if you can get into HBS, all the better for you. the pay increase after 2 years of school is tremendous (well into the six figures) as opposed to what you'd get straight out of undergrad..

if you want 6 figure salary right away, go to a good ibank for 2 years, then go to HBS.. you'll be an even better candidate once you graduate from there.

I'd jump at the chance to go there.. this is coming from a top 5 undergrad b-school. I, however, have to put in 2 years at least before I want to apply, and then I'd still be doubtful about my chances there.

 

Although asking this question of us is a good start. I would suggest finding a faculty member within the program to ask questions of directly. Either via email or telephone, although they will likely prefer email and take a few days to respond. Also if your interest increases schedule a meeting with a faculty member and fly/drive out. While visiting also specifically schedule a meeting with a current student.

 

Oh, I would absolutely do all of that before I made a decision. At this point I am just trying to get opinions from different sources. I talked to my parents and the head of my program, but of course they are all biased, so who better to ask than a bunch of (mostly) strangers? Harvard's head football coach is a very close family friend and they invited my family to their house on the Cape this summer, so that will be a great opportunity to learn about the school (if not the MBA program specifically).

 

At first glance, I thought you said "Should I purchase a Harvard MBA?" Then I read your post which said:
And I was convinced that my first glance was correct. You mis-spelled "purchase".

Good luck.

 

An MBA is almost an essential degree this day in age.(I say almost)

Its not really a upper level management requirement, but more a candidate screener. Thus many without one wouldnt even be considered.

That said. A top program is almost a must if you are really shooting for the upper corporate echelon, or know exactly what you want to use it for(your own business.. etc...) Not to say that those with MBA's from other schools received any less of an education, if you can find a fortune 100 company that can recognize your worth and experience than you don't need a Harvard MBA. IMHO and I think most MBA programs will also agree, that an MBA directly out of undergrad is nothing more than a certification showing that you can study hard and can absorb knowledge.

If you do a search for MBA programs, you will see the correlation between starting pay and type of program.

Part time programs<Full time MBA<Executive MBA

With an Executive program you are being backed by company(usually fortune 500-1000 level etc...) and they are basically telling the school you go to that you will have a direct applicability for the education that you will receive. Usually to even be considered for these programs you need about 5-7 years of good experience, and a good track record of leadership. These pay THE most, and you usually have a nice exec. level job waiting for you once complete.

If you can get into a Harvard MBA program now, that is great, kudos to you. But I honestly don't think it is really worth it(at this point in time). You get an MBA because you want to, not because it will net you more money. Of course money is one aspect for WHY you would want to get it, but it shouldnt be the driving factor. You will not be as driven and you probably won't have a lot of applicability for it once you graduate, other than conceptual theories, case studies, etc... With solid work experience you can find real world applicability in whichever industry you decide to pursue.

I thought about this same route for quite some time before I graduated undergrad. I was actually going to pursue a joint JD/MBA program. However, I decided to gain the experience and insight before diving into such a program. You really can't go wrong with either road. But I've seen many individuals with MBA's find it VERY difficult to find an executive MBA level job out of grad school with NO experience. You are overqualified for entry level, and don't have any applicable experience to take over a department as a manager/director/ etc...(not to say a Harvard MBA wouldnt provide PLENTY of chances to network etc..)

You've got your work cut out for you. But youre really going to have to consider why it is you want an MBA, and what you would do with it. Grad school is a whole new ballgame, and you really need to be dedicated. But best of luck whichever route you take.

 

2 cents. I work in an environment where more than 80% of my colleagues have an MBA from a top-tier university. Some considerations:

1. Earning a degree from a top-tier program will definitely be advantageous in your career. Sure, you may be able to appreciate it more after having a few years of real-world experience; but the fact is that you still earned the degree and can use it to open doors.

2. Get a sense of the type of career-path you want to take and identify the requirements for the roles and positions that you would take. For instance, if you choose a career in strategy/management consulting, an MBA is almost a requirement.

3. MBAs are not the only answer towards career advancement. If you have excellent work experience, you will be in demand no matter what.

Good luck with your decision!

 

Good points by the last two posters. Work experience helped me get the job I have now without a graduate degree.

 

[QUOTE=tcho82,Apr 7 2006, 03:42 PM] An MBA is almost an essential degree this day in age.(I say almost)

Its not really a upper level management requirement, but more a candidate screener.

 

My father is not only currently pursuing his MBA at Harvard right now, he is also a teaching fellow there. If you want some info from someone, both as a student and a teacher, feel free to PM me, he would be more than happy to talk with you. What area will your MBA be in ???

 

I didn't catch your job offer (the type of role, industry) but just to put a bug in your ear: think about strategy/management consulting if you are passionate about the automotive industry.

Things like dealer incentive discount programs, to determining manufacturing and assembly locations, to determining the option packages available per model... all those things likely had a consulting firm behind it. Corporate strategy, supply chain, innovation/disruption... it can all be yours.

For instance, you can find out the real reason why the Asian automotives aren't releasing super-cars (i.e. Nissan Skyline) here in the US.