As a BS in Business Administration, Should I go for an MBA?

thebrontosaurus · 10-25-2012, 10:40 AM

Sorry, the title is a little misleading, but I want to ask that since I will be graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with two concentrations (HR and IB), will getting an MBA make me that much more attractive since I already have a 'business background'?

As an alternative to MBA, I was thinking of perhaps getting an MS in Communications, but I am not sure which option is better. I often hear the 'best' MBAs are those who got their Bachelors in a different discipline, so does the reverse apply as well?

I understand the 'value' of the degree is also reflective of your experience, but I am curious to see that other factors aside, if I was to graduate with my current Bachelors, work for a few years, and then return to grad school, which option would you recommend for someone who would want to pursue a career in HR. Thanks.

sciencenerd · 10-25-2012, 11:23 AM

Hmm, that's a good question.

Normally I think it's ok for a BS in BA to get an MBA (Usually they make up 1/4 of the class.). However, since you want to go into HR I don't think an MBA is really needed.

Can anyone else weigh in on this?

nostra · 10-26-2012, 01:13 AM

I have heard that communications is a worthless degree- not my opinion. MY understanding is that since you already will have a BS in BA, then going for MBA is the next logical step.

I think you should work for a few years and take the GMAT only if you want to go to a top b-school. OTherwise, there are plenty of b-schools that will take you in now, but they are not well known.

I know for fact that UCLA Anderson wants work experience and a GMAT score. MY plan now is to work, take the GMAT (hopefeully get a high score) and apply in Fall.

thebrontosaurus · 10-30-2012, 09:47 PM

I've heard that too, but I think that school of thought stems from the stereotype of many communication majors being unmotivated and fall into com because they believe it'll be "easy". Which in my experience is not true - since there are lazy, unmotivated people in almost any major. I have a few communication BA friends who all are motivated, hard-working people who are making opportunities for themselves, using their degree to launch them into other disciplines.

Nostra, how long have you been working? I myself feel like applying after only a year or two of work for an MBA program would not bode well, at least from what I hear.

Still would like to hear others weigh in on this.