IT Engineer considering an MBA

I went to school for computer science and Graduated form a local college with a low GPA in 2007. Richard Stockton college of NJ 2.3 GPA. I realized I didn't like programming and I started from scratch doing basic IT support and gradually made the switch over to a Network Architect/Engineer. This was done with the help of an certifications (CCIE) job hopping, and a little bit of embellishing of the resume. I am pleased with my progress and I have surpassed my salary expectations. I enjoy the work that I do but I have become accustomed to the quick progress in my career. As far as easy options are concerned: I can continue doing federal government contracting, start my own business and go corp-to-corp and bill out other positions. (Boring work but cash is guaranteed) Make a move back to the private sector where I am lot busier and the work is more enjoyable and I get bonuses.(fun but still keeping the same title). Progress that I am looking for that I believe an MBA will help are, CTO, CIO, and transitioning to finance. I know that finance would be enjoyable since your paycheck is based on performance and now I just show up for a paycheck. Biggest concern with perusing MBA, My biggest concern is I graduate with an MBA and take a massive pay cut. I am currently closing in on 200k and I haven't seen any reviews of individuals graduating with anywhere near this salary.

BTW: I am 30, and single without kids and the only thing keeping me in DC is a house that I can rent after renovations.

5 Comments
 

Well, first congrats on the CCIE. Many people fail that exam when it comes to the lab portion. Did you obtain CISSP as well by chance? It's a really nice combo, especially if you add the CISA also.

I did my MBA at 31. After that I was getting calls for VC opportunities which helped me break those numbers in an area that costs less than the DC surrounding. It definitely opened many doors for me and the network from the school was quite nice. If you desire a CIO position in your future then DEF get it.

Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please.
 

Yeah, I failed the CCIE a few times but eventually passed it after the 4th time. I thought about the CISSP but since I wasn't a security engineer I never took at more then once. I took the test and failed it. Did you get an MBA from a top 10 school? I am considering a part-time program on-campus but my I have to get this GMAT squared a way first.

 

Yeah, I failed the CCIE a few times but eventually passed it after the 4th time. I thought about the CISSP but since I wasn't a security engineer I never took at more then once. I took the test and failed it. Did you get an MBA from a top 10 school? I am considering a part-time program on-campus but my I have to get this GMAT squared a way first.

 
Best Response
dsmaniac

Yeah, I failed the CCIE a few times but eventually passed it after the 4th time. I thought about the CISSP but since I wasn't a security engineer I never took at more then once. I took the test and failed it. Did you get an MBA from a top 10 school? I am considering a part-time program on-campus but my I have to get this GMAT squared a way first.

Yea, that lab exam has frustrated a many a good engineers over the years. Worked with one person who would be considered one of the sharpest engineers and he failed the lab the first time. The CISSP is a pretty big demand. I'm shocked you working the DC area that they have not asked you to pursue it.

No, I was not top 10, it was about 12 during that time (Kenan-Flagler). I was definitely curious to do a different program but for family commitment reasons I chose it. I always knew what I had in mind to do and I was comfortable with it not being a top 10 school.

Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please.
 

Molestiae commodi natus unde dolores. Architecto dolor et cumque voluptates temporibus error. Porro velit quia et ea esse. Et consequatur ut et quae odio eum et. Blanditiis atque expedita debitis vero et quia.

Eveniet voluptatum aut et non cum non ipsam. Quidem quas nobis eum soluta non voluptatem accusantium. Deserunt asperiores earum consequatur et fuga quidem.

Aut eos et dolor eum ea temporibus dolorem. Consectetur molestiae sed est officia odit. Sit dolorem excepturi doloribus numquam molestias commodi aspernatur.

Alias blanditiis nobis labore eum earum aut. Sed et officia eum ipsam eum. Voluptas odit id ut aliquam sapiente dolores aut iste.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (65) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”