CPA or Top 15-20 MBA?

Graduate School Business School - MBA
1

<p>All,</p>

<p>I'm sure there probably is a thread for this, but I guess I'll make another one. As the title states, CPA or MBA? A bit about me: 2 years of work experience in finance for a top oil company. Attended a top 25 undergrad school (top 10 business school). GPA was slightly above a 3.0. </p>

<p>I've recently started the CPA process and have sat for two exams, but unfortunately did not pass them. I'm mulling on if I really want to proceed with the CPA or just get an MBA later. I do not want to take a specific career route, but the purpose of getting an CPA/MBA is to broaden my opportunities.</p>

<p>I plan on doing my CPA or MBA, but not both. Which seems more beneficial to you? Is a CPA worth more than say, a top 20 MBA program? If going the MBA route, I will certainly wait until I have about 4-6 years of experience and would like to attend a top 15-20 program. Realistically, though my undergrad GPA was not all that great, I feel that solid work experience, a good undergrad school and a decent GMAT would give me a great shot at a top 15-20 school. </p>

<p>It just seems, at least to me, an MBA sounds more prestigious / beneficial if obtained at a good school. Sure a CPA is valued, but obtaining and MBA from a good school gets a "wow, that's impressive" kind of reaction. Plus it looks better on a resume than just saying CPA (say, Northwestern MBA vs simply CPA).</p>

<p>Thoughts?</p>

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<p>I think you misunderstand the value of an MBA. Frankly, if you graduate from a top MBA school and have to run around anonymously applying for positions with your resume, where it might elicit a “wow”, you’re doing things wrong. </p>

<p>Coming out of your top MBA program, your contacts are going to be how you get a job. So yes, the MBA will lead to better jobs, but not so much “because it’s an MBA from [impressive school]”. If you attend an MBA program, live in your room and do nothing but study, you may as well go for the CPA. The MBA does teach you a lot, but that isn’t what makes it special.</p>