Self-taught MBA
September 19th, 2007 | Published in Books & Reading, Business, Education, Thoughts | 3 Comments
For most people who are serious about learning, anything over a B. A. is a waste of time and money — unless it is needed for a career. In a world of cheap books, public libraries, easy recommendations, digital lectures, meetups, and the internet, self-education is easier and cheaper than ever.
That’s why when I saw The Personal MBA Manifesto, I couldn’t help but pass it along. Why spend 3-4 years and $100,000+ working on an MBA? I have no idea. I owned and sold a business and worked as a freelance web designer without an MBA. My mom owned, sold and started another business without any college education. Many of my friends have, too. It’s done all the time.
So for those who are considering starting a business or “advancing their career” and thus considering an MBA or similar degree, consider reading the books on your own time — and budget — instead of making 4 years of your life (and your family’s life!) miserable by going into debt and squeezing in night classes.
If you need accountability, join or create a club for those who are doing something similar. Or if you are a aural or visual learner, consider listening or watching lectures from The Teaching Company, where they have some of the best professors around the country teaching a wide range of subjects.
You’ll learn quite a bit — maybe even more than those cramming for exams — quickly, cheaply, and at your own pace.
(Or if you want a real degree, check out these online MBA rankings and find a program to enroll in where you don’t need to leave your house!)
September 20th, 2007 at 2:20 pm (#)
While I think that’s probably true for something like an MBA, I wouldn’t go so far as to say *anything* over a BA is a waste of time. For instance, take Psychology. A BA will get you an internship, a Master’s will garner an OK job, and a Doctorate will get you the real deal job as a psychologist.
I just finished my BS in Human Services, and it is worth less than the paper it is printed on for two reasons: 1) my goals have changed, and 2) even if I were to go into the field, it’d be at rock bottom. If I wanted any kind of job in the above fields, at least a Masters is the way to go.
My $.02
September 20th, 2007 at 2:23 pm (#)
Edman: You are right – that’s why I gave the caveat of “unless it is needed for a career.” Obviously I don’t want to go to a brain surgeon who only has a BA.
March 17th, 2010 at 6:48 pm (#)
I agree with you! I am a hedge fund accountant and have a Bachelor’s Degree. As far as an MBA goes, I think it depends on the growth prospects and requirements of your company and/or business. For me, our processes are extremely proprietary and for the most part cannot be taught with formal education. As far as the management of people and groups, my company values the individuals who know company processes, procedures, and methodologies so well that they can lead groups of people and teach them. An MBA will only slow a person at my company down because all the time spent listening a professor ‘talk’ about how the real world is may be allocated more efficiently reading or studying company-specific literature/topics.