Is it worth it to get an online MBA?
I’m an L5 Amazonian who’s been here about 8 months now. Increasingly, I’m realizing that most individuals who rise above an L6 have an MBA. I’m considering enrolling in WSU’s online MBA program, which is 18 months and would allow me to keep working. Would this be worth it? Would it help me at other FAANG companies outside of Amazon? Is an online program looked down on?
If its free
A MBA is viewed an essential leadership component to being viewed as senior in a company. If you can’t into a top 10 to 15 school, don’t bother.
It’s not a question of can’t. It’s a question of taking 2-3 years off to do this versus the convenience of being able to keep working and get a degree.
There are three reasons you might do an MBA: 1. Are genuinely interested to learn more 2. Networking with your cohort 3. Advance in corporate rank It depends what you value most. Personally I would only do an MBA to network with more people and potentially start something (a startup) with my cohort. Having said that, online MBA doesn't allow me to do that. It doesn't give me that "street credit" But since you are already in a company where you want to stay, I don't think it matters if it's online or not.
So for advancing corporate rank , an mba ( let’s say part time mba from top 5 school ) wouldn’t work ?
Not unless it’s free even then there’s opportunity cost
If you just want to check a box and/or have free time/money, then online MBA is fine. Your degree will not say online, though it will be obvious if you were working in Seattle and got MBA from Florida. If you want to make drastic career/pedigree change, then go for top 10 in person. I just applied for Boston University's first online MBA cohort. 20K total and top 50 in person program.
I think waste of time. Current and future hire is based on what you find the past 5 years.
You need to provide more context. What career path are you interested in pursuing?
I’m in product marketing now. I’d like to continue to move up within AWS, either keeping a focus on marketing or moving to product management.