I got an intriguing question following my MBA essay — "If I don't care about the fun aspects of an MBA, what are some ways that I can achieve the same benefits without going through the trouble of doing a two years MBA."
Come to think about it, an MBA is a bundle that can get unbundled based on individual needs.
But first, the most critical process is to understand your gaps:
- Where are you today?
- Where do you want to be?
- What are the gaps between the two?
For example: In 2009, when I applied, I was a software engineer in Israel and wanted to work on "the business side" in consumer tech in Silicon Valley. A partial list of gaps — I didn't have work authorization in the US, didn't have any credibility with US employers, and had light to no business/consumer experience.
Benefits that have obvious alternatives
- US Work Authorization: With remote work and big tech massive expansion, you may not want it. But if you do — an internal transfer with a multinational corporation seems straightforward these days.
- Coaching: MBA programs provide access to career coaches. You can hire great career coaches independently.
- Academics: You can take online classes from top schools on any topic these days.
Benefits that have some alternatives
- Signaling: A proof you did something hard. This is the hardest to replicate. Being accepted to a top school still has enormous signaling value. All eight PM/MBAs in my cohort at Google attended top schools.
- Interesting projects: Starting a company, a side project, or getting involved in an open-source project can go a long way. Even creating and selling Notion templates can signal value.
Benefits that have partial alternatives
- Alumni Network: My first manager at Google was a Berkeley alum. I think it played a role. Alumni also helped with my transition to Facebook.
- Peers: Huge value. It's hard for late-20-somethings to suddenly boost their LinkedIn graph and create lifelong friendships. Cohort-based learning is a decent alternative.
Understand your own gaps, compare an MBA with alternative experiences, and get on the career path you want.