A "kicker" to MBA utility.....

During my current search for one of those money-earning thingies (job), I have come across an interesting requirement that I don't ever remember seeing before: an MBA.

The vast majority of internships or entry level business/finance function jobs at large (Fortune 500??) companies that I have found have an MBA (or MBA enrollment for internships) listed as an essential requirement for consideration. I'd say that the number is well over 3/4 of such positions at these large companies have listed this requirement.

Smaller, local companies seem happy with a BS in Business, even for a managerial accounting or finance job..

The thing that really surprises me about an MBA requirement is the fact that the type of position I'm looking for (and thus reading job descriptions for) are within an accounting/finance function, since that is what I'm working at Excelsior. I would have expected just to see MS in Finance or MS in Accounting OR CPA/CFA at the most, but not the more generic "MBA."

Any thoughts on this, or am I over-analyzing things?

Take care!

-Jassen

 

You could be witnessing a buyers market with increased credentials being specified. Why? because they can. Are these increased credentials really needed? probably not. You will be trained by the company, especially a large, Fortune 500, in their specific finance/accounting systems (that will be very esoteric) when you get there. A good understanding of GAAP (the real GAAP) going in will be useful but a good bit of business theory will be shelved in favor of established practice.

 

MBA Utility

As I discovered a few years back, this is largely a function of the marketplace. MBA's typically are viewed with greater prestige, and employers consider it to be more desirable. It's just the perception in the job market. However, in the last decade, MBA's have inched toward the "dime-a-dozen" category in the minds of many recruiters. A more specialized MS degree should do just fine as far as most employers are concerned.

 

Accounting did, after all, use the term first!

Indeed! Good point. [Ha! That was a good one.]