Introduction
To MBA, or not to MBA? For many professionals, that is the question.
An MBA is a graduate degree focused on building leadership skills and understanding business principles. However, for many students, MBAs offer much more: a stronger professional network, access to job opportunities, and a higher salary.
My Motivation to Pursue an MBA
Throughout my professional career, I have always been an advocate of continuous professional development and lifelong learning. In the UK, nearly half of all adults (49%) participated in learning in the last three years, marking an all-time high. To stay competitive in the job market, you have to show you can grow and develop professionally, and an MBA was a way for me to do this in a structured way.
After struggling in secondary school, achieving only three GCSEs, I knew I had greater potential and wanted to challenge my perception of myself. While I managed to get into college, studying business, and eventually became the first in my family to pursue an undergraduate degree in Marketing Management at Kingston University, I still wasn’t at the level I wanted professionally.
Entering the workforce, I struggled to move up the corporate ladder and felt I hit a glass ceiling in my corporate social responsibility role. Coming from a low socio-economic background, I lacked connections, an understanding of the corporate environment, and much of the lived experience you gain from a privileged background.
Although I had good career experience and was effective at an operational level, I lacked the wider strategic and leadership skills to progress beyond middle management. Exploring ways to bridge this gap, I considered how I could gain the knowledge and recognition needed by current and prospective employers. In particular, I sought a holistic view of business operations, from processes to people to strategy to finance.
It all came to a head one late afternoon in the office. I had been hesitantly anticipating a meeting with a new Director who wanted to understand the business case for Corporate Social Responsibility. I had been tasked with creating a presentation to justify my role. Not being fully aware of how best to present my case and communicate the strategic, stakeholder, and reputational elements, I ended up delivering a poor presentation and received harsh feedback.
Reflecting on this, I realised I lacked fundamental business knowledge. After a long evening of research, I decided an MBA was the path for me.
My Decision-Making Process
Deciding whether to pursue an MBA came down to two main factors: cost and time commitment. MBA fees ranged from £35,000 to £60,000. I couldn’t afford this without support and was hesitant to take on more debt.
I reached out to the Learning & Development team at my employer and managed to convince them to support my MBA request. We discovered that some universities funded Executive MBAs through the Apprenticeship Levy, a tax on employers used to fund apprenticeship training. I successfully wrote a business case and gained approval from the CEO, becoming the first person at middle management to get apprenticeship levy funding for an MBA.
With the cost sorted, I had to decide whether I had the time to commit to the MBA, which required 20% off-the-job training. Convincing my manager and partner was crucial, as I needed their full support. I made sure they knew the long-term benefits, like an increase in earning potential. According to a survey by the Association of MBAs, the annual average salary in the UK for an MBA graduate is £75,000, significantly higher than my current earnings.
A friend advised me that we regret what we don’t do more than what we do. This pushed me to take the opportunity, knowing it might not come again.
My MBA Experience
Choosing the right business school was crucial. I narrowed down universities that offered the Apprenticeship Levy funding route and provided a hybrid study model. The school also needed triple accreditation (AMBA, EQUIS, and AACSB) and alignment with the Chartered Management Institute for chartered management status. Henley Business School was the best choice for me.
I started my MBA at Henley in June 2019 and graduated in September 2022. The program consisted of three stages and 12 modules, including an elective in Corporate Responsibility.
The lectures, faculty members, and delivery style were excellent. I looked forward to in-person workshops every two months at the beautiful Grade 2 listed Henley campus. The environment fostered learning, and I still visit the campus annually.
Balancing work, study, and home life was challenging. I blocked out time each day for micro-learning sessions, fully focusing on my MBA. During the lockdown, we shifted to online learning, which was less engaging but manageable with Henley’s support.
Being an executive MBA, I was surrounded by industry leaders. Initially, I felt imposter syndrome, but soon realised we were all peers. Networking with senior leaders was invaluable. During the research management challenge, a peer I admired told me she thought I was the smartest in the cohort, which boosted my confidence significantly.
My experience at Henley was overwhelmingly positive, and I highly recommend them for an Executive MBA.
Was It Worth It for Me?
Absolutely. My goals were to gain leadership and management knowledge, break through the glass ceiling, move into a senior management position, and earn more money to provide a better life for my family. I achieved all these goals thanks to my MBA.
Within my role, I developed a sector-leading social value service, generating a record £16 million in social impact and securing £1 million for life-changing programs for disadvantaged people.
A year after graduating, I moved into a senior management role in Corporate Social Responsibility in a new sector. My salary increased by over 60%, and I became a Chartered Fellow at the Chartered Management Institute, even joining the board of directors for a well-known financial capacity charity in the UK.
I now feel confident both at an operational and strategic level and no longer perceive myself as a school failure. Instead, I stand toe to toe with C-suite executives.
Advice for Prospective MBA Students
Have Prior Work Experience: Ensure you have enough career experience to understand and apply the concepts learned during the MBA. If you’ve just finished your undergraduate degree, gain some years of experience first.
Be Able to Afford It: Avoid going into debt for an MBA. Explore funding options like employer support or scholarships.
Be Prepared: An MBA is mentally demanding. Understand the commitment required and be ready for late nights and early mornings studying.
An MBA isn’t just for middle-aged white men from privileged backgrounds. It’s for anyone who wants to build their business acumen and progress their career.
The Right Reasons to Pursue an MBA
To future-ready your career. In today’s dynamic business environment, companies seek talent with future-ready skills. An MBA equips you with these skills, from strategic thinking to stakeholder management.
To explore new industries or functions. An MBA offers exposure to diverse industries and roles, making it ideal for those looking to pivot their careers.
To accelerate your career path. An MBA can fast-track your progression to senior roles and higher salaries.
To expand and diversify your network. The connections made during an MBA can open doors to numerous opportunities.
The Wrong Reasons to Pursue an MBA
You’re looking for a magic pill. An MBA is not a guarantee of success; it requires dedication and hard work.
Your parents offer to pay for it. Financial support is helpful, but your motivation should be intrinsic.
You’re bored. Reflect on your current situation and career goals before deciding on an MBA.
Deciding whether to pursue an MBA is a significant decision that requires careful consideration of your career goals and the potential benefits. From my personal experience, the journey has been immensely rewarding, providing me with the skills, network, and opportunities to advance my career. If you’re considering an MBA, take the time to reflect on your motivations and the value it can bring to your professional life.
Whether you decide an MBA is worth it or not, I hope my experience helps with your decision. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments, and I’ll be sure to answer them.
