IT or Business?

[GUJUm0deL]

I have an opportunity to get my MBA from a nationally known university (whose name I will not mention for the sake of privacy). So naturally my question would be: Is it worth more to get an MBA in Business or in IT?

As of now, I am a coldfusion/web developer with about 5 years experience in this field. I've also setup/maintained small networks as a side gig, and developed freelance websites on the side.

My last job, which was an online marketing firm, aside from being the CF developer, I also helped make business level decisions as to how to place certain offers in the sequence(s). While I have no real idea if my involvement actually netted higher then expected profits, making those decisions has helped me understand which campaign is more valuable.

At my current position, I will be helping them re-design the site, so that means redevelop the dB structure, design the site layout including a precise CMS that anyone with authority can use.

I've always wanted to get an MBA and looked into many schools. I have all the basic knowledge, but just not sure which is more valuable: MBA in Business or MBA in IT? The way I look at it is: I already have experience/knowledge in IT so if I combine that with a business level training then I have best of both worlds. BUT, if I continue on into IT then I can get strength in one particular area and have that as my specialty. In both cases, I have a financial gain (hopeful, wishful thinking). The only decision left is, which to pursue.

Any ideas from past experience or helpful insight?


____________________________________
Just Imagine.

http://www.imajinarts.com

 

[langleymass]

It might help to know what school it is. Have you also looked into what professors you will have in each track? One track may have better teachers than others.

 

[kHz]

Your core courses will consist of economics, accounting, marketing, finance and other business related courses. And generally an MBA concentration will consist of 9 hours in an area such as Health Care Management, International Business, Human Resources Management, etc.

So I am not sure what you mean by an MBA in Business or IT. You need to identify a concentration, and that may include an IT option, but there shouldn't be a "business" option.

 

[lespaul]

I have a BBA with an MIS concentration. I had to take specific business classes to get the business degree:

Economics
Accounting
Organizational Behavior
Operations Mgt
International Mgt
Finance
Ethics

I then had to take specific courses for my concentration:
Programming
Analysis
DataBase Mgt
System Development
Networking (elective)

I could have had a concentration in accounting by taking accounting specific courses.

I'm not sure if my school offered a BBA or an MBA without a concentration (or if they offered a "business" concentration). They did offer "Management of Technology" and one other IT specific concentration, but I don't remember what it was.

Leslie

Anything worth doing is a lot more difficult than it's worth - Unknown Induhvidual

Essential reading for anyone working with databases: The Fundamentals of Relational Database Design

 

[GUJUm0deL]

Sorry for the confusion, that is what I meant, what concentrarion is worth getting into? I know I can get a general MBA, but wanted to know if what advantages there are for taking a concentration in technology vs business.


____________________________________
Just Imagine.

http://www.imajinarts.com

 

[kHz]

Where do your interests lie? You will probably have a project or thesis at the end of your program, so your pursuing your interests would probably be the best option.

 

[GUJUm0deL]

That's the funny part, both areas of study interest me. I know that when you apply to grad school you need to write an essay about why you want to enter this program. I looked at both pro's and con's but in the end, i'm back to where I started. The IT program gives me some level of security (since i'm doing this so I know what it entails) but the business portion is exciting cause its new.

I think I am going to go for the general MBA with a concentration in Buisness for Management or International Business.

I have time to decide on the concentration, I don't have to pick it from the start.


____________________________________
Just Imagine.

http://www.imajinarts.com

 

[kHz]

It would be prudent to know from the beginning so you can file a program of study and select a graduate panel that will review and guide you and for whom you will have to defend your thesis/project. It would not be advisable to decide in the last semester what your thesis/project is going to be.

 

[TruthInSatire]

If I were you I'd seriously consider a management/business path.

We've heard that a million monkeys at a million keyboards could produce the complete works of Shakespeare; now, thanks to the Internet, we know that is not true.

 

[GUJUm0deL]

Why is that?


____________________________________
Just Imagine.

http://www.imajinarts.com

 

[TruthInSatire]

Without trying to be mean...
In the CF forum I've seen what you can do after being a

coldfusion/web developer with about 5 years experience in this field

I'm thinking it's not your line of work.
I don't know how your networking skils are so I wont comment on that. If you did

http://www.imajinarts.com/

then I'd say your graphics design skill could be pretty strong, and you may want to consider focusing on that. But programming doesn't seem like your cup of tea.

We've heard that a million monkeys at a million keyboards could produce the complete works of Shakespeare; now, thanks to the Internet, we know that is not true.

 

[rosieb]

GUJUm0deL
I'm coming at this from a UK perspective, with experience of a UK MBA course, but I suspect the general issues hold good.

You already have skills/qualifications in the IT field - an MBA in IT would be the easy option - you'll get a good general business background and the IT sections should be a doddle.

Any MBA should include MIS, so going for a pure business MBA will widen your knowledge still further and you can use your IT knowledge on the MIS aspects. Your dissertation can still be MIS/IT oriented.

As you have the opportunity, it's a case of whether you have the appetite...

Personally, I'd go for the MBA in Business, harder work but it adds more to your CV - and will probably be better appreciated by employers.

However, do make sure that it's an accredited school - preferably AMBA.

Either way - good luck!

<aside> I really enjoyed doing my MBA and discovered skills I never knew I had. I also saw that there are 2 types of students: those who just want a pass, and those who really want to learn - you only get out what you put in.</aside>


Rosie
"Never express yourself more clearly than you think" (Niels Bohr)

 

[GUJUm0deL]

TruthinSatire thank you for not trying to be mean. As for the quote you displayed, I never said I had 5 years experience as a CF developer. I have 5 years experience as a coldfusion/web developer. Granted I'm not a coldfusion god as some people here, but I do know my way around cf applications. I do have a job (which pays for my livelihood) as a coldfusion developer, and unless my employer is blind and has a low IQ, I’d say my employer is happy with me and my work. I never claim that I know it all, I come to this forum to learn and help out. And, I have helped out quite a few people, wrote some FAQ's and even corresponded with some users via private email to get their issue fixed. I don't blast someone for not knowing (which I have seen some people do many times throughout this forum). And, yes I did do the graphics for Imajin Arts as well as all my freelance work, so I guess you were complimenting me for my design skills I’d have to say "thank you sir"

rosieb, I think you're right. A business MBA does hold a lot of weight especially in today's job market. My thoughts were going for the general MBA and making a concentration in Management or Finance and Economics.


____________________________________
Just Imagine.

http://www.imajinarts.com