Making over 100k a year. MBA Make Sense

Question

Hi,

I'm currently contemplating going for my MBA. I am an IT Manager making over 100k. I know that the average salary going into MBA program is around 85k and a lot of graduates are looking to making 100k+ coming out. Does it make sense to get the MBA? Should I instead be putting my efforts elsewhere in networking, certifications, etc and continue getting the experience that I am? I would like to make it to Director and hopefully CIO level at some point in my career. i just don't know if MBA is necessary for this or I should just continue down the track I am. is it worth all the extra costs, time, and stress of doing it for the next three years? Anyone come from this position and made the decision?

Thanks for any advice

EnigmaD · Answer

Depends on what schools you are targeting. Smeal? Probably not. HBS? Probably yes. Give us more detail and we can give you more feedback.

steveb0723 · Answer

I'm currently looking at ucka anderson. So not hbs but not the worst school either. What else would you like to know?

Thanks for the help.

Posted from my mobile device

EnigmaD · Answer

Well, looking at UCLA, students come out making $115K salary per year on average in the technology industry. They also get $5,000 signing bonus and $20,000 guaranteed bonuses. So a year 1 take home of $140K.

Payscale also runs a "20 year median" survey... UCLA grads can expect to make $2.6M over 20 years. If I were you, I'd do an Excel for your career trajectory now and compare it (factoring in 2 years of lost salary and tuition).

Also, look through Linkedin or other places for people with the jobs that you want. What's their background like? And look for the average - not the Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerbergs of the world.

steveb0723 · Answer

Should I consider the part time mba program or is the full time mba worth more in the long run?

Thanks

Posted from my mobile device

EnigmaD · Answer

If you want to continue along the same route of career, I'd say the part-time is definitely worth consideration - so too are EMBA programs, especially if you can wrangle your company to sponsor you. You may also want to look into Columbia's J-Term program, which runs from January to the next May (skips the summer internship).

bb · Answer

Making over 100k a year. MBA Make Sense

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