undergrad you need to make some choices. Asking the value of the degree in todays market is intelligent. Everyone know's BA's aren't what they used to be and to stand out you need a grad/masters. Professional degrees typically lend MORE credibility. He wants to know what doors each one could open for him. He is looking for input from both sides.

He saved us 2 threads and put it all in one. Thank him.

Ridiculously funny B-School videos - might not be so humorous unless you have either went through or plan to go through the application experience. I know a few of you will get a kick out of them:

while i get that you might have reasons to like one or the other among these paths, they really require, and reward, some very different skills. you really need to have the head for one or the other to be successful at either place

Sorry, I was lazy and instead of starting a new thread with the videos I brought this one back from the dead. Bad form I apologize.

Originally Posted by MexicoBlue

I was trying to figure out if anyone who has posted in this thread, other than Pun, actually has an MBA.

Yes, it's still a great degree to have. Yes, the better the school, the more value it has. Yes, plenty of people, particularly entrepreneurs obviously, do great in business without an MBA. And plenty of people do great with a local, or non-top-20 MBA. Particularly if they are going to stay in that area.

Whether or not it is worth two years of your life, a lot of money, and a lot of opportunity cost, is different for every person. But I find the way you phrase the question funny: MBA still worth something? In many areas, or at many levels, it's all but become a requirement for entry these days, and thus is worth more now than it ever was in the past.

I agree. Everyone's situation will dictate something slightly different.

I completed my MBA in 2005 at a non-top 20 school. My region of the country it quite different from most of you east- and west- coast folks. My MBA actually made it more difficult starting out because most companies were afraid they couldn't retain me long-term, and financially, there was almost no difference from a BA/BS degree. For me it was an investment for the future - more education, more opportunity, etc.

I'm glad I did it and glad I have it.

Side note - to put things in perspective on our area, the average starting salary for a new attorney in our area is $85k.

If somebody had a Business and Management BA , And obtained a MBA would this open more doors in career cirumcstances, for example one company that was Business Consultancy only employed those with MBAs.

Thanks