MBA after BSBA?! Or stick with getting professional certification like CPA or CFA?

Should I pursue an MBA after my BSBA, or focus on professional certifications like the CPA or CFA instead?

I hold two degrees: an Associate of Arts with a business emphasis and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in accounting. While completing these degrees, I accumulated some extra credits due to imperfect credit transfers and a foreign language requirement I needed to fulfill, which led me to take an additional year of French. As a result, I graduated with a total of 142.5 credit hours and a cumulative GPA of 3.29. I’m eligible to sit for the CPA exam, and I only need 7.5 more credit hours to reach the 150 required, making a master’s in accounting seem unnecessary.

Reflecting on my educational journey, I found a lot of college content repetitive compared to what I learned in high school. Given my in-depth business education, an MBA appears likely to cover a lot of the same ground for me. Therefore, I believe my best path forward is to pursue the CPA and/or CFA designations, if feasible, and to kickstart my professional career. I would appreciate any advice on whether I should concentrate solely on these professional credentials or consider an MBA/graduate degree as well. Thank you!

One Reply to “MBA after BSBA?! Or stick with getting professional certification like CPA or CFA?”

  1. It’s great to see that you’re evaluating your options thoughtfully! Given your strong educational background and the fact that you’ve already put in significant effort to earn your degrees, you’re in a good position to consider your next steps carefully.

    1. Professional Certifications (CPA/CFA): Since you’re already eligible to sit for the CPA exam, obtaining this certification can greatly enhance your qualifications, especially in the accounting field. The CPA is highly respected and often a requirement for many accounting roles, so this can open up numerous career opportunities for you. The CPA not only provides technical accounting knowledge but also bolsters your credibility and may enhance your earning potential.

    If you’re also considering the CFA, this is more relevant if you’re interested in finance, investment banking, or asset management. If your career aspirations align with these areas, pursuing the CFA could be beneficial. However, be prepared for the commitment, as the CFA program is rigorous and typically requires substantial time and effort to study.

    1. MBA Considerations: An MBA can provide value if you aim to transition into leadership roles, consulting, or if you want a broader understanding of business operations beyond accounting. Given your concern about redundancy, consider carefully whether the investment of time and money in an MBA would really add to your skill set or just reinforce what you already know. If you find a program that emphasizes experiential learning or offers specializations aligned with your career goals, it may still be worthwhile.

    2. Work Experience: Gaining work experience while pursuing certifications could also be a strategic move. You can build your resume, gain practical skills, and better understand whether an MBA would be beneficial for your career trajectory.

    Ultimately, if your career interests are firmly rooted in accounting or finance, focusing on the CPA (and potentially the CFA) could be the most valuable path. However, if you have ambitions for broader business management roles in the future, consider an MBA a few years down the line once you’ve gained some professional experience and clarity on your goals.

    Consider what aligns with your long-term aspirations, and don’t hesitate to network with professionals in your desired field for their insights. Good luck with your decision!

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