Online MBA
Is online MBA waste of time? Even if from “highly regarded program” that’s offered from UNC?
Primary reason for getting an MBA is networking connections, not the coursework. You go to a highly regarded program to meet and connect with others to advance your career. I don’t think you can do that online.
If you’re earning a tech salary, then the only way an MBA is worth it is if it is top tier (Wharton, Harvard, Stanford, Haas, Sloan, Columbia, Booth, Kellogg), and if your employer pays for it. The trade-off between a full-time MBA and a part-time MBA is that you get more value (networking opps) out of a full time MBA, but lose tech salary for 2 years, which you could keep with a part time MBA. Online MBAs are totally worthless. I think the sweet spot is employer funded, local, on-campus, part-time MBA from top tier school. Local being key, since you get to go to networking parties after work on weekdays. If you’re not earning a tech salary and trying to move into a higher value field such as product management, then you could justify an MBA with many fewer conditions than listed above.
It is worth it if your goals align with what an MBA will allow you to do. Are you looking to get into management, and away from eng? If so, do it, even online will help. Of not, evaluate what you want to get out of the MBA, and that will help clear the fog of deciding. Dont listen to anyone that says an MBA is never worth it, all they do with comments like that is reveal how little they know outside their own bubble, and you should disregard their opinion. It is worth it for many, and not worth it for some, but certainly can be an amazing experience, and tool for your career.
An MBA allows you to learn the languages of business outside the bubble of the department you're in. It makes you able to relate to other functions in their native business language. You then come off as a professional and not an amateur or idiot.
I’m biased, since my company powers that program and many others, but they do seem to be worth it for the thousands of students graduating from them. We hear a lot about the raises, promotions, and total career changes that result. The networking in our online programs is as good as if not better than an on campus program.
Top MBA programs attract the best talent from across industry. You get to spend years building lasting bonds with folks who will go on to lead companies and drive the world forward. Good networking = Meaningful connections you can leverage. You won’t find the same talent online. Therefore the networking cannot be as “good” Online programs are great for technical degrees.
Not true for this program. Lots of working executives with legitimate connections are attracted to this program because they can keep their well regarded jobs in other parts of the country.
No, UNC is a top tier program that is well regarded. That’s a good choice. You do sacrifice networking opportunities for online education however you will get access to the UNC recruiting department which is pretty solid.
Op - have you done it. Do you think it's worth it now
All MBAs are a waste of time.
Anyone who says this is very dumb, and doesnt realize that there are multiple career paths for people, and that it can be HIGHLY valuable. Not for everyone, but what a dumb fucking sentiment in silicon valley. I hear this all the time and I shake my head... The elitest attitude in this city is sickening.
^ triggered.