MBA only for type-A personalities? (skills, degrees, schools, graduates) - Higher education - City-Data Forum

NewHorizonz · 12-31-2010, 09:57 AM

Hi there - I'm considering an MBA but many people tell me they can't see me going into a program/field like that. I guess because I'm not a competitive person, don't like public speaking, and am more down to earth. These are just stereotypes, but are MBA types just in it for working in the corporate world?

I would be doing a concentration in Sustainable Business, which is more in line with my interests, but I feel just getting a master's in sustainability wouldn't really get me anywhere. The technical skills of business seem more useful.

If anyone has an MBA and isn't working in the corporate world, what was it like finding a job? Were all your classmates type-A personalities (aggressive, business-like, controlling, highly competitive, impatient, preoccupied with his or her status, time-conscious, and tightly-wound...often high-achieving "workaholics" who multi-task, push themselves with deadlines, and hate both delays and ambivalence - Wikipedia)?

Thanks for any info or advice!

MissShona · 01-03-2011, 10:24 AM

When taking advice from others, consider the source. Not that I am discounting your friends (they could mean well), but do they have MBAs? What do they do professionally in fact? How old are they? I am not implying that they are not talented and/or qualified enough to have an opinion. But it may just be an opinion...and not necessarily sound advice.

The MBA curriculum (at most schools...it isn't exactly standardized) is pretty broad. MBAs need to be competant in many skills and areas. As a 2nd year MBA student, I can tell you that I myself am not so strong in every subject equally, and neither are most of my peers. Those who do shine are just hard workers in general. They are very goal-oriented, so even if they are good at things like public-speaking, they do what it takes to get an acceptable grade (which is a "B" for graduate school effectively) anyway.

MBA degree holders go into all types of professions. Since you know what you want to do, you are one step ahead of the game. Now you need to find an MBA program that will be a good fit for you. The MBA degree is constantly being re-defined. Old definitions don't fly anymore. I am not a 'Type A' personality, and yet I don't feel out of place in my MBA program.

Closely examine the degree requirements of the schools you are applying to. When I was in the application process, I had a group of about 6 programs that I was interested in, but after taking a closer look at the curriculum and requirements of the programs, my list was down to two. The trick is to look past the flashy marketing and website and actually look at the course catalog and descriptions if possible. It may take some digging, but there is more than likely a program out there that will meet your goals.

ambient · 01-03-2011, 03:03 PM

To be honest with you... yes, the people who are most likely to be successful trail blazers in the business world are smart and driven type-A personalities. This is pretty much a fact; after all, it's a competition. This is true with or without an MBA, by the way.

That said, an MBA can pay off for you in the form of improved job competitiveness and future pay even if you're not a type-A personality. However, you will have to be careful about what your goals and expectations are - and how much you pay for one of those degrees. Corporations are oftentimes large beasts, and there are plenty of functional areas for people with technical expertise; these are the areas that are most likely a match for those who are not type As. You can make a decent living and get by in these kinds of professional spaces.

You may not, however, find yourself in the position of the fast-tracking executive...that is likely to be the type-A guy/girl - and they may not even have an MBA.

Bhaalspawn · 01-04-2011, 01:08 AM

First off, why do you want to get an MBA? Are you aware that MBA's are a dime-a-dozen and that it probably won't help you (but could make you overqualified and unemployable for other jobs) unless you either graduate from a top ten business school or have years of successful experience and/or good contacts in a business field?

Normally, it makes the most sense to get an MBA when it would allow you to move up within your current place of employment, especially if your employer is offering to pay for it. If you're hoping to just get an MBA and then be qualified for high-paying jobs, good luck; it takes more than an MBA degree to get one of those jobs.

stan4 · 01-04-2011, 01:21 AM

Yeah, I'm not sure I understand why you want an MBA in the first place.
Do you want to lead and manage people? Then yes, I think you're going to have to be competitive and ambitious.

Bhaalspawn · 01-04-2011, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stan4

Yeah, I'm not sure I understand why you want an MBA in the first place.
Do you want to lead and manage people? Then yes, I think you're going to have to be competitive and ambitious.

I tend to think that if someone has to come to a discussion forum and ask about whether or not going to graduate or professional school is a good idea for them that the answer is probably a resounding "No!", especially for a degree like an MBA.

brooklynborndad · 01-06-2011, 10:25 AM

I would suggest that if you have a more nerdy personality type, youd be better off with say a degree in economics or statistics or comp sci or even public policy.

private message me (i think that can be done here) if you want more info

zitsky · 01-06-2011, 10:53 AM

I'd suggest you think about what you really want to accomplish. I did an MBA at a small school that emphasized collaboration over competition. I was happy with the experience but it hasn't led to a job yet. If want to do it because you love learning, then please reconsider. I would ask to talk to a few graduates from any of the programs you are considering. How long did it take for someone with a Master's degree in sustainability to get a job? How long did it take for an MBA? Maybe you can't get this info, but it would be a good question to ask.

NewHorizonz · 01-18-2011, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bhaalspawn

I tend to think that if someone has to come to a discussion forum and ask about whether or not going to graduate or professional school is a good idea for them that the answer is probably a resounding "No!", especially for a degree like an MBA.

^^ I don't think that's always the case. People, in general, like to seek advice. I don't think it matters whether it's on a forum, on the street, or from friends.

Thanks, everyone, for the advice and insights.. Now that I've done a little more research and talked to a few working professionals, I've come to the conclusion an MBA is not a good fit for me. I agree they are a dime-a-dozen, especially for people with limited work experience, and it probably wouldn't help get me a better job, per se.

Like a few have said, if I want to lead and manage people, then an MBA would be a good option..but I don't want to do that. I'm ambitious, but not in that respect. I'm definitely not a corporate type either.

Thanks again everyone.

Tinawina · 01-18-2011, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NewHorizonz

Hi there - I'm considering an MBA but many people tell me they can't see me going into a program/field like that. I guess because I'm not a competitive person, don't like public speaking, and am more down to earth. These are just stereotypes, but are MBA types just in it for working in the corporate world?

I would be doing a concentration in Sustainable Business, which is more in line with my interests, but I feel just getting a master's in sustainability wouldn't really get me anywhere. The technical skills of business seem more useful.

If anyone has an MBA and isn't working in the corporate world, what was it like finding a job? Were all your classmates type-A personalities (aggressive, business-like, controlling, highly competitive, impatient, preoccupied with his or her status, time-conscious, and tightly-wound...often high-achieving "workaholics" who multi-task, push themselves with deadlines, and hate both delays and ambivalence - Wikipedia)?

Thanks for any info or advice!

There are MBA programs with concentrations in all kinds of things including sustainable business and/or social entreprenturial type stuff. People with your personality are often in those programs.

But I agree with those who say the first step is to figure out where you want to go, and then figure out if an MBA will really get you there.

EDIT: Oh nevermind, I just saw your response above! LOL. Well, good luck to you.