(01-14-2024, 11:56 AM)Duneranger Wrote:(01-14-2024, 09:38 AM)ArielB74 Wrote: You should carefully consider whether or not an MBA is even worth it. I got to the VP level in software with NO degree at all (just recently went back for my BA just for fun and now I'm doing an MS because I'd like to pursue a PhD). I'm about the same age as you. I see executive assistants all the time with MBAs. When I hire Directors or other VPs, I don't even look at their educational background, I look at their experience and the metrics that they've achieved in their careers.A PhD is a massive jump from a MS, like 4-7 years without much financial gain (its a blackhole of time and money if you don't go to a diploma mill, unless its funded)...just an FYI as someone finishing a doctorate.
Unless your employer has told you that there is a pay bump and/or promotion involved with getting your MBA or you want to eventually pursue a DBA or PhD, give it some thought. I'd say the caveat here would be for in-person MBAs, where you can network, although at your age and likely stage of your career, the utility of that is probably low.
Degrees definitely do matter matter and you will be filtered out by HRs in most instances without one. You are failing to mention that part. It's not the end all be all, but many specific grad degrees are required.
I am not going to pursue it for financial gain (at my career level I'm making plenty of money; other than raises and bonuses, the only way I would make more is to get to the C-level, which I have little desire to do) -- I just want to do it for myself.
Very few jobs require a MS; obviously if it's a requirement for jobs you're applying for, by all means get it; that's a valid reason.
BA - History, Arizona State University
MS - Organizational Leadership, Johns Hopkins University (in progress)
MS - Organizational Leadership, Johns Hopkins University (in progress)