Considering an MBA After a BSBA? Or Should I Focus on Professional Certifications like CPA or CFA?
I hold two college degrees: an Associate of Arts with a focus on business and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in accounting. During my studies, I accumulated extra credits since not all of my AA credits transferred seamlessly to the BSBA program. Additionally, I had to complete an extra year of French to fulfill the university’s foreign language requirement. In total, I graduated with 142.5 credit hours and a cumulative GPA of 3.29. I am eligible to sit for the CPA exam and only need 7.5 more credit hours to reach the required 150, so pursuing a Master’s in Accounting doesn’t seem necessary for me.
After completing my degrees, I’ve noticed that much of the college experience felt redundant compared to what I learned in high school. From my research, it appears that a significant portion of an MBA program would also be repetitive given my extensive business background. As a result, I believe my best path forward professionally lies in obtaining the CPA and possibly the CFA designations, while also starting my career.
I would appreciate any insights on whether I should concentrate exclusively on earning professional certifications or if pursuing an MBA or another graduate degree might be worth considering.
It sounds like you’ve put a lot of thought into your educational journey and have a solid foundation already established with your degrees. Here are some factors to consider as you weigh your options:
Professional Goals: Think about where you want to be in your career. If you’re aiming for roles in accounting or finance, a CPA is highly valuable and often essential for advancement in these fields. The CFA designation is also highly respected, especially if you’re interested in investment management or finance. These certifications can provide a clear path and are often more respected than an MBA in specific areas.
MBA Value: An MBA can be beneficial if you’re looking towards leadership roles, management positions, or a shift into a new industry. It offers a broader business perspective, networking opportunities, and exposure to areas like operations, marketing, and strategy. However, if you feel that much of the MBA curriculum would be redundant for you, it may not be the best investment at this stage.
Networking and Experience: Both CPA and CFA programs can also offer networking advantages, invaluable for career growth. Look for opportunities to connect with professionals in these fields, as your network can often lead to career opportunities.
Combination Path: Some professionals pursue designations like the CPA or CFA first to establish their credibility and gain work experience, and then they consider an MBA later when they might have a clearer idea of their long-term career goals. This approach can also make an MBA more meaningful and practical once you have real-world experience to draw from.
Continued Learning: Remember that learning doesn’t stop with formal education. Many successful professionals continue to take courses, attend workshops, or engage in self-study in their fields. Finding ways to incorporate lifelong learning could enhance your expertise without necessarily committing to a graduate program right now.
Financial Considerations: Consider the cost and potential return on investment for an MBA versus the cost and time commitment of studying for professional certifications. Certifications often have a clearer and quicker path to job placement or promotions compared to an MBA.
Ultimately, if you feel confident in your knowledge and skills from your current degrees, focusing on obtaining your CPA and possibly pursuing the CFA would likely provide you with great career advancement opportunities. Depending on your career trajectory, you could revisit the idea of an MBA later in your career.