MBA with Technical Background

<p>Hello all. I am about 1 year away from graduating from an EMBA program. I have a BS in Chemistry and 10 yrs experience in the petroleum refining industry, specifically process and product development through managing/operating a pilot plant. When I started the program, I expected an MBA with the technial background to be the ticket to the executive track, as it has been for my mentor (engineering background, now VP). I viewed it as the best of both worlds, especially for an industrial or manufacturing company. </p>

<p>Any opinions or experiences with this situation, non-business background and an MBA? I'm beginning to worry that my lack of true business experience will hurt me come job hunting time, if I have to leave my current company.</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

<p>Tough to answer. Keep in mind almost everyone on this forum is college age (18-25), so the best I can give you is hypotheticals.</p>

<p>First of all, the great thing about an EMBA is that you don’t have to quit your job to get it. The EMBA program is designed so that you can obtain the degree while still working a full-time job. It would not be smart to quit your job to get an EMBA.</p>

<p>That being said, the EMBA can only help your career. If you get the EMBA, I think it will put you on the executive track–either at your current company or whichever one your apply to.</p>

<p>The fact that you have spent 10 years in science shows that you are risk averse. The irony is, everyone wants to hire risk averse people. Go out there, get that degree, and start applying! Right now we can only dream what the rewards might be.</p>