Hey, so I have an issue I’ve been pondering over for a year now. I’ve been debating about starting an MBA, but I’m not sure if the cost is worth it for an expensive program, especially since I’m only using it to climb my industry, not to get into a new one. I was going to start last year, but I ‘failed’ (could not complete) my GMAT because of an emergency call during break, and they didn’t let me take it without failing. I didn’t study that much and I think I was at around the 600 range while taking it, so I think I can get to upper 600s-low 700s with more studying.
My main goal: To become lead in a consumer marketing company division, eventually become CMO.
Currently, I’ve become specialized in Retention/Email Marketing with about 4 years of experience. Now in my first ‘management’ role at a startup (but without employees to manage. It’s a small program right now with plans to expand in the next few months that might or might not come to fruition) for 8 months now. I don’t mind it, but I’d like to broaden myself out and oversee the entire spectrum. Be sitting in the Captain’s chair, so to speak. Being stuck in a specialization, I don’t see that goal happening until very late in my career, and even then it would be a risk for the employer who would put me in that position.
Another drawback I face in my career is socially: I’m still fairly awkward with others. I used to be awfully unsocial before college, but I still need work when it comes to understanding cues, especially in conversations (which is important when managing a team). Toastmasters helps for speeches, but it doesn’t help with nervousness in speaking with strangers, or inspiring coworkers. I’ve actually managed others successfully in the past (library work and camps) but it doesn’t hurt to get better at it.
I understand it will take time and a bit more experience to get to where I want, no matter what, which is why I think a Part-Time MBA program works best for me. I can continue to build experience in Management within my specialization (small or self teams) and quickly broaden myself to opportunities post-graduation.
Narrowed it down due to cost: Baruch or UB (my alma mater) are the only 2 NYS schools with legitimate programs. UND’s online program is an interesting one, but is online so I won’t get as much out of it for ironing out deficiencies socially. I think UB is a considerably more known program than Baruch and should be easier to get into as an alumni, but I would need to relocate back to WNY. Both a good and bad: I prefer WNY over NYC but there are fewer opportunities (though the program has connections with Mattel and New Era, both great for Marketing). Would take time to find a position there comparable with my current. Considered NYU but it’s over 100k more expensive.
For my goals, does it matter what kind of B school I attend for my MBA?