A Sea Of Red

We've had similar discussions before on here but frankly I wasn't paying much attention. Suddenly I am being prompted to pursue a post-grad degree and now I am all ears for your thoughts.

I have little interest in pursuing a Masters in Communications because unless I want to take a corporate position or teach there really is no value for me unless somebody else was footing the bill. So that leads me toward the business school options.

MBA vs. MAML

First off, I know that the MBA carries more weight in general than the MAML degree. But in my line of work, proficiency in mathematics doesn't carry much value. And that is a good thing because I am right-brained.

I am leaning toward a MAML or other type of Management or Leadership degree. The curriculum matches my skill set and seems to offer the most value to me moving forward.

Am I nuts? Did I mention how much I hate accounting?

If you think a MBA is all about numbers and math, you don't know what an MBA is then. MBA is for the conceptual, managerial, applied work. If the MBA program is based around math and numbers then you are throwing away your money...

I know the coursework will be different at each school, but I got an MBA and I only had two numbers/match heavy classes in accounting and finance. Economics and operations had its fair share of math, but it's not what I would have called math heavy. I know people who have gotten an MBA elsewhere and there coursework likewise was not numbers/math heavy.

lynchburgwildcats wrote:If you think a MBA is all about numbers and math, you don't know what an MBA is then. MBA is for the conceptual, managerial, applied work. If the MBA program is based around math and numbers then you are throwing away your money...

I know the coursework will be different at each school, but I got an MBA and I only had two numbers/match heavy classes in accounting and finance. Economics and operations had its fair share of math, but it's not what I would have called math heavy. I know people who have gotten an MBA elsewhere and there coursework likewise was not numbers/math heavy.

He speaks the truth. An MBA covers far more than just accounting and finance. I had 3 "math-heavy," courses when getting an MBA in International Business from LU. The rest covered things like workplace behaviors/cultures, total quality management, corporate responsibility, law, etc...culminating in the capstone course where you basically ran your own business in an industry full of competitors.

That's not what he said. He said he wants to avoid the math-heavy topics such as accounting and finance. Even two classes out of 12 or 14 is too much. Okay? Proceed.

To that point, I'll add....do you just want the degree or are you looking to challenge yourself and grow? Honestly, most of the "practical" stuff you learn in Business programs, both undergrad and graduate, is just a regurgitation of what you probably already know, and something you should know if you were born with any shred of common sense. These classes are going to be very easy for you. You'll get the degree, but you really won't be any smarter.

It's things like Finance and Accounting and Law that set you apart in business. And what trumps all of that is your experience.

So, in my opinion, the MAML will not gain you much academically and leave you with a degree that nobody recognizes.

I appreciate the insights. In my world, experience trumps paper 99% of the time. But having a post-grad degree (any post-grad degree) helps distinguish oneself in credentialing. Accounting & finance guys are who work for the people that I work alongside. So while an MBA might be nice, it really doesn't offer much in the way of an ROI. That's why I have been considering a Management or Leadership track.

I get the sense from many of you that a MS in Management or an MA in Management or Leadership doesn't really offer much value in your opinions. That's why I am fishing around for insights.

PS - Thanks to all of you who have been PMing. I love hearing more voices than just my own.

Sly Fox wrote:PS - Thanks to all of you who have been PMing. I love hearing more voices than just my own.

Wait, what? Conversation goes on behind my back? WHAT?!!??!