Should I pursue CS over MBA?

Posted by jes81 on Monday June 29, 2020 @01:20PM
from the self-post dept.

The corporation I work for highly values the MBA, however I am struggling to justify the cost and ROI. I work in M&A and Corporate Strategy for a FTSE 100 in the data and analytics space and interested in having a long career in entrepreneurship and investing. Curious if anyone has a viewpoint on how a degree in CS would serve me. Considering taking a few undergrad level courses and/or pursuing a masters.

( 6 comments | 3 points | on HN )

Re:Should I pursue CS over MBA? by giantg2 on Monday June 29, 2020 @04:40PM (#23682672)

If you are already in a business savvy position like M&A, then I'm guessing you understand accounting and finance. If you want to be an entrepreneur, I don't see an MBA helping much - it's just a credential to help you get a job working for others.

A CS degree probably isn't necessary either. You can take some free or cheap courses online and teach yourself the tech you want to use.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Should I pursue CS over MBA? by jes81 on Thursday July 02, 2020 @01:59PM (#23716090)

You're spot on - very comfortable with accounting and finance. I've created a lot of value so far through financial modeling for organizations.

Great feedback on CS degree.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Should I pursue CS over MBA? by runningmike on Monday June 29, 2020 @02:11PM (#23680405)

Follow your heart. What do you really want to learn? CS does not limit your future choices, but imho makes more things possible compared with a mba

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Re:Should I pursue CS over MBA? by jes81 on Thursday July 02, 2020 @02:00PM (#23716096)

Thanks for the feedback - it can be difficult to break out of the "corporate group think"

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Re:Should I pursue CS over MBA? by beamatronic on Monday June 29, 2020 @01:24PM (#23679774)

There was another thread earlier today about how CS degrees don't give you any social status, so that may be something to consider.

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Re:Should I pursue CS over MBA? by jes81 on Monday June 29, 2020 @02:25PM (#23680628)

I saw that, which inspired this post. I'm going less for social status (lived the ibanker thing and didn't like it) and more for building a product or business I'd be proud of.

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