Questions about MBA

Amazon
IGyt55

Go to company page Amazon

IGyt55
Feb 16 16 Comments

I’m 2 YOE and a so-so engineer. I’m great when I put in effort but have a hard time remaining motivated when in maintain once mode. I always want to be climbing to the next step but no one wants a L6 (or equivalent at other companies) with 2yoe.

I’m thinking about using the next handful of years to pursue an MBA

1. Are online ones worth it or should I pursue local colleges (San Diego based)
2. What kind of time investment should I expect?
3. Will having the calc + advanced math from a computer science BA benefit me much?
4. Will I actually use the knowledge or is it just another piece of paper?
5. Is this the best way to climb to the very high levels? (Director, VP, CTO)
6. Will it make a big impact on becoming an engineering manager for the first time?
7. If you have it, the TC impact for having the degree (though I know this is extremely variable)

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TOP 16 Comments
  • Oracle
    Rambho

    Go to company page Oracle

    Rambho
    brownie points in admissions:non male, trans,non asian, non white, high gmat, extra curricular, asylum seeker, veteran, non IT
    Feb 16 5
  • IBM
    Mainframe

    Go to company page IBM

    Mainframe
    Quick responses:

    1. Are online ones worth it or should I pursue local colleges (San Diego based)
    ***Look at local schools that have hybrid or online courses. Avoid University of Phoenix/Concordia.

    2. What kind of time investment should I expect?
    ***16-18 classes, 3-4 years part time.

    3. Will having the calc + advanced math from a computer science BA benefit me much?
    ***Duh, of course.

    4. Will I actually use the knowledge or is it just another piece of paper?
    ***Did you learn about accounting and go to market strategies in CS school? There's your answer.

    5. Is this the best way to climb to the very high levels? (Director, VP, CTO)
    ***Go look at the executive profiles of any FAANG/Fortune 500. The overwhelming majority of all executives have MBA/MS degrees.

    6. Will it make a big impact on becoming an engineering manager for the first time?
    ***No.

    7. If you have it, the TC impact for having the degree (though I know this is extremely variable)
    ***Negligible. This only matters in management consulting and finance. Grad degree holders come in 1 level higher than undergrad.
    Feb 16 0
  • The whole point of an MBA is the network and prestige you get from being associated with the school. So if you’re going to a school that isn’t prestigious then it usually isn’t worth it.
    Feb 16 0
  • Oracle
    Rambho

    Go to company page Oracle

    Rambho
    there isnt a causal relationship. Do it, without taking too much debt.
    Feb 16 1
  • Apple
    581321

    Go to company page Apple

    581321
    Definitely doesn’t matter at the EM level. Might even be something for the SWEs to laugh about behind your back.

    At higher levels, it might become more valuable. But only if it’s from a top-5 B-school. As much as we exhaust ourselves talking about prestige in tech, it’s actually *much much* more important in business and finance.
    Feb 16 3
    • Amazon
      funtwo

      Go to company page Amazon

      funtwo
      Top 5 would be amazing but top 15/20 is good enough to be worth it from a brand perspective
      Feb 16
    • Apple
      581321

      Go to company page Apple

      581321
      Why not? With a good tech company on your resume you’d definitely be considered.

      It’ll be super expensive though.

      But yeah if you’re just doing it from any rando school - just take any online courses or certifications to learn whatever business knowledge you think you might need.

      It’s not hard to learn - why do you think it’s the favorite degree for us lazy, dumb Americans - which is exactly why they use the eliteness of the school as the useful signal instead of letting the MBA stand on its own.
      Feb 16