u/chatjipiti

Hi everyone,

I’m currently confused about whether I should pursue an MBA or focus on upskilling and switching jobs instead.

A little about me:

• Engineering background (EXTC)
• Around 3.5 years of experience across Business Development, Product Management internship, Business Consulting, and currently working in Product Digital Business / Customer Journey role
• My current salary feels quite low compared to my experience and responsibilities

I was considering preparing for MBA because I want:

• Better salary growth
• Better career opportunities
• More stable long-term career progression

But at the same time, I keep wondering:

• Is MBA still worth the huge investment of time + money?
• Can online certifications/courses + strategic job switches give similar salary growth?
• In today’s market, are skills and experience more valuable than degrees?
• Would it make more sense to keep gaining experience and move into better-paying product/business roles instead of leaving work for 2 years?

I’ve already done a few online certifications in product management, project management, digital marketing, etc., so I’m wondering if continuing to upskill and switching companies is a smarter route.

Would really appreciate advice from people who chose either path:

• MBA route OR
• Upskilling + job switch route

What worked better for you in terms of salary and career growth?

Hi everyone,

I’m currently 26 years old and seriously considering doing an MBA because I feel stuck salary-wise and want better career growth. But I keep overthinking whether I’m already too old for it and whether my academic background will hurt my chances of getting into a good college.

My background:

• 10th: 87%
• 12th PCM: 58%
• Engineering (EXTC): Had a drop year, CGPA 7.57
• Total work experience: Around 3.5 years

Work experience breakdown:

• 1.8 years as Senior Business Development Executive
• 6 months Product Management internship
• 6 months as Business Consultant
• Currently working in Product Digital Business – Customer Journey role at a good company

I’ve shifted roles over time because I was trying to move toward product/business side roles rather than core engineering.

My main concern is:

• Is 28 too old to do an MBA if I prepare now and join later?
• With my 12th marks and engineering background, do I realistically stand a chance at getting into a decent MBA college?
• Would an MBA actually help improve my salary and career trajectory from here?
• Should I continue gaining experience instead of leaving for MBA?

Would really appreciate honest advice from people who’ve done MBAs or switched careers later in life. Thanks!