4+1 MBA Worth It?
Hi all,
I'm an incoming freshman at Binghamton University's School of Management looking to break into the field of business/finance. I plan on networking my ass off from the very start and joining lots of clubs to really get myself out there for a potential internship + job when I graduate.
That being said, should I pursue a 4+1 MBA plan at Binghamton? I've heard mixed opinions online, with some calling it a "fake MBA" and a money grab by the university while some say it's worth it. My parents are pushing hard for it because they think an MBA will help me secure a higher salary out of college.
Any and all opinions are appreciated!
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights regarding the 4+1 MBA plan at Binghamton University:
Pros:
Cons:
Additional Considerations:
Conclusion:
The decision to pursue a 4+1 MBA at Binghamton depends on your career goals, financial situation, and how much value you place on the brand and network of the MBA program. If cost and time are significant factors, the 4+1 MBA can be a good option. However, if you aim for top-tier finance roles, you might want to consider gaining work experience first and then applying to a more prestigious MBA program.
For more detailed discussions and personal experiences, you might want to explore related threads on Wall Street Oasis.
Sources: How Good is Binghamton University?, Ask CompBanker, Advice needed for MBA to MBB route, To MBA or not to MBA, Q&A: I'm a current MBA student in the NYU Stern part-time program
Definitely would not do it
a) Transfer to a target or semi target
b) If you want an MBA, do a T15 FT program
I finished my T30 MBA in the last few years. Think of an MBA as a wild card you can use during your career, or as an extra booster rocket you can ignite if you feel like you aren't happy with your current launch trajectory.
A 4+1 might be a good move if you have really bleak options out of undergrad and want to go ahead and play your wild card right away, but generally what I have seen is that any masters right after a bachelors basically just gives you another shot at entry level recruiting and does not accelerate anything after that. You might get a $5-10k initial pay bump.
A commonly accepted sweet spot for an MBA is 4-5 years into your career- enough time to get through the entry level grunt roles and to leave the MBA with a mid-level role. It also allows you to prove yourself and build your resume for a few years to be able to get into a top 7/15/30 program, which you likely won't be able to do with just an undergrad degree. The MBA boosting you from those entry/early roles to mid-career roles can come with 30-50k raises, and pull forward all your later career promos by a few years. That is where the real payback is. If you hit VP one year earlier than you would have without the MBA (and get one more year of the 200k+ higher pay) you've paid back your MBA.
Bottom line- timing is just as important as the degree itself. Use the MBA as a wildcard/booster. Better to feel out your current trajectory before deciding if/when to get an MBA.
Thank you so much! I've asked around and they gave similar advice; that most people only get MBAs if a) the job requires it or b) they're looking to switch careers within the industry.
or C) Looking for a boost/promo within their industry. In corporate, if you get your timing and prior experience right you can go in at the sr. analyst level and come out at the manager level with a path to hit director 2ish years later (around 30 years old- really great).
An MBA does a few really good things.
It allows you to reset your career trajectory
Allows you to renetwork without people asking why
Allows you to potentially have an entire other network if your first one was weak
Allows you to enter at a higher level if your experience provides.
Of all of those you lose like 3 of them when you do the 4+1 program.
No 4+1s are a complete money grab from universities. Like other people have stated already the only reason to get an MBA is to pivot or accelerate your career 4-8 years out of undergrad. Doing a 4+1 constrains you to already having an MBA (that employers don’t even take seriously) so you don’t have the option use get another later in your career if you need to. Not to mention it’s a waste of a year of tuition.
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