What exactly is an MBA?

Question:

I have recently posted a question asking about the suitbalility of an Oxford law degree in the investment banking world. I know the basic premise of an MBA, in so far as it is a post-grad business orientated qualification. Does it require any specific degree for eligibility, and is it a very highly viewed qualification? is it possible to get a first, 2:1 etc.. like in a under-grad degree?Would those with an economics related degree then going onto an MBA be considered in much more highly by prospective investment banking firm employers? Basically, to what extent does the MBA give me sufficient qualifications in application for a job at Goldman Sachs, and how easily would i be looked over in favour of an applicant doing an MBA who graduated with an economics/finance related degree?
Many thanks and sorry about the confusing nature of the questions!
Dave

Answer:
Goldman sachs are not going to be interested in you just because you have an MBA. Its not relevant. Investment banking is a highly mathematical and risk analysis based job. Its all about playing the markets and understanding how one investment will give you a return to the investment fund. I was interview by a major investment bank when i first graduated - i studied economics and obtained a 2:1 with a top 5 uni. They are interested in you as a person, a relevant degree will get you through the door, but no degree will give you the experience and knowledge you know for investment banking. To give you an idea, I have a few friends in investment banking and they all have a science degree (one is a phd in mathematics) from Oxbridge or London Uni. None have an MBA and most think its a joke qualification (i don't personally). Speak to someone at your university/college about the area, they will have better advice than anyone here. Or try to contact Goldman Sachs HR dept. Just don't waste your time with the MBA. Its only useful for senior management in business, not banking.

[edit] Basic types of MBA programs
Full time MBA programs are the most common, normally lasting two years. Students enter with a reasonable amount of prior real-world work experience and take classes during weekdays like other university students.

Accelerated MBA programs are a variation of full time programs, lasting 18 months or less, involving a higher course load.

Part time MBA programs normally hold classes on weekday evenings, after normal working hours. Part time programs normally last 3 years or more. The students in these programs typically consist of working professionals, who take a light course load for a longer period of time until the graduation requirements are met.

Executive MBA (EMBA) programs developed to meet the educational needs of managers and executives, allowing students to earn an MBA or another business-related graduate degree in two years or less while working full time. Participants come from every type and size of organization – profit, non-profit, government — representing a variety of industries. EMBA students typically have a higher level of work experience, often 10 years or more, compared to other other MBA students. In response to the increasing number of EMBA programs offered, The Executive MBA Council was formed in 1981 to advance executive education.

Distance learning MBA programs hold classes off-campus. These programs can be offered in a number of different formats: correspondence courses by postal mail or email, non-interactive broadcast video, pre-recorded video, live teleconference or videoconference, offline or online computer courses. Many respectable schools offer these programs; however, so do many diploma mills. Potential students should check the school's accreditation before undertaking distance learning coursework.

only short answer i can give is go to "www.wbs.ac.uk/stud/mba"
hope this helps

I'm don't think an MBA would impress the likes of Goldman Sachs. However an MBA is regarded quite highly especially if you want to progress up the ladder. But if you want to gain an MBA just impress a company I don't think they're going to be. Have you tried sending your application in a different format?

If you want email me and I'll send you a file. But if you still want to do an MBA here is a link:

http://www.bradford.ac.uk/acad/managemen...

What exactly is an MBA?

Hot Topic