Why MBA?

Why MBA? Do I really need it? Why should I give up job I like and money I have? For what – job uncertainty and probably (based on stats) similar money post-MBA? Where is the deal for me in the whole MBA thing?

These are questions that I used to have and, to be honest, I still have. We all know that "why MBA?" part in our essays is a bit idealistic. In reality many candidates have serious doubts about an MBA concept. I used to think that if I get accepted by any of M7 schools, all my doubts will disappear. And they did... for few days. Then I thought that if I get accepted by HSW, this will be totally different story. And it was... for few weeks. Then I thought that if I get into H/S, all will become clear & easy. And it became... for a month or so.

And even though I still have my doubts, yesterday I got some more clarity. CNN showed a program on job search during global crisis. There was this former General Manager of some consumer goods business - he seemed to be quite an accomplished executive who recently had to leave his job. He said that all those years he spent on developing and building brands – the core value of a business. Only now, though, did he realize that being an employee is about branding yourself. It is about identifying your core values, your key strengths and your competitive edge.

And then I thought that an MBA (especially from a top school) will help me greatly in creating my brand value – something that will be defining me for next 30-40 years. In the world full of employees willing to succeed, only the best "brands" will win. One way to distinguish myself is through an MBA. I do realize that I will not be the one and only in the world with such an "edge", but my competition will decrease dramatically – from millions to few thousands. And when competition goes down, my chances go up.

So... why do you need an MBA?