At the heart of every professional’s journey lies a crossroads, a point where they assess their current trajectory and think through the path ahead. For many Grads, the question of pursuing an MBA becomes a pivotal point in this journey. The decision isn’t just about personal advancement; it’s a strategic move that echoes through one’s professional landscape. In the spirit of seeking support and gaining perspective, we turn to the experiences and insights of our community in this edition of Ask Goff.
Insights from our Friends of Goff
Nate Zwart, Program Director, School of Accounting at the David Eccles School of Business
I think an MBA is a great degree especially for someone who has some work experience and is looking to elevate their level of business acumen, and expand their network. One of the greatest benefits of an MBA is the incredible cohort you join and the network will gain.
The MBA can make you a fantastic and valuable generalist for your organization. On the other hand, a more specialized degree (like a Master of Accounting) can give you a more focused pathway to achieve your goals. If you have an area of focus that you’ve enjoyed, a specialized degree can help you to become a thought leader in a more targeted field.
Ruchi Watson, Managing Director, Goff Strategic Leadership Center
The rebel in me didn’t love that “everyone” was pushing me toward an MBA. I needed to find the right reasons for me.
But, once I did (which I accomplished by talking to people in my current and aspirational fields, those with and without an MBA, reading websites, and even reading course descriptions), I knew I was pursuing it for the right reasons/because it was taking me in the direction I wanted my career to go.
A full-time program was right for me because I knew I wanted to pivot out of my old industry/functional area and because I love being completely immersed in what I’m learning, and in my community.
Bonita Austin, Director, Business Scholars Academics, David Eccles School of Business
An MBA is still a valuable graduate degree. It is a way for you to make a big change in your career path by learning new skills and creating a new network. The things I would take into consideration are:
- Will this degree put me on a career path that lets me accomplish what I want to accomplish? Keep in mind an MBA gives you a broad set of skills that can be applied in any field so look at the Graduate Programs in Business degrees carefully before you decide to go that route.
- Is this the right time in my career to get an MBA or any graduate degree? Based on the hundreds of graduate students I’ve taught in the past 15 years, the ones that get the most out of the degree are those with several (if not more) years of work experience.
- Will my employer pay for my degree or part of it? If so, you need to think about what you have to give back to the employer in return for upskilling with an MBA.
Ask Goff is your sounding board, a space to seek guidance, and made of a community of individuals eager to support you in your professional journey. Whether it’s a pivotal career move, navigating a challenging situation, or preparing for an interview, Ask Goff is here to provide you with the insights and perspective you need to thrive. Keep the questions coming!