Second MBA???

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by leejabron, Jun 23, 2006.

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  1. leejabron

    leejabron New Member

    Hello Everyone,

    I was directed to this site from a friend of mine. I am in desperate need of some helpful advice and would greatly appreciate any that could be given.

    I have an MBA from an online university (RA) and recently, due to unforseen circumstances, and a multitude of "other reasons", I will look to re-enter the workforce and look for a career change.

    My concern is that the online MBA will be frowed upon when seeking new employment. I was told that a good idea might be to obtain a second MBA, one that is carried in higher regard and associated with a higher level of respectability. There are a few schools that will take some of the credits earned from my initial MBA program and apply them to the new program as transfer credits.

    My question is, is this a "good" idea? Is it essentially pointless, as some others have told me recently? The newer MBA will be DL based (because of a multitude of other commitments) but from a school that is highly ranked internationally.

    Any insight would be really appreciated.

    Regards

    LeeJabron,

    P.S. I am based out of Canada!
     
  2. RFValve

    RFValve Well-Known Member


    If you are based out in Canada, I would strongly recommend two programs but not DL:

    Post MBA from McGill University
    Post MBA from York University

    if you speak french:

    Post MBA from Universite du quebec a montreal


    These are programs designed for MBA graduates that require a specialization in a new area. The programs are normally only one semester long.

    If online is not helping, why not upgrading your online MBA with a post MBA from a top canadian University?
     
  3. little fauss

    little fauss New Member

    Before I ever considered a second MBA, I'd at least test the waters with that online MBA. Where was it from, if you don't mind me asking? Of course a non-AACSB, RA-only MBA won't have the same impact as an on-ground MBA from McGill or Harvard, but if it's an RA program, unless you're going for a job in investment banking or with some high-powered consulting or accounting firm, I can't imagine the online MBA won't help your job search.
     
  4. leejabron

    leejabron New Member

    Thanks for responding so quickly!!

    RFValue: Those are great suggestions, I was unaware that those schools offered those avenues.

    LittleFaus: My MBA is from Walden University, (no i dont mind). I understand that this is not even in the same planet as most schools, but it served a purpose at the time. I understand that the most lucrative jobs ie. "front office" I Banking, and the like are for the better schools, and I am realistic when I am assessing my future prospects, thats why I'm unsure as to whether or not an additional DL MBA would make such as difference. The schools that I am strongly considering are Durham and Henley (UK).

    I also forgot to mention that I am close to completing my MSc in Financial Economics (UofL)

    Thanks again guys,

    LeeJabron
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 23, 2006
  5. CoachTurner

    CoachTurner Member

    I'm not sure I'd follow an MBA and an MSc with another MBA. Maybe a PhD/DBA or an MA/MS in some other area.

    IMHO - The MBA is too generalist for two to have as much value as they cost (with some few exceptions) unless you can get the second from a really top school. Even then, a PhD/DBA or even an EdD might give you a better return.
     
  6. little fauss

    little fauss New Member

    Look, IMHO, if you complete an MSc in Fin Econ from UoL, then don't sweat it. That sounds like a good resume. If you can explain the DL degrees in terms of how you were working or had other obligations at the time and were doing them on the side, then I don't see a huge problem. You can turn your PT student status into an asset, making yourself look like a go-getter.

    I'm acquainted with a fellow who's the head of a business department at a small RA college who got his PhD in business from Walden. It's not exactly the kiss of death, and the UoL Masters should do much to "clean up" your resume, if you want to look at it that way. In fact, even uncompleted, that degree should be at the tip-top of your resume's education section (listed as "in progress", of course). The UoL is world-reknowned, instant name recognition.

    If you were to do any additional coursework or seek any other degrees, given that you'll soon have two post graduate degrees in a business-related field, I'd forget a second MBA, I'd look into DL doctoral programs in business, such as UNISA's Doctor of Business Leadership (very affordable, but very demanding) or one of the very good--and somewhat expensive, especially considering they require residencies--Brit DBA programs, such as Henley MC, Aston, or Manchester. There's also UMUC's Doctor of Management, and if you're a techie or interested in industrial technology, Indiana State has an excellent DL/online PhD in Technology Management that would likely accept a number of your credits towards the PhD, though you'd have to confirm that with them.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 23, 2006
  7. little fauss

    little fauss New Member

    Coach Turner beat me to the punch by one minute. Quicker on the draw, I suppose--or less verbose.

    Great minds think alike. :)
     
  8. eric.brown

    eric.brown New Member

    If it were me, I'd finish up the MSc in Financial Economics and not worry about a second MBA. Perhaps look into the Post-MBA programs mentioned already after you finish the MSc.
     
  9. TCord1964

    TCord1964 New Member

    Personally, I think you're being too critical of your Walden MBA. I don't think it's anything to be ashamed of. You had the determination to finish an MBA by distance learning, and that's no easy feat. No, it's not Harvard, but most schools aren't, either. It's not like you have an unaccredited degree. Walden is RA.

    I'd finish up the masters from UoL and leave it at that. I don't understand the need to get a DBA if you're not planning on teaching, and you certainly don't need two MBAs.

    Be proud of your accomplishments!
     
  10. little fauss

    little fauss New Member

    I guess I'd second this. Tcord's right, you have plenty of education unless you're just itching for academia. I was just suggesting from the standpoint that I knew you were one who wasn't afraid of a couple more years of schooling. But you've got plenty already; the workforce is waiting!
     
  11. friendorfoe

    friendorfoe Active Member

    Why not just go for a DBA?
     
  12. leejabron

    leejabron New Member

    I appreciate your insight everyone,

    I dont really have the burning desire to go into academia, so I dont think the DBA would be something that I would pursue as of this moment, but you never know what could happen in the future!

    I was just wondering if the second one would really help me in any way other than piling on additional debt and stress!

    I have thought about how the second one, for example from Durham or Henley would make a difference. They are both great schools, but from a perspective of a future employer, who doesn't particularly recruit directly from either school, whether it would make a difference to them. In other words, if company A recruits directly from school a, b, and c, would they differentiate between prospective applicants from school x and z if it either school wasn't a world class school like Harvad, Penn etc...??

    Again, I thank you all for your help and wish you all the best of luck.
     
  13. foobar

    foobar Member

    You have received excellent advice - I believe that most recruiters would look askance at TWO MBAs. In fact, I think you might have trouble enrolling in a second MBA program if the school was aware of the first.
     
  14. tscalzitti

    tscalzitti New Member

    Very true, two would look odd. Also all your complete dates would be very close. Not showing any time to have actually gained anything from that RA MBA. I would let it be, its not a bad school.

    That and you recent degree whould show that you have a dedication to learning over time. As many have commented about the MBA is getting more common and many are concerned that its not as good as it once was. I don't see any point to the second.
     
  15. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    I seriously doubt it. I think your getting a MSc in Financial Economics from London was the right move, and I agree with everyone else that it should be more than sufficient.

    -=Steve=-
     
  16. little fauss

    little fauss New Member

    If you're going for a second MBA, I've been told by people in-the-know over at the Business Week MBA forum that you'd better have a COMPELLING reason to seek the second, or the adcoms will simply deposit your app in the circular file.

    The MSc in finance from a world-class uni like London is probably much better than a second MBA from all but the best schools.

    Move forward, you're ready!
     
  17. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    Plausible, although I think the point of getting a second is to take the lesser one off one's resume and never mention it.

    -=Steve=-
     
  18. little fauss

    little fauss New Member

    Yep, that's the only reason I thought of for doing it. Would seem like a lot of work, though, for little payoff above and beyond the London program.
     
  19. Scott Henley

    Scott Henley New Member

    I'm from Canada, so I'll give you my perspective.

    I understand your problem with Walden. However, the MSc in Financial Economics from the University of London will serve you well here is Canada.

    That said, you have two options and neither would involve getting a second third master's degree.

    You could cap of your MBA and MSc with a Post-MBA Diploma. Several schools in Canada offer such programs, but most of them are on-campus, however short.

    I believe York University has one as does the Universty of Toronto.

    The other, more involved, option would to be pursue a DBA or PhD from a reputable university. Many schools run low-residency programs. Make sure the program is not completely external. It must have residency for legitimacy, even if only for a week a year.
     
  20. Ted Heiks

    Ted Heiks Moderator and Distinguished Senior Member

    Just out of curiosity, wouldn't it be equally plausible to have a second MBA just to have MBAs in two different majors? Or would that be a sure sign that one is an educated derelict?
     

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