I’ve seen hundreds of leaders leverage their MBA to significantly and positively impact their careers. An MBA is a powerful way to equip yourself with knowledge, skills, and a network that propel you forward. Yet it is not a must for everyone. Very few people ever say, “When I grow up, I want to be an MBA”. An MBA is a means to an end but also so much more. An action catalyst, a confidence boost, a career springboard. 

But how do you know it’s time and it’s the right thing to do? 

By now, you probably know more than giving prefab answers, I guide MBA candidates to the right questions. Let’s walk through a series of them that can help guide you. It’s a decision tree of sorts – a decision-support tool you might learn about in an MBA class. 

First of all, do you feel stuck?

Have you maxed out on learning and growth in your current position? If the answer is yes, then you need to pivot. More than one option exists. 

Can you level up without going back to school? Is it a matter of changing companies or getting assigned to a new project? If the answer is yes, maybe you don’t need an MBA right now.

Do you feel your career is on a satisfactory trajectory? Is that trajectory sustainable?

Can you continue to grow, based solely on the experience you are acquiring at each job? If not, are you lacking business knowledge and skills that are necessary for you to advance? This is a very common scenario for those coming from a technical background, the sciences, the liberal arts, or other non-business backgrounds. They hit a ceiling. They get stuck in one lane and lack the credentials, credibility, or confidence to shift or keep climbing. 

Do you crave entering a new industry? A different function? Starting a venture?

All of these are scenarios where an MBA can be a very efficient way to enable a change. Changing industries or functions has traditionally been a major impetus for pursuing an MBA. But the number of entrepreneurs recognizing the value of business fundamentals and heading to business school to get them is seriously on the rise. And schools have upped the resources for the entrepreneurs in their classrooms. An MBA is not a must for any of these scenarios but for many it can be an effective path to getting there. 

I believe there is one more scenario, a bit more ambiguous. You observed other MBAs and their success. Maybe a parent has one. Maybe you reported to one. Maybe a founder you admire is one. So you kind of start to think, “What if?” 

I hope you see how I am using this exercise. An MBA may not be the answer but the important part here is the questions. You are not where you want to be. Something is missing to connect your “now” to your “next”. So you seek to identify what the obstacle is and find a bridge across. 

Here is a very useful next step. Get a feel of what it’s like to be an MBA student. It’s easier than ever to do this as we’ve all gone virtual. Schools have upped their game even more and virtual information sessions or online MBA conferences offer great ways to hear from all stakeholders in the game – faculty, admissions professionals, current students, alumni, and others in the MBA admissions ecosystem. 

You don’t have to chase all the answers alone. In fact you never should. Talk to others, seek advice. See if you come away inspired, wanting to be part of the tribe, and feeling an MBA just might be your bridge. 

Onwards and upwards,

 Petia