Thank you for taking the time to review my bio/situation as it pertains to potentially pursuing an MBA. I welcome all feedback
I graduated in 2021 with a BME (essentially a dual major in education and music for teaching music in schools). I have 3.5 years of experience as a band director for middle school/high school. I enjoy what I do but I have had some changes of circumstances in my life which is pressuring me to consider changing professions to make more money. I’ve done research into an MBA because I believe that a lot of the skills that make me a good director will contribute to this career field.
As of right now, I am considering applying to an online program for some of my state universities and seeing which programs accept me. I am wondering if this will open doors for me as I change career fields or if I should reconsider my strategy.
I would like to preface my response with a disclaimer that I have not done an MBA and this is my opinion, not a recommendation.
Although, your career and MBA are a bit separate, your background as a band director may help you show skills like leadership, project management, and effective communication. An MBA can definitely open doors for you, especially if you choose a program that aligns with your career goals and interests.
Here are a few considerations to help with your decision:
o Research different MBA programs and select one that suits your skills as primary verticles include finance, marketing, or management. o Connect with alumni and current students of the online program to get insights into how the program has helped them transition careers. o Discuss this with some career guidance coach, they can provide you with some alternatives too. o MBA is not cheap. Online MBA may be less costly but their impacts are comparatively lower too. Evaluate the cost of the program and consider potential return on investment. And, of course, look for scholarships and assistantships. o Online programs can be convenient and flexible, but ensure career benefits from them with peer reviews. o Highlight how your skills as a band director—such as leadership, strategic planning, and team management—can be beneficial in business settings. This will be useful for your applications and interviews.
to be honest, I do not think a Online MBA will make any big difference.
its better to upskill on major courses basis your interest, like Product management courses or analytics courses and try to get a internship/Full time role in a startup and take it ahead.
this is also becoming very difficult these days, If you can manage the finances I can highly recommend Indian school of business to you, firstly its a 1 year program, second - the batchmates will be from so many backgrounds with great work experience so good for networking too, and you can literally re start your career in a much better way compared to Online MBA.
I did a digital marketing online program of 7 months from MICA, india and the job offer which I got after that was less than the money which I was already making.
Pursuing an MBA can indeed open doors, especially if you’re looking to transition into business or management roles where your leadership and organizational skills as a band director are valuable. An online MBA from a reputable state university could be a good step if you’re aiming to shift fields while balancing current responsibilities. Just ensure the program has strong career support to help with your transition.
