MBAs Grappling with Program Value
32 posts across 5 communities in the last 30 days; 75% from r/MBA.
“I’ve been looking into this recently, so here's how I'd break it down. Go for a full-time MBA if: You want a big career switch (consulting, investment banking, a new industry) You can afford to pause work for 1-2 years Networking and on-campus recruiting matter to you Go for an…”
“My background **• 29**, Treasury Manager at a PE-backed company, 2 years of experience **•** Prior: private credit ops at a large credit fund, FP&A at a PE-backed healthcare company, Army veteran (no post gi bills) **•** BSBA in Finance, FMVA, currently studying for the CMA…”
“Hi RPhs. Has anyone ever gotten their mba while practicing? And if so, how did you pull that off? I want to try and get my mba but want more information on how anyone else did it.”
Several posts express uncertainty about the value of an MBA, particularly online programs. Applicants question whether the degree is worth the investment and are seeking recommendations for reputable and flexible options. Others explore niche MBA programs like those focused on creative industries.
SOURCES (60)
“I'm attending an online MBA, and most of what I read about them is skeptical. I'd like to hear the other side from people it actually worked for. What were you doing before, and where did you land after? What part did the degree play:…”
“I know people’s opinions on not top MBA programs but I applied and was accepted into Boston University online MBA program. I have a few weeks to decide to commit. The reason I want an MBA my undergrad is in hospitality management so very random and I work in pharma. I’m not trying to change careers but I think as I move through my career it could help me level up even though an online program. I’m 34. Give me your thoughts. The program is extremely affordable also only about 25K all in. su”
“Reading books, work experience and my MBA program. Sorted. [re: Where are y'all getting your PDUs nowadays?]”
“M36 14 yrs of global O&G experience P&L, Operations, Sales, Business Growth, Digital, Supply Chain. What are best options for executive MBA - I prefer staying in Middle East, but had dreams about M7 9 yrs ago (I let go of the admit - a regret) Target after MBA : Consulting (Mbb) or Leadership role in Fortune 100. Whatever gets me past 400k mark basically. submitted by /u/GreenMountain868 [link] [comments]”
“Hi, I am planning to do MBA in finance in India which clgs should I apply apart from IIMs. My main concern is placements, wherever generates the best ROI submitted by /u/SouthernGanache2842 [link] [comments]”
“Hey everyone! I've been doing my MBA for around two months, and I'm still confused about which specialization to choose. I don't want to pick one just because it pays well or is popular. I want to understand what the actual work life, salary growth, stress levels, and career opportunities look like in different fields. I'd love to hear from people who've already been through this! How did you choose your specialization? Interest, salary, placements, or something else? Are you”
Question in title submitted by /u/CaffeinatedCrackHead [link] [comments]
Question in title submitted by /u/CaffeinatedCrackHead [link] [comments]
“Background: I'm a 35 year old man who started his career late due to medical problems. I have a BSE and MSE from U of M Ann Arbor. I graduated with honors during undergrad and got a 4.0 in my masters. I worked as a research assistant during grad school and now work for Ford in Dearborn, MI as a regulatory subject matter expert, but only have 2.5 years of work experience post grad school. Why I want an MBA: I'm interested in an MBA to hopefully push myself up to a supervisor or manager ro”
“I’ve been looking into this recently, so here's how I'd break it down. Go for a full-time MBA if: You want a big career switch (consulting, investment banking, a new industry) You can afford to pause work for 1-2 years Networking and on-campus recruiting matter to you Go for an online MBA if: You're already working and want a promotion or a move into management You can't afford a career break or the high tuition fees You're disciplined enough to study alone after work Before”
“Hello. 4 yrs ago I got my MBA degree. It was supposed to be on site classes but due to covid restrictions, I ended up doing it online & it was from a university overseas. To be honest, i found it not effective at all & now I have not been able to use that degree. Before getting this degree, I was already working for a few years in a culinary career & it was doing well but then covid happened & i got cancer so I decided to try and change careers which led me to getting an MBA (sti”
“Hey everyone, I'm a US CMA with a B.Com (Accounting & Finance) from a non-reputed college. I want an MBA from FMS Delhi mainly for the college brand and to break into management consulting (open to IB). How strong is the ROI and curriculum, and does the FMS tag really level the playing field in placements for someone with no professional experience? Honest feedback from students and alumni welcome, negatives included. submitted by /u/Affectionate_Dig2270 [link] [comment”
“Trying to decided if an MBA is worth it for me. It would be a part-time, online MBA that would be about 90% covered by my employer. It’s a mid-tier university not a big brand name, but a solid university. My background is in clinical operations management and healthcare technology startups. I have about 7 YOE. I am a Senior Director at a very large health system. My role and my career are strategy, finance, and operations focused within healthcare/digital health. I have an MHA and a public healt”
“I want to do courses on related with mba can you suggest any course to do .I am doing my 1 st year mba submitted by /u/Responsible-Gear8 [link] [comments]”
“Don't do an MBA if you are looking for: Just a high package Because your friend is doing it Because you don't know what else to do 90% of people who do MBA for these 3 reasons regret it after 1 year. MBA is not a salary booster. It's a career switcher. If you are happy with your current job, don't do it. submitted by /u/NewEmployment6205 [link] [comments]”
“Hi everyone, 24M from India, planning for an MBA abroad around 2028–29. Targeting roughly T10–T20 schools. Academics: 10th: 76% 12th: 79% BBA, Graphic Era University: 7.67/10 (~3.1/4.0, approximate) ~1-year gap after graduation, during which I completed internships. Currently working in supply chain/operations at a well-known Indian tire company (yellow/black logo). Role involves operations support, warehousing/3PL, SAP/Oracle, audits, SOPs and process improvement. My concern: learning is starti”
“Hi all, is it worth doing MBA full time at 27 in 2028. By the time in 2028 april, I will be having 3.4 years of work experience. 3.5 months, 6.5 months, 24 months at Middle office Investment back office. Gap of 3 years (multiple gaps) Profile is 73/80.3/79.65 GNEM 2021 Passed out non tier college. Other than academics CIBOP Imarticus NISM VIII - Equity derivatives Planning to take XV, Nism V, some short term course and virtual internship and improve profile. Current inhand is 40-42k expecting in”
“Hi everyone! I’m looking into doing an online MBA in India. Can anyone recommend an affordable, reputable program? I’d also like to know if there are any programs that can be completed in less than two years. If you’ve completed one, I’d appreciate hearing about your experience, including the cost, duration, and whether the degree was useful for your career. Thanks! submitted by /u/Proof_Profession6887 [link] [comments]”
“Heard many arguments about MBA not being worth it for the technical knowledge, but more for networking. What demographic / archetype of people is MBA truly worth it? submitted by /u/Ducc_5861 [link] [comments]”
“Hello!! I’ve reached a point in my career where I’m convinced an MBA is the exact leverage I need to step into upper management/leadership. I'm completely sold on the degree's long-term value, but I’ve decided a part-time program fits my personal and financial goals best. I’m currently based in Dallas, Texas, but I have the flexibility to relocate very quickly if an out-of-state program/city makes more sense. The Programs I’m Evaluating: UT Austin McCombs – Weekend MBA (Dallas Cohort): G”
“Currently about 3 years into HR career. So right now do you think it’s better to just get a MS in HRM online (completion time about 1.5 to 2 years) or go for the part-time MBA at a regional school (completion time about 3 years)? I’m wondering if I should go for the quickest degree first just to have a Masters quicker. submitted by /u/Adorable-Hearing1826 [link] [comments]”
“I’m confused between a PGP and a regular MBA. PGP programs look good on paper, but I’m not sure how much they actually help with placements and career growth. For someone considering colleges in Tier 1 or Tier 2 cities, what should I look at, and which colleges/programs are worth considering? submitted by /u/WiseLab886 [link] [comments]”
“Posting for my friend , he makes 65k USD, Doing blue collar job but holds a bachelor degree, he is expected to get into a Non-T30 MBA, his plan is to move out into corporate but is worried about not working for 2 years taking heavy debt only to end up jobless due to AI, what should he do? submitted by /u/Dismal-Brief-3209 [link] [comments]”
“Hello! I have been considering if working towards my MBA would be worth it, or if there is another program/certificate that others have found useful for promoting themselves in the workforce. Currently, I am working as an HRBP for a software company. I am grateful that we are truly looked at as business partners and I am currently helping leaders through a handful of projects to help move the business forward, which has been full of great experience! Ultimately, I would love to be able to be in”
“Hello! Just starting to think about wanting an MBA. I graduated from Brown in May and will be spending my next 4 years in the Army. At some point, I want an MBA, but I'm worried about how going from Brown (I know it's not the best school, but still respectable) to an online program would look. Also, I'll be an infantry officer in the 101st, so I'll be in the field a whole bunch, and the workload does make me nervous. Does anyone have any experience with something like this?”
“Hi all, I'm looking for some honest perspective before committing to a part-time MBA. I have a PhD and 8 years of industry experience in cell and gene therapy product development. I'm strong on the technical side, but I want to move toward the strategy side: product strategy, portfolio decisions, and product management. I've been taking on stretch assignments to build business-facing experience, like market/competitive assessments, financial modeling, product roadmap input, and produ”
“Most MBA programs have some kind of career services, but I'm wondering how important they end up being once you're actually in the program. Some programs offer regular 1:1 coaching, employer connections, career fairs, company visits, resume/interview prep, and more recruiting support. Others seem like they provide general resources and leave students to figure things out on their own. For people who have done an MBA or another graduate business degree: How much did you actually use caree”
“Hi everyone, I’m currently working in Sales and have around 3 years of experience. I’m working at a startup right now, and my current package is around ₹8–10 LPA. I’m considering pursuing an online MBA while continuing my job. I’m mainly confused between: - MBA in Business Analytics - MBA in Sales & Marketing My long-term goal is to move into a good MNC and grow my salary/career opportunities. Do you think an online MBA would be worth it at this stage of my career, considering I already have”
“Hi everyone, I’m currently working in Sales and have around 3 years of experience. I’m working at a startup right now, and my current package is around ₹8–10 LPA. I’m considering pursuing an online MBA while continuing my job. I’m mainly confused between: - MBA in Business Analytics - MBA in Sales & Marketing My long-term goal is to move into a good MNC and grow my salary/career opportunities. Do you think an online MBA would be worth it at this stage of my career, considering I already have”
“Should I pursue a MBA or a specialization masters like Finance or Accounting? submitted by /u/ExcusePrimary3017 [link] [comments]”
“Hi everyone, I’m a 27 year old Mechanical Engineering graduate currently working full time as a Project Engineer. I have nearly 2 years of professional experience, mainly in engineering/design and project work. I want to gradually move from engineering into management roles. I’m considering doing a fully online Master's while continuing to work. I have two options from the same university: MBA or MA International Management. The cost and time is same for both. The university is legitimate an”
“Hi all, my goal for an MBA program is to genuinely learn from the courses and be able to use it for my entrepreneurial ambitions. I want to get into manufacturing and supply chain. Currently I’m 12 credits and $6K into Purdue Global but I feel like I’m not learning as much as I really could be for the money I’m paying. Does anyone have recommendations for online programs that could accept transfer credits from Purdue Global and might provide a better education? submitted by /u/RJ_adr”
“The MBA is made for a bunch of ass kissers and losers. 90% of you have nothing better to do (and are wholly incapable of) advancing in your career other than simply through networking (sucking each other off while hating each other behind your backs) and not actually contributing anything of substance to society. Consider that on your deathbed you worthless losers. P.S. - anybody want to buy some magic beans? submitted by /u/pluhplus [link] [comments]”
“Personally - with debt from undergrad, no/part time employment (anticipated during mba program), and little savings ($$,$$$), how does one pay for “life” during an MBA? I assume I will have to at the very least get a part time job. I feel like I have a good profile for need based financial aid, but unsure here. submitted by /u/pdaichma [link] [comments]”
“Can someone who attended a top 5-10 (US) MBA program let me know what the general recruiting timeline for Private Equity is? Assuming you don’t have a return offer you’re accepting, In my understanding it was you needed to have an offer by October or so, else you were falling behind and the top employers would be full already. Is that still the case? By this time you should be actively interviewing I’d imagine? Multiple first and second round interviews. Also how much of recruiting for PE is via”
“I'm curious how people actually shortlist MBA colleges. Some people focus heavily on rankings, while others look at placements, fees, location or specialization. If you had 4–5 MBA colleges in front of you and had to narrow them down to two, what information would you want before making the decision? For me, the interesting part is figuring out which factors actually matter versus things that look impressive on a college website. Current MBA students and recent graduates — what would you che”
“Hey Folks, I am a 22-year-old guy from India. I completed my bachelor's with distinction in computer science (along with a minor in finance; GPA 9.1/10, i.e., ~3.6+/4.0) last year from a Tier 1 Indian engineering college ( BITS Pilani , to be precise). I am the first in my family to study beyond high school, and I am really thankful for that. I have 1+ years of full-time work experience (more on this later). During my time in college, I headed two clubs (one was a student-run investment fund”
“Hey Folks, I am a 22-year-old guy from India. I completed my bachelor's with distinction in computer science (along with a minor in finance; GPA 9.1/10, i.e., ~3.6+/4.0) last year from a Tier 1 Indian engineering college ( BITS Pilani , to be precise). I am the first in my family to study beyond high school, and I am really thankful for that. I have 1+ years of full-time work experience (more on this later). During my time in college, I headed two clubs (one was a student-run investment fund”
“(used chatgpt to refine my thoughts) I’m currently in my final year at an old IIT in India and I’m considering applying for deferred MBA programs at the M7. I wanted to get some perspective from people who have either gone through the process or know the Indian MBA landscape well. A quick overview of my profile: Academics: 9/9/8.95 (I should be able to push the last one to 9 before applying for the process) Top 3 in my department A few other academic awards/scholastic achievements Internships: G”
“Profile Review – M7/T15 MBA Nationality: Indian, Male Age: 27 (DOB: Aug 1999) Education: B.E. in Information Technology, CGPA 8.72/10 10th: 8.2/10 12th: 79.2% Work Experience: ~ 3.7 years in SAP/Technology Consulting (LTIMindtree + Deloitte) Current Role: SAP Integration Consultant / Engineer, primarily working on SAP CPI/Integration Suite, SuccessFactors and enterprise integrations Certifications: SAP Certified; experience across multiple implementation/support projects and client-facing engage”
“My background **• 29**, Treasury Manager at a PE-backed company, 2 years of experience **•** Prior: private credit ops at a large credit fund, FP&A at a PE-backed healthcare company, Army veteran (no post gi bills) **•** BSBA in Finance, FMVA, currently studying for the CMA **•** Experience includes a large debt refinancing and leading treasury integration on 3 acquisitions The problem Moving up feels stuck. Most Director postings I see ask for an MBA or more years of experience. I'm als”
“PMP is worth it. Everything else is only worth it if the company you're applying for wants it. MBA is for seniors that want to move up to the exec level. I have an alphabet soup after my name, personally.”
“I completed B com and I’m considering doing an MBA and wanted to get some opinions from people who are currently working in the industry or have recently completed or studying an MBA. With AI automating and changing many business and corporate roles, I’m wondering: Does an MBA still have good career scope in the current job market? How much is AI expected to affect MBA-related jobs and career opportunities? Which MBA specializations currently have the best career prospects? Which specializations”
“Hey guys! I'm a bcom hons. recent graduate from Hyderabad. I do have a good academicscores in .y 10th 12th and undergrad. I am considering to take a gap year and join for mba/pgdm for the next academic year i.e as 2027-2029 batch. I am not really good at aptitude tests and all, I am giving CAT with no prep and other exams too. But I do have 2 colleges in my mind coz I've been hearing a lot about them. I need an honest like brutally honest opinion about IBS Hyderabad and IPE Hyderabad. I”
“https://preview.redd.it/jhs75u5i3coh1.jpg?width=1536&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9fc52cfc73406e1c88248110bf9b943c5f93cc41 Hi everyone, I’m currently working as an FP&A Analyst with about 5 YOE. I enjoy the work and would like to continue progressing within FP&A, but I’ve noticed during my search for my next opportunity that transitioning into some of the more lucrative industries (primarily healthcare and manufacturing) can be difficult without prior industry experience. I’ve had”
“I will have 3 years of MBB experience prior to my MBA and plan to target PE ops / value creation roles post MBA. Is there a significant difference in recruiting outcomes between H/S vs W vs rest of M7? In what ways? (e.g., larger network in PE, increased on-campus recruiting, etc.) submitted by /u/Ok_Buyer_6690 [link] [comments]”
“I'm a Storage Admin at a well-known MNC, hitting 4 years of experience soon, with a market-standard salary. I'm looking to pursue higher education, ideally something I can do while working. I'm torn between an E-MBA and an Online MBA. I'm aiming for a recognized college and have a budget of up to 2 lakhs for an Online MBA or 5-6 lakhs for an E-MBA. If it's an E-MBA with physical classes, it needs to be in Bangalore. Any recommendations for good colleges and their fees? Also,”
“Hi everyone — looking for some advice on whether an online MBA would actually add much value at this stage of my career. Background: - 6+ years of total consulting experience - Currently at MBB in the Middle East at Senior Associate level, with ~2+ years at MBB - Likely progressing to EM soon - Joined MBB as an experienced hire rather than through the traditional MBA route - Bachelor’s degree is from a non-target school At this point, I don’t really need an MBA to break into consulting or build”
“Last night i was checking out online BBA and MBA colleges, and honestly, every time i searched, Amity Online kept popping up. 😅 I know they’re pretty well known but im still confused about what actually makes Amity Online different from other online universities in India. Is it mainly the brand name or are there genuine differences in terms of course quality, faculty, exams, placements, and overall value? Would you guys recommend going with Amity Online, or should i look at other universities b”
“I graduated from a tier 1 indian engg college in 2024 with a cgpa 9/10. Have been working in an mnc for the past 2 years. However, I'm unhappy with the pay compared to my peers in the same role in the same org. I'm targeting global MBAs 2028 intake (t1/t2 schools), haven't appeared for the gmat yet. So I had a few questions: Do i even bother with a job switch right now? Given the job market i might end up spending a lot of time job hunting, and by the time i do get a job, it'll b”
“Hi RPhs. Has anyone ever gotten their mba while practicing? And if so, how did you pull that off? I want to try and get my mba but want more information on how anyone else did it. submitted by /u/Intel32 [link] [comments]”
“Indian professional with 8+ years at SLB , Bachelor's in Computer Science (8.43/10) . Career journey: Supply Chain → Maintenance Engineering → Digital Transformation → Product Management → AI/Data → Methane & Sustainability (Climate Tech) . I've worked across multiple oil & gas business lines and now build digital products around methane emissions, including data/AI applications. I'm considering Chevening, DAAD EPOS, Erasmus Mundus, IFP School and similar programmes. Long-ter”
“Is the course really worth it? I just completed my BBA last month, i enquired for the course and got a call today, i have 4 years of work experience if you count managing my business as work experience. It’s a 6 month certification program and the consultant said that i would get the “IIM” tag for life. Will it help me to find a job or help me in my career? Also i was thinking to peruse MBA next year so will this course help me for the long run? submitted by /u/Weirdkeen [link]”
“Hi All, Looking to do a 3 year program at McMaster Degroote School of Business in Canada. For context my company will pay for the full cost of the MBA. I have to pay upfront and they will reimburse after it’s completed. Also, I have been at the company for 5 years, in a sales position as a manager making about $210-230k/year (base + commission). Is it worth it to get a Canadian MBA? At this point I don’t think it will positively affect a salary increase but hoping it will elevate my ability to g”
“Did I make the wrong decision? That is the only question running through my head every single day right now. I am a 21-year-old in my final year at a tier-1 private engineering university in India, where almost everyone around me is on the standard tech and coding track. Back in my third year, I took up a basic marketing internship just for some side income alongside college. But being in those meetings and seeing how decisions actually got made, I realized I was way more drawn to business and o”
“Hi everyone! I’m looking to pivot into an MBA with a focus in Healthcare Management/Administration , and I’d really appreciate some advice from people who have experience with these programs. For some background, I graduated from Baylor University with a B.S. in Biochemistry and have a background in healthcare. I have experience in clinical roles and basic auditing. I am not a provider looking to get an MBA so I do not have an RN/MD/DO/PA-C or anything of that nature. I’m located in the Dallas a”