Do you think a "Master's Certifcate" would be worthwhile?

[Govtgirl]

A while ago, I posted about my considering getting an MBA....except it would cost $30K and probably wouldn't be paid for by work. So, not do-able. Several people suggested a certifcate program instead, which I am strongly considering. It would be $5K, again not paid for by work. It would be a Master's Certificate in Program Management. I don't know what the business world thinks of these. If you are in the business arena, do you think they are worth it, especially if you are going up against someone that does NOT have an MBA? TIA!

 

[melimcn]

RE: Do you think a

In my field (sales/marketing), an MBA gets you a nice pat on the back, but nothing more. Getting ahead and becomming successful in leadership roles is determined entirely by experience and demonstration of skills, rather than anything educational related.

I can't speak for other fields like Accounting, Finance, etc...

But I know where I am, people have stopped bothering to get one becuase it does not pay off.

 

[rnyogamom]

RE: Do you think a

My undergrad was in International Studies, and I spent a year at the Sorbonne.....it was 1983, and for working class kids, Reaganomics crippled our families with high interest rates, lay offs etc....so I took a loan and went for the MBA...What got me an executive position at ATT was that in my resume I had worked my way through college walking dogs, writing for the local newspaper, lifeguarding pools, sewing hems....and they said, "forget the trust fund babies at Harvard, this kid is hungry" - those were the exact words.....the MBA was not a ticket.

PS - Now, 21 years have passed since I got that degree, and I am a registered nurse, working 3 days a week, 12 hour shifts with a month vacation and full benefits... I do not worry about layoffs, I do not have to justify my reason to exist in my place of business, I have a stable pension plan and awesome 403B....and I have TIME......as a corporate person, I wouldn't have had the luxury of raising my kids, having time home with hubby etc.

Personally - get a trade, a license, something tangible....like a CPA, like some engineering degrees, (though our local rocket scientist was out of work for a year),teaching degree, actuarial degree, nursing or MD, even JD......

But that's been my experience...and MBA is a test of tenacity not of skills and practical application.

 

[Govtgirl]

RE: Do you think a

Thanks you guys! I have a BA in the field, and 20 years experience to boot. I was trying to find a way to put myself ahead of the pack even more. I'll make sure I write up all the things I'm doing one the job now, and all the "atta-boys" and go from there. thanks!

 

[8828mac]

RE: Do you think a

I would say that if you like learning, then go for it. I started pursuing a masters degree in human resources, but after 1 1/2 years, I decided just to stick with a master's certificate in HR.

In all my years of HR, hiring managers generally look at the experience and not education (unless they're looking for an engineer, or something like that).

If you're looking to go into program management and need somewhere to start, then education is good - you can network too.

Whichever you decide, make sure it's what you really want and not what you believe society wants you to do.

Christine