Should I pursue an MBA after my BSBA, or should I focus on obtaining professional certifications like CPA or CFA?
I hold two college degrees: an Associate of Arts with a business focus and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in accounting. Throughout my studies, I graduated with additional credits since not all my AA credits transferred seamlessly to my BSBA, and because I needed to complete an extra year of French to meet the university’s foreign language requirement; I ended up with 142.5 credit hours and a cumulative GPA of 3.29. I am also eligible to sit for the CPA exam, needing only 7.5 more credit hours to reach the 150 required, so I don’t see a compelling reason to pursue a Master’s in Accountancy.
Having completed both of my degrees, I realized that much of what I learned in college felt redundant compared to my high school education. From my research, it seems that a significant portion of an MBA would also feel repetitive for me due to my extensive background in business education. As it stands, I believe my most viable options are to pursue the CPA and/or CFA designations and to embark on my professional career.
I would appreciate any insights on whether I should concentrate on these professional certifications or if I should also consider pursuing an MBA or another graduate degree!
It sounds like you’ve put in a lot of hard work to get your degrees, and you’re in a great position with your educational background. Your reflections on the redundancy of certain coursework are quite valid, especially given the depth of your business education.
Here are a few points to consider when making your decision:
Career Goals: Think about where you want to be in the next 5-10 years. If you’re aiming for a career in accounting, finance, or investment management, the CPA and CFA are highly regarded and can open doors for you. If you’re leaning toward leadership or management positions, an MBA might be beneficial.
Industry Expectations: Research the field you want to enter. In some industries, having an MBA is seen as a valuable asset, while in finance and accounting, certifications like CPA or CFA can be more impactful.
Networking Opportunities: An MBA program can provide valuable networking opportunities with peers and alumni that can be beneficial for your career. Consider whether this is something you would value.
Time and Financial Investment: Pursuing an MBA requires a significant commitment of time and money. Weigh the potential return on investment against the cost. If you’re eager to start your career and gain experience, professional certifications may be a more efficient route.
Skill Set and Experience: Practical experience often holds more weight in the job market than degrees. If you can gain relevant work experience right after your BSBA and then decide to pursue certifications or further education later, you may have a clearer vision of what you need.
Opportunities for Lifelong Learning: Remember that education doesn’t stop after you complete your degrees. Many professionals pursue certifications later in their careers when they have a clearer sense of their goals and needs.
Ultimately, the decision should align with your career aspirations, financial situation, and desire for further education. It may be beneficial to gain some experience in the workforce and evaluate your options thereafter. Good luck!