Getting MBA before any work experience?

Question

My college has a 4+1 program where I can get my MBA a year after my undergrad degree. I'm not certain if this is a good idea because alot of people said that a work experience is needed before getting your MBA. What do you think?

Answer 1

If you already in school with 1 additional year to obtain your MBA, regardless of the ranking of the school -  GO FOR IT!. Here's why.......

In today's time, a MBA is what large corporations are looking for academically speaking. Years ago, a BA or BS was considered the education asset of a resume. The BA today does not have the same punch. The primary reasoning is applicant competition. Getting your MBA regardless of how you view it, will certainly offer increased opportunties vs. those with just lower degrees. Another reason the MBA is important to future employers who may want to consider you is that the work, time, effort and challanges associated with that degree is it slearly illustrates to an employer that inately you have what it takes to apply yourself in a goal or objective and put forth the effort needed to succeed. It's not just the degree itself, but as most employers know, what it takes to get that far has a lot of weight put on your consideration.

Lastly, During your last year(s) in school, get a part time job ( even a few hours a week ) in the field of your major. This not only lends credibility to job experience but can also lead to FT positions within a corporation who has higher education funding ( coop ) programs. In exchange for a period of time for the company, they have funds they can apply to your education expenses. These are examples of great resume contents.

I disaggree with the answer's response of the importance of school's ranking. As long as the school and its MBA program are credited, it has value. Many web based schools offering degrees are nationally accredited. This simple means that the business world accepts your degree and its creditials.

Going to Harvard, Yale or simlar type schools will get you a degree. But do some research on their graduates and what industries do they go in. If you want to go to med school, Stanford U. or Cal Berk. will get you just as far.

Answer 2

I think it depends on the quality of your school's MBA program.

An MBA from a school that is not ranked does little more for you than an BS in Business.  On the other hand, an MBA from a top school will get you a six figure salary -- even without work experience.

If you are at a school like Wharton or NYU -- go for it.  If you are at a school whose MBA program is not ranked, then I would say wait -- unless you think it is impossible that you will get into a ranked program. If you are at a school ranked between 25-50, then you have a dilemma.  If you think you can get into a top 15 program, it might be better to wait.  If not, go for it.

I've included a link to B-School rankings from US News