Does MBA adds value?

[Naveen Venkat]

Hi,

Im a bachelor in Computer Science engg, currently working as a Software engg. (full time) for about 3 and odd yrs. I feel UG is not enough in the long run and want to go for a PG(distance learning). Please advice me whether to go for MBA or MS? Also let me know the universities which is good for distance learning.

Naveen.

[Mike Isano]

I've always though of MBA's as useless.

[Bear Bibeault]

I've always thought that opinions posted without any reasonong behind them were particularly useless.

[Joe San]

Why do you say MBA's as useless? Any reason that you can say for it? I feel that technical experience plus a management degree should definitely add immense value to anyone's career.

The option for considering MBA to MS would be that, if you are interested to pursue a career in research and development, then MS would be the best option. If you seriously consider to climb the hierarchical ladder in any organization then MBA would definitely add value.

[Srikanth Basa]

Naveen, it depends on one's interest. In the past 3 years, you might have realized what suits you and what you are interested in - A technical or A Managerial career path.

If you want to be a pure techie (say, Architect) then MBA doesn't give you any added advantage, but if you want to get into management then MBA is something good to have.

If you plan to go for an MS, then even after doing your MS you still have both techincal as well as managerial career paths open. But, I personally believe, for managers MBA adds greater value than MS.

AFAIK, part time degrees aren't given much importance (in India) so if you are really serious, then give a thought on a full time degree.

Finally, one thing - whichever you choose, it must be your option and not because others suggested it
[ July 31, 2007: Message edited by: Srikanth Basavaraju ]

[arulk pillai]

If you can learn part-time and at the same time find opportunity to apply what you learn hands-on then it will be pretty useful but if you learn just for the sake of a degree and and not apply what you learn, then I am not sure if it is going to be useful.

Secondly you need to see what you have more aptitude for technical stuff?or management? Are you a people person? What makes you wanting to go work everey day -- people issues or technical issues etc.
[ July 31, 2007: Message edited by: arulk pillai ]

[Rambo Prasad]

If you are planning to continue coding after Mba then I dont see much value in doing a Mba.If you are looking for a change in profile and role then Mba is an ideal bet.

Typically after Mba from a good school you have the option to move to the following roles

1.Business Analyst
2.Strategy Consultant specializing in ROI,business value of IT,risk management etc.
3.Analytics expert focussing on marketing and finance.
4.Valuation analyst at a private equity/VC company with a focus on high-tech
5.Business development Manager or Pre Sales
6.Project Manager
7.ERP consultant
8.HR Manager

I am highly sceptical about the worth of part time & distance Mba .
[ August 06, 2007: Message edited by: Rambo Prasad ]

[Arjunkumar Shastry]

MBA from the 'right' institute at 'right' time adds a value if you are in India.Distance learning from Symbiosis or IIM is a good option.Specialization in subjects such as Retail/cyber laws/e-security will be in demand in future everywhere.

[Rambo Prasad]

For experienced folks the one year executive Mba offered by IIM-Ahmedabad PGPX seems to be a good option.Placements are also good.

[srishal singh]

Can anyone here who has benifited from
part-time or full time MBA share his experience on how it
did (or the degree rather) help him/her achieve something worthwhile?

I have also contemplating of MBA(or similar ).I am also sceptical about the part time MBAs . I would appreciate cost-benefit analysis on the same.

[Rahul Bhattacharjee]

I am never is favour of part time MBA.Go for a full time MBA if you want to grow in managerial path.
For working in IT industry I really not feel that you need to have a MS degree unless you want to go to US and work.In that case it might be helpful you.

Or If you want to do something on the research and teaching font then might consider MS in CS.

[Svend Rost]

No offence, but...

There have been alot of posts concerning this topic, and alot of them dont provide any information about goals ect. which means we can not answer your question.. in effect, we'r wasting our time.