Hella

I spend a fair amount of time trolling discussion boards for admissions related banter and the same questions seem to appear time and again. After pondering this decision in a different light, I’ve decided that getting an MBA is a lot more similar to getting a boob job than you think. Let’s take a look at some of the obvious similarities.

Wouldn’t it really “perk” things up for me? I could use a lift!
This is probably the most common reason that you identify with. You’ve found that you’re just not satisfied with what you’ve currently got and think that a little outside help could be just the trick. You regularly look at yourself in the mirror and envision that cap and gown and that sign-on bonus as you imagine how much nicer that graduation gown would fit thanks to your enhanced twins. You’re envious of how successful two years or two implants have helped some of your friends and you want a piece of the action. Go west young man! … er, lady.

West? What about East? Where should I really go?
Sure you can go for the big name school or the well-known doctor, but will this really provide you with the most return on your investment? Once you get to a certain level, a lot of schools and clinics are considered to be peers. You’ll probably think of others who have undergone the same thing in recent years. Did it provide them with what they expected? Was there anything they’d change? Should I do it close to home? Will I be able to work while getting this done? So much to consider! Ponder, plan, and execute.

How much to get?
There are executive programs, part-time programs, accelerated programs, and full-time two-year programs. Which to choose? How much do you really need? You know what they say, get more than enough because few people will look back and say they got too much. Keep this in mind: go for the D in the chest but shoot for the A in the classroom.

Am I too young or too old? What’s the average age?
Let’s face it; everyone matures at different rates. Some people are ready for things years earlier than you are. Did you get envious when someone was already sporting that camisole? Or were you glad you didn’t have to bother with that yet? Think of all the homework and ropes courses and team building you’ll soon have to do. Before you embark on this life changing experience, you should remember that if you go for it too early, when you’re not quite mature enough, you could continue to mature afterwards and that’s just not a pretty sight. You don’t want that career running away from you (a.k.a. workaholicism) and you don’t want those things running around your chest like yard dogs. On the other hand, if you wait too long, recruiters (be it on campus or at the hottest new night club) might think you had poor judgment and that the experience really wasn’t for you. Talk about a late bloomer! I could point out examples from the present day but is that really necessary?

Is it right for me?
There’s nothing worse than spending tons of money on something that you really don’t need. Perhaps your career is already well on its way to providing you plenty of success. Maybe you don’t need any help with that cute little black number you flaunt on Saturday nights. After all, too much of a good thing can be bad, think beach balls. You don’t want to be overqualified and you surely don’t want to suffer a public “fall out”.

If you carefully weigh your options I’m sure you’ll make the right decision. Just be sure you know why this, why now, and why you like the place where you’ll take care of business. Maybe if you’re “takin’ care of business”, “workin’ overtime” won’t be as necessary. Or maybe it will be a hell of a lot more fun! Either way, don’t be a boob.

Filed under: B-School