Pros and cons of an MBA or MS in Finance at the age of 35

<p>Hi Everyone,</p>

<p>I received an MBA from a midwestern university back in the year 2000 when I was 25 years old. I never applied for a job in the US and immediately flew back to my home country right after my final exam cause of personal reasons!</p>

<p>Years have passed and things have changed in my life. I got married and have one kid. We are planning to go back to the US as a family now. Possibly to NY or NJ.</p>

<p>I would like you to post your views on the following.</p>

<p>What would be the benefits of studying a second MBA or MS in Finance? Would this second masters degree increase my chances of finding a job or would it be too late because of my age. Looking forward to your replys.</p>

<p>Tigerman</p>

<p>Many schools actively discourage getting a 2nd MBA. Why spend another 2 years at school just to find a job?! Just focus on seeking those jobs that prefer MBA. </p>

<p>If you have been out of work for the last 7 years, I would recommend trying self-employment or freelance for a while to a recent experience on resume.</p>

<p>I guess I had to be more specific on my post. As a foreigner I can’t just fly over to live and look for a job in the US. I need to have an H1 visa to do so. I have been working for the last 7 years but in my home country, and have no US work experience and therefore I’m sure that no US company would hire me just because I have an MBA from 7 years ago. They would probably only laugh if I were to send in a resume from my country to a US company applying for a job. They would easily prefer a graduate who is currently in the US who has the same assets that I have.</p>

<p>Thats why I’m thinking of studying again. If I were to come over and start all over again I’d be in the US too and would also have a recent valid degree by studying again. This would enable me to be in the US workforce and I would be eligible to apply to job postings. </p>

<p>Awaiting more opinions and comments on job possibilities as a foreigner if I were to get a second masters degree at the age of 35.</p>

<p>Look for US companies that have business relations with your country, promote yourself as an international business relations type person and target companies that would enjoy your culturalism.</p>

<p>Getting a second masters, IMO, doesn’t sound like it will help you land a job.</p>

<p>No US-based experience shouldn’t deter you. This is even more true if you have been working for a well-known global company. I will definitely get in touch the career service of your b-school and reconnect to your graduate class and alum who currently reside in NY/NJ. In other words, get the words out. Also try LinkedIn or other social networking to rebuild your US network. </p>

<p>Depending on your line of work, start following WSJ and relevant US periodical to stay abreast of recent trends. Many US industries have changed dramatically since the dotcom boom. You want to demonstrate your US intelligence in addition to “solid international experience” in conversation.</p>

<p>Let me be realistic on one particular issue. You could be excluded from A LOT of opportunities because of the current H1-B mess. There is no shortage of Ivy-educated graduates starting their career at their home country or another non-US location. So, it may worth trying to get into a US-based company at your current location and seek transfer later down the road. </p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

<p>I know where you are coming from with this issue. It is easier to enter the U.S. as a student and secure a job before graduating, from a US company that would be willing to sponsor you and get you your H-1 visa, and eventually Permanent residency.</p>

<p>Rather than a second MBA, which seems pointless, why not apply to other Master’s or PhD programs, just to be able to come here. Even the M.S in Finance could be a good idea. Many Master’s programs offer Teaching Assistantships to students from other countries which can help defray the costs. Some could possibly offer full tuition scholarships as well.</p>

<p>What skill sets do you bring to the table. You must speak the language of your native country. That could be a tremendous asset. Also, what type of work did you do for 7 years. Maybe some more details from you would make it easier for people to advise.</p>

<p>Lastly, if you post everything you wrote in your 2 posts above in the Parents Forum, you would get a lot of thoughtful advice from experienced individuals.</p>

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<p>It seems to me that your primary goal is emigration. As other posters had suggested, it is easier to come into the US by obtaining a student visa than an H-1 visa. However, you must ask yourself whether you are a strong candidate for employment by a top firm even after an additional degree. Due to increased bureaucracy and expenses, firms will only sponsor those they deem top talent and your age after an additional degree may be an handicap.
There are additional factors to consider because you have a family involved. If you are not able to obtain financial assistance for your degree then your expenses and perhaps debt will be more than a single person. What happens if you don’t get sponsored ? If your child is enrolled in a US school during your studies, will he/she be able to return to resume studies in your country after a few years’ absence? I have some friends whose children have difficulty adjusting and catching up with regular schooling after they return to their home countries.</p>

<p>I concur with the suggestion that it may be best to find employment with an international company who may want to relocate you or with companies who are actively seeking candidates to fill their H-1 allotments. There may be headhunters, consultants in your native country who will be able to assist you in this regard.
Anyways, best of luck.</p>