Is it time to get your MBA?

When there is a down time between jobs, many people wonder if it would be a good time to go back to school. If you are one of these people, maybe you are thinking of getting your MBA. In the past an MBA has been portrayed as a guarantee to moving up the ranks of management. While this might have been true in the past, the current economy has certainly taken the guarantee out of this line of thinking. So, what is the value of an MBA? Is it still worth pursuing? Here are some points to consider if you are thinking of taking the MBA plunge.

1. Look at the backgrounds of people who have the jobs you want. Talk to people who are doing what you want to do in ten years and see if they have an MBA. What other degrees do they have? What do they recommend? What part of their MBA has been most useful? It is good to know what you might want the focus of your MBA to be, such as leadership, finance and accounting, technology or one of the many other concentrations available.

2. Working on an MBA during a recession is better than taking the time off when the economy is booming and promotions and bonuses are easier to be had at work. Going to school between jobs means you won’t be missing out on quick promotions or other perks of a great economy. You also don’t have to deal with the conflict of work and school and how difficult it can be to make time to give each the attention they deserve.

3. Business schools usually offer excellent networking opportunities, so you can graduate with jobs on the horizon, regardless of the state of the economy. Networks among MBA students, even part time programs, tend to be close as the MBA program builds close relationships among students.

4. The trend of international studies in MBA programs is growing and lends itself to learning a second language. If you are at a crossroads and looking for something else that will help you in the long run, consider taking up a another language as well as an MBA program.

5. Keep in mind that the value of your MBA will be heavily influenced by where you work. Make sure that an MBA garners the appropriate value in your organization. Also remember that the school you chose to attend can have a direct correlation to your paycheck with an MBA. Another factor to consider is how many people you managed before you had your MBA.

All of these points will help you to determine the best course of action in your academic career. This could be a perfect time to pursue that degree with undivided attention. Weigh your options carefully.

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Becky Papp has been a professional writer for 20 years, working for newspapers, magazines and corporate communications. She currently contracts for clients all over the world, writing online and print articles, newsletters, blogs, and e-books. She resides in Phoenix, Arizona.