I am currently studying the final year of an MBA as I believed it might be good for my career. Has anyone else here studied and MBA and if so what impact did it have on your career progression?
Valis, I would say it sounds for you that you got the equivalent of an EMBA? I know of an exec at at a [large car manufacturer] who has been working on her EMBA while still working for several years now. Generally for people in your career progression you would enroll for an MBA as a specific key to unlock some new career track or level of work perhaps at the urging of a boss or mentor at work.
What did you get your MBA in? And what is your goal?
So I'm actually a little surprised to hear a more open ended question coming from you of 'what now?' I know people in their mid 20s who get an MBA because they "just want one" with the vague goal of "making lots of money and wearing suits" (or less vaguely being an investment banker or other typical Wall Street associated drone) and you need at least a few years of work place experience before the most recognized schools will even consider you.
Also, is true, you are in the UK and I'm wholly unfamiliar with the system there.
I'm going on the experiences and advice of my friends and acquaintances on this. In terms of other people I know who answered "what did you get your MBA in and what was your goal?" for some people I think it was not necessary because it has nothing to do with their actual job. I have a friend who got her MBA in marketing but then started a small business. I don't think she even likes marketing. And you don't need an MBA to start a small business.
For my acquaintance and others I know at manufacturers they are kinda told or given the chance to get their MBAs to get specific expertise (her work place pays for it I'm going to guess it has to do with supply chain or operations). It's almost like supplemental on the job training and it's understood you will get a promotion or be fast tracked as part of getting the MBA.
Even if you didn't study exactly what you want to do for your MBA, at least in the states, having an MBA from recognized name schools opens a lot of doors for you whether you want to take advantage of it or not. Especially when you couple it with the work experience you already have. My friend who started her own business is easily able to pick up work for the lean times of her small business. Having seen people get their MBA at different stages in life and their careers, I'd say there is a 'sweet spot' for how effective it is and the later in life/career you get it, the less impact has and less necessary it is.