cgmat2014 wrote:
My question to you all is, if I am not in management consulting, finance, or looking to switch careers, would I be getting the MBA for the wrong reasons?
First, let's look at your reasons for getting an MBA. This part of your post most clearly answers your question:
cgmat2014 wrote:
Recently I have been hit with the quarterlife crisis, where I have been feeling I am not where I want to be, the grind of a 8-5 job, and unsure what I want to do next.
1) Business school is for people who know what they want to do. When you start writing your essays, you'll find that all schools are looking for clearly defined career goals. If you can't articulate that, you'll have a slim chance of getting in, especially at a top 3 school.
2) If the grind of a 8-5 job bothers you, business school will only be a temporary solution. Student life is definitely different from an 8-5 job, though not without its own set of stresses. However, once you graduate two years later, you'll be right back where you started - an 8-5 job (or worse).
cgmat2014 wrote:
How awesome would that life would be compared to the mediocre grind I go through everyday!
^^In other words, your business school life would be better than a mediocre grind, just like undergraduate was more fun. But it'll only be for two years.
cgmat2014 wrote:
I have ambitions to work international, but with the economy doing so well here, most jobs in my company are locally focused. So I toyed around with the idea of getting an MBA as this is a "time to reflect" and I would "find myself" and land that international opportunity.
Wanting to work internationally is a more concrete goal, but still rather broad. I definitely wouldn't mention in your essays that you want to go to business school to "reflect" and "find yourself." That's something schools will have expected you to have done before you apply. Of course, they understand that your experiences in business school may shape your goals differently.
cgmat2014 wrote:
I am hoping to gain some unique international insight and leadership/business skills, which I hope will pay off in the long run through my performance and promotions
To be honest, you're more likely to gain international insight and leadership / business skills from working internationally, not getting an MBA. That's just my two cents.
And finally...
cgmat2014 wrote:
So the MBA is worth essentially nothing financially.
cgmat2014 wrote:
Long story short: Doing an MBA will have no immediate financial gain for me.
Money isn't everything, but it sounds like an MBA isn't going to further your career for you. You say yourself that an MBA isn't valued in your industry, and you're not looking to switch careers.
In conclusion: I think you are currently considering an MBA for the wrong reasons. However, don't let that dissuade you. Think through your career goals. Maybe take some time off to travel and do some soul-searching (heavens knows that would be cheaper than going to b-school). Figure out what you want to do. You might find that an MBA is indeed what you want or you might find another calling.