Put Off the MBA Until There's a Real Need;

Questions from Career Track Live, Mary Ellen Slayter's online discussion about issues affecting young workers.

The Washington Post
April 15, 2007

Washington: When is a good time to pursue an MBA? I'm 25, and nine months into my third job. I like this industry and position and feel I have a lot to learn from it. I also know that I have a lot to gain from an MBA program, but I know that I don't want to go to any of the schools in the area. Since I'm not ready for a relocation, I haven't been too concerned with researching and applying for programs. Now, as I see more and more of my peers going off to grad school, I'm wondering if I'm holding myself back.

You are holding yourself back -- from the student loan debt those peers will be paying back for the next 20 years. Get an MBA when you need one, when the only thing that stands between you and the next step up in that career is that piece of paper.  If you're making steady progress in your career, why derail that? One tip-off that the need is real: Your employer will pick up all or part of the cost of the program