Why not MBA instead of MS?

[Asim Raja]

AoA,

I've noticed that more and more of my school's alums go for MS, without even considering MBA. Moreover, those who do consider MBA, aim too low for non-ranked schools. Unlike engineering school graduates, MBA graduates starting salaries can vary as much as 2 to 3 times depending upon where you graduate from. Salaries for top 10-15 ranked schools are listed below:

http://www.businessschooladmission.com/mbasalaries.php

MashaAllah, we have the intellectual capability to get in at the Harvard and Stanford of the worlds. I would encourage everyone to consider that if they want to ever move into management. A few good resources for this are:

http://www.mbaadmission.com/
http://www.amazon.com/How-Get-Into-Top-Programs/dp/0735204233/ref=p...
http://www.ivyleagueadmission.com/busadguide.html

Of course, I'd be happy to guide ppl as much as I can.

Remember, aim high, you have nothing to lose.
Asim

[Imran Qureshi]

Generally good MBA schools require experience as an Admission criteria, One of our NED batchmate went to Michigan for an MS and after working in the industry for three years, applied to Stanford for an MBA. That's typically the case for most of the students who do their MBA after BS or MS degrees.

[Riaz Haq]

I think it's a good idea to weigh your options in terms of getting an advanced engineering degree or going to graduate school of business for an MBA. As Imran points out, there's a requirement for about 2 years of industrial experience for competitive MBA programs. In addition, you need strong recommendations and high scores on GMAT.
But I think an MBA is definitely worth looking into.

[Rashid Mahmood]

Apart from requirement of industrial experience, I think we should also keep the martket scenario and our priorities in our minds. For instance, if some one wants to come back to Pakistan then I think MBA is much better option then MS because of current trend and situation. In addtion to that, I strongly recommend the option given by Mr. Imran to go for a MBA degree after your MS.

[Asim Raja]

Imran,
Yes, it is true that the top-ranked schools require at least 2+ years of experience. But, my email is not targeted towards fresh or upcoming graduates but also who have been in the industry for up to 10-15 years, for whom part-time MBA may still be rewarding. Even for fresh graduates, you need to plan ahead by 2-3 years if you really want to take a good shot at getting in highly selective schools.

Riaz,
You brought up some good points about what is needed to get in. In addition, you need to show voluntary/non-profit involvement and leadership experience which is why one needs to plan 2 years ahead to get involved. Moreover, do not discount strong essays, which can take a few weeks to write, as well as prep. for admission interviews. For those who are applying to top schools, my advice would be to start planning ahead. Take some GMAT prep class and then hire some good admission consultant to get help with essay reviews and interview prep. While, this may cost money up front, this investment pays off many folds if you get into a higher ranked school.

[khalid Hassan]

Very informative post Asim. We definitely need to Aim High. Regarding the MS trend you mentioned, here is my two cents that rationalizes that, I think majority of engineering grads who go for MS rather than MBA is due to the promising out come & almost proven trail to getting a job then H1B sponsorship & then permanent resident ship (the probability of getting a job with an employer who sponsor H1 & GC is much higher in Engineering then any other management field). As Rashid mentioned, those who want to go back to country, doing MBA before MS could be better option but those who want to stay (even for couple of years) MS before MBA would be much more practical & relatively easier.

[Asim Raja]

Thank you for your support Khalid! I truly appreciate it.

I think that if someone wants to get an MBA and is willing to put in time/effort to get in one of the top 15 ranked programs, then they should skip the MS as it would be a waste of time. I myself got an MS but, at that time, I didn't even think about an MBA as there was no one to guide me.

At the top ranked business schools, the schools arrange full living+tuition loans for international students. As almost all international students from good schools are able to secure high-paying and H1 jobs in US, they have the ability to pay back the loans in 3-5 years. Even those few who don't get high paying jobs in US, ended up getting similar salaried positions in europe, middle east, far east asia.

I think that it comes down to one's interest. If one is interested in engineering, research or teaching then they should go for an MS/PhD. For those who want to move up the corporate ladder should seriously consider MBA

[Muhammad Hassan Aziz]

Respected All,

MBA is a good option but I believe that, for a professional who has just entered in professional life, MS/ME is better option. What we have been taught in MBA is of no use in early years of professional career. MBA is effective when one is on managerial position. MS/ME is quite practical and helps to develop career in early stage.

Btw I am also doing MBA and I am not satisfied with it. I am now thinking to drop my MBA and get enrolled for MS/ME degree.

Regards,

Muhammad Hassan Aziz

[Riaz Haq]

It's probably better to work a few years, get industry experience, and then decide on what graduate education is best for you--it could be engineering or management or even law, depending on your goals. In fact, most US business schools do not accept into their MBA programs anyone with less than a couple of years industry experience minimum.

[Muhammad Hassan Aziz]

Yes Riaz sb, you are right. Here in Pakistan, even IBA wants applicant to have minimum 2 yrs professional experience. But what about continuing studies espacially in Pakistani scenario ?? After 2,3 yrs professional experience, one gets too much busy in arranging his bread n butter that continuing education become tough.. More over, social responsibilities also increases.. Same is the reason why me and my university colleagues took admission for further education immediately after being pass out.

Regards,

Muhammad Hassan Aziz