Haas MBA / L6 Manager
Hi I am considering a L6 Manager role at Amazon after spending a decade as a Software Engineer (now a L6 engineer) Given that I have some technical knowledge, would an MBA help me progress faster in management role? TC: 400k
MBAs are more about networking. What do the people on your class cohort achieve? If you end up at Wharton or GSB or something, it can have a large amplifying effect on your career. That said, I'm guessing at L6 the opportunity costs would be quite a lot. I probably wouldn't do it unless you aspire to Executive Leadership and your employer will pay for it.
When you say amplifying effect , does it mean - someone from your cohort is a VP , you can get hired there as a director ?
Employer would never pay for it! Atleast when employer is Amazon. I dont want to stuck for years trying to move up the ladder. I know there are no shortcuts to it, was wondering whether an MBA would give me any edge over 1000 others like me.
Not in engineering track
I think you would be respected more if you don’t have an MBA.
Why do you say that? I am not planning to leave my job. I am planning a part time evening MBA
Exactly, if you are going to stay here for awhile then strong performance and team management experience will be enough to get you all the way to L8. It will give you a stamp of approval through and through as a true tech leader. But if you have an MBA, it gives people a strong impression that you are only a people manager with constant intentions to step on other people’s foot. It also indicates that you may have been feeling insecure about your career, because ultimately, MBA is for those who are looking for another path in their career. If you are happy and certain that you are staying, then it wouldn’t add much value to you.
I asked this question while I was interviewing. The managers I spoke with seem not to care about MBAs... YMMV.
Whom did you ask?
Two of the L8 that interviewed me. I was accepted to the EMBA at Warthon. They said it wouldn’t matter much.