Why MBA? Which MBA?

Lately I've been considering the next step in my education, namely a masters somewhere around the world. With the wonders of technology around us, there are tons of blogs that discuss the "MBA experience". However, before reading these blogs, this one poses some questions that should be thought of, in terms of "Why MBA?" in the first place. I think that my answer is a combination of career change and learning about business.

Career change: given the very flat heirarchy of Lend Lease IT, the chances of promotion I feel are quite low. Especially since all the managers are roughly in their early fourties, they will be around for quite a bit of time. Hence a move away from this area (whilst very sad) seems somewhat inevitable if I am to progress in the career. And to move away requires some knowledge.
One of the managers put it this way. If I was offered a more senior role, running an area in a totally different business unit, would I be able to take it on? MBAs change your mindset, I think, and allow you to take that leap of faith (in yourself, in a sense) to go into a bigger role without feeling that you've been totally thrown into the deep end. Consultants seem to have this skill, and it's something I would like acquire.

Learning about business: after our foray into the internet gaming arena, which didn't go that well at all, there is still a desire to get into another business. However, that desire has waned over the last year or so, and one of the reasons has been the realisation that I have a real lack of knowledge in business. One of the focusses of business schools is their knowledge in entrepreneurship, and that would be a solid foundation to start from to build a more successful business.

As to the question of "Which MBA?", I am more inlcined to go to a European business school, as I feel their outlook is more international, compared to the US business schools, which are a lot more internally focussed. Places such as INSEAD, IE, London Business School, IMD (although that is catered more for people older than myself) woudl be great schools to attend. Yes, the cost is quite prohibitive, but you hope that the payback is worth it.

The same manager (as above) warned me though:

Manager: "Kev, it might not be a good idea to study in Europe, too many distractions"
Kev: "Oh, you mean like all the travelling and things like that?"
Manager: "No no, there are too many pretty European girls, you won't be able to study!"

Damn! three cheap calls already:

i vote london business school - keep us company!!! :)
mushiejc (link) - 18 July '04 - 14:25

Have been playing with this idea too lately, tho i swore that i'd never go back to school. Film snob is interesting tho, good to find out what it's like "from the inside."
pskis - 18 July '04 - 15:30

Another good site to check out is http://www.worldmbawire.blogspot.com/

Haha, Jen, you can come visit me! The more outposts we have the better :)
JookBoy (email) (link) - 19 July '04 - 10:22