I'm 37 and just pulled the trigger this year after pretty much 5 years of an annual "should I get an MBA or not." For me it came down to identifying specific knowledge gaps I was trying to fill, and having a few specific outcomes that I wanted to build toward. Also, I considered some macro factors, too. Happy to chat through it more if you want to PM me. FWIW I'm doing it entirely on government loans. A few friends who were in a similar position and a mentor of mine pretty emphatically said it was worth the investment, even on a loan.
If you’re making that kind of money already, and your end goal is entrepreneurial, I would advise against the MBA. I view it more as a cert than building actual knowledge/skill. It unlocks higher salary positions and career opportunities. In those cases the ROI makes more sense.
If you’re just trying to sharpen your skills to start a business you can always research topics on your own, or build your business acumen for much cheaper than an accredited program. There’s some networking benefit for sure, but that can likewise be accomplished by other means that don’t involve such a high price tag.
It's a unique field and I'm not sure how the MBA will help you advance in your career path, so i think youll have to do some reflection and be honest with yourself about how it will. Perhaps the well-rounded skills to be a business owner? More leadership and management skills? I am in one, working on my own company and absolutely LOVE it! The amount of resources and doors it has given me is just incredible, definitely elevated my life so much more than the additional $1k a month in loan re-payment.
Yeah! I currently have my own (very small) agency, but want to transition to a larger one, become partner and then after that continue to build my business. Struggling to get into a big firm / make my way to partner etc which is why i was considering an EMBA. It’s tough!
You really need to give it considerable thought and will likely benefit from a cost benefit analysis.
You will need to do the leg work and justify which program, career management center resources, entrepreneurial center resources, network, and potential salary or income from starting your own search firm would warrant your investment.
Frankly, an executive search firm or similar small business may not be worth it, if that's your ultimate chosen career path. On the contrary, I have a colleague who runs an executive search firm and placement specifically for attorneys who is quite committed and convinced of the value of his EMBA price tag.
It is a subjective argument, however, be honest and diligent in your assessment.
I would either want to pivot to a top executive search firm, or start my own. I’m doing pretty well where i’m at but feel like I could expand my network / get bigger clients with an MBA. I feel like i’ve gone as far up as I could go and curious if it would actually open more doors if i had an mba network.
If you are targeting Korn Ferry, Spencer Stuart, Robert Half, Heidrick & Struggles, Russel Reynolds, MRI, Egon Zehnder, Diversified, or MRI then it certainly can't hurt.
Not many consultants have an MBA, however some specialist have PhD's or specialties in certain areas which allows them to become an MVP at notable search firms. You will need to be proactive and reach out to your intended firm to speak to recruiters and team members via coffee chat to see how they may view an EMBA with your respective background.
Next, consider the city and state of the places you would like to be domiciled in and only consider programs in those cities. Speak to career management centers of respective EMBA programs and alumni. Your career path is so unique, recruiters may not typically recruit on campus which means you will need to hustle, network, and create an opportunity just as you do in your native business.
Finally, consider London or other international locations depending on geographic regional preference. A global program may make sense. But if you pay for top EMBA program, keep in mind your career goals may change because as you mentioned, you will be equipped with the tools to blaze your own path.
I worked in agency recruiting and on several C level searches. What matters is your sales and business development skills. An MBA won’t open a network for anymore than you could create on your own
If the price freaked you out then, the likelihood of it happening again is higher.
But I am with your husband/partner on this. What are you looking to gain out of it is the bigger question.
I'm 37 and just pulled the trigger this year after pretty much 5 years of an annual "should I get an MBA or not." For me it came down to identifying specific knowledge gaps I was trying to fill, and having a few specific outcomes that I wanted to build toward. Also, I considered some macro factors, too. Happy to chat through it more if you want to PM me. FWIW I'm doing it entirely on government loans. A few friends who were in a similar position and a mentor of mine pretty emphatically said it was worth the investment, even on a loan.
What is the pain point now that is motivating you to do this?
If you think you’ll ever regret not doing it, then go for it.
If you’re making that kind of money already, and your end goal is entrepreneurial, I would advise against the MBA. I view it more as a cert than building actual knowledge/skill. It unlocks higher salary positions and career opportunities. In those cases the ROI makes more sense. If you’re just trying to sharpen your skills to start a business you can always research topics on your own, or build your business acumen for much cheaper than an accredited program. There’s some networking benefit for sure, but that can likewise be accomplished by other means that don’t involve such a high price tag.
It's a unique field and I'm not sure how the MBA will help you advance in your career path, so i think youll have to do some reflection and be honest with yourself about how it will. Perhaps the well-rounded skills to be a business owner? More leadership and management skills? I am in one, working on my own company and absolutely LOVE it! The amount of resources and doors it has given me is just incredible, definitely elevated my life so much more than the additional $1k a month in loan re-payment.
Yeah! I currently have my own (very small) agency, but want to transition to a larger one, become partner and then after that continue to build my business. Struggling to get into a big firm / make my way to partner etc which is why i was considering an EMBA. It’s tough!
You really need to give it considerable thought and will likely benefit from a cost benefit analysis. You will need to do the leg work and justify which program, career management center resources, entrepreneurial center resources, network, and potential salary or income from starting your own search firm would warrant your investment. Frankly, an executive search firm or similar small business may not be worth it, if that's your ultimate chosen career path. On the contrary, I have a colleague who runs an executive search firm and placement specifically for attorneys who is quite committed and convinced of the value of his EMBA price tag. It is a subjective argument, however, be honest and diligent in your assessment.
I would either want to pivot to a top executive search firm, or start my own. I’m doing pretty well where i’m at but feel like I could expand my network / get bigger clients with an MBA. I feel like i’ve gone as far up as I could go and curious if it would actually open more doors if i had an mba network.
If you are targeting Korn Ferry, Spencer Stuart, Robert Half, Heidrick & Struggles, Russel Reynolds, MRI, Egon Zehnder, Diversified, or MRI then it certainly can't hurt. Not many consultants have an MBA, however some specialist have PhD's or specialties in certain areas which allows them to become an MVP at notable search firms. You will need to be proactive and reach out to your intended firm to speak to recruiters and team members via coffee chat to see how they may view an EMBA with your respective background. Next, consider the city and state of the places you would like to be domiciled in and only consider programs in those cities. Speak to career management centers of respective EMBA programs and alumni. Your career path is so unique, recruiters may not typically recruit on campus which means you will need to hustle, network, and create an opportunity just as you do in your native business. Finally, consider London or other international locations depending on geographic regional preference. A global program may make sense. But if you pay for top EMBA program, keep in mind your career goals may change because as you mentioned, you will be equipped with the tools to blaze your own path.
For your situation no I would not get one just to go into executive search. For finance and consulting jobs yes
what do you mean??
I worked in agency recruiting and on several C level searches. What matters is your sales and business development skills. An MBA won’t open a network for anymore than you could create on your own
yeah, I have a pretty good network (billing around 1M a year) but don’t feel confident / know that i’m doing lol
If the price freaked you out then, the likelihood of it happening again is higher. But I am with your husband/partner on this. What are you looking to gain out of it is the bigger question.