Think Of Getting An MBA? 3 Reasons Not To Pursue One
By Perminus Wainaina
The MBA (Master of Business Administration) is one of the popular advanced degree courses in Nigeria.
Each evening, we have hundreds of Nigerian professionals trooping back to class for this coveted qualification. They range from fresh graduates to experienced professionals. We have students who have taken loans and others go to an extent of using their savings.
The universities have taken note of the demand and virtually all of them have a town campus offering an MBA program. Some are offering on distance learning to take care of students who can’t commute. To attract students, some go by the title of executive MBA and universities like Strathmore and USIU have an exchange program with overseas universities where students visit to interact and share ideas.
As a recruiter, I met many Nigerians job searching and disappointed with the fact that they have an MBA and employers are not quick to hire them. Some have seen their careers stagnate despite being MBA graduates.
The reality is, pursuing an MBA is neither good nor bad by itself. It is the reason behind your decision that will determine whether an MBA will add value to your career and life in general. I’ll share some of the reasons why Nigerians pursue an MBA and why this tends to backfire.
The number one reason not to pursue an MBA is because it cannot guarantee you a job. I often see this with fresh graduates where after one or two years of job hunting without success, the individual decides to go back to class to ‘kill time’ and be ‘competitive’. For entry level position you don’t need an MBA. Over 99% of all recruitments we do at Corporate Staffing require only a degree and a professional certification. Very few employers are looking for MBA holders. And if they are, you’ll always see this ‘MBA is an added advantage’.
Another reason not to pursue an MBA is if you are looking for a salary raise. What you need to know is that you are as valuable as the contribution you bring to the company. Having an MBA does not necessary mean that you will contribute more. Employers look at your output. Qualifications will get you in but ultimately it’s what you do between 8 and 5pm that will determine your take home. The exception is if you work for the government, I understand they’ll pay you more for an MBA certificate.
. Employers look at the skills you posses. The third reason not to pursue an MBA is the assumption that the MBA will make you competitive and that your CV will look goodf you know your worth and only have a diploma, employers will want to talk to you. As I have said before, employers will always consider candidates with more skills and less papers than one with advanced qualification and less skills. Instead of getting a loan and spending an evening in a class just to make your CV “competitive”, I’d advice that you become very good at what you do. Master your docket or profession and become the go to person and I can assure that you will always be in demand.
For your information, Bob CollyMore is a diploma holder and see where he is. Successful leaders and managers seldom have an MBA.
Taking an MBA should be a well thought out decision. Don’t go back to class because 90% of your age mates are. The decision to go for an MBA is not a simple one, and many factors should be carefully weighed to make sure it’s the right decision.
Perminus has over ten years experience in human resource management working with employers from different sectors. His major goal is to build relationships with employers in order to gain a better understanding of their recruitment needs and meet the requirements in a cost effective and timely manner.
