MBA and entrepreneurs
At times it seems MBA programs are passed their glory days. Every so often we see articles saying that they can be a waste of time and money, especially if your goal is to become an entrepreneur. My two cents: if you have no business background and you can afford it, a good MBA is still a great thing! My background is in economics and I wouldn’t have started my first company without the skills and confidence I acquired in business school.
MBA for entrepreneurs
If your undergrad is in the sciences or the arts and you want to start your own company, an MBA can be a good idea. Some will say that all you need is a business-savvy partner; but you know what, it’s not ideal to rely solely on others. Of course you will not become a management guru overnight (you don’t want that anyways), but by going to business school you at least learn the basics, the jargon, and know where to find the answers. You can sit down in front of an investor or Board and not look like a big question mark when they start talking about P&Ls, financial ratios, or SWOT analyses.
In a good business school you also meet interesting people, from different countries and sectors, expanding your network and perspective on things. You can bounce off ideas with smart people and potentially find the partner you’re looking for. You become part of an alumni group that can be of service in the future. Hey, even some of your professors might not be as dull as you think and give you good advice and open doors for you.
Depending on your age and where you currently stand professionally and financially, it might be that a two-year full-time program doesn’t make sense anymore. The opportunity cost can be too high. But you can do a one-year program, there a great ones in Europe, Canada and a few in the US. Or do a part-time executive program. If you can afford it, it’s never a waste to learn new skills and meet good people.
See also Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Prosperity. Image: linkedin.com
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