Is MBA worth it after a BS in chemical engineering?

Graduate School Business School - MBA
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<p>I am currently a sophomore studying chemical engineering at Georgia Tech. Although I enjoy the chemE courses a lot, I always wanted to study business or economics since a long time ago. In fact, Tech was the only engineering school I applied as a high school senior...</p>

<p>I am really glad that I have found something else that I can enjoy learning, but still I want to study business/economics stuff. So what I am thinking about doing is to work for a company for about 5 years or so and then go to a full-time MBA school. However, is MBA really worth it if I want to have a managerial job in the engineering field? I heard that some people in managerial positions (especially in engineering) do not have an MBA degree, as they already know what to do from their work experiences. I do not want to waste 2 years for MBA if the degree would not make much difference in what I am doing or salary.</p>

<p>And will a minor in economics be helpful if I really want to do MBA?</p>

<p>Thank you in advance! :)</p>

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<p>It all depends. If you are considering a top full-time MBA program, you will need to have 3-4 years work experience. The MBA (if from a top 15 school) would open up a lot of options in multiple industries - some not related you your undergrad work. If you want to be in “management” in the chemical/ process industries, go to a local MBA program part time (and your employer will likely pay for it). You won’t be in play for consulting or I- Banks, however.</p>

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<p>Also, just focus on your engineering, don’t bother with Econ. Plenty of time for that in B-school.</p>

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<p>Thank you for your advice! :)</p>

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<p>I would say that getting an MBA local part time would not be worth it even if an employer paid for it
People only get mbas for 2 reasons:

  1. name on resume
  2. networking</p>

<p>Business schools typically do not teach you anything that you cannot learn thru work experience, which you already need to get in</p>

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<p>

Yes, yes, yes! At least judging from my son’s experience. He got his MS in mechanical engineering plus his MBA. I would imagine that chemical engineering is similar.</p>

<p>PS - I don’t think the minor in econ would be helpful, though, unless you take it for enjoyment. Any engineer has a very easy time in business school because of the quantitative background. I assume, of course, that you have good writing skills, too. If not, take undergrad courses to strengthen that area.</p>