Comments on: Is An MBA Necessary For Product Managers?

By: April D. Thompson

April D. Thompson — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:58:23 +0000

I definitely think it’s a personal decision and one must really assess where they are and their goals.

I am about 4 years into my professional career (post MS in Engineering). I heavily considered the full time MBA last year, but ultimately decided not to go because I think there is much more for me to learn on my own (via blogs like yours), networking and in my current non-PM/PMM job.

By: Paul A. Gray

Paul A. Gray — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:49:15 +0000

IMHO Not necessary, but beneficial RT @chriscummings01 Is An MBA Necessary For Product Managers? http://bit.ly/62WQ4l #prodmgmt

By: Christopher Cummings

Christopher Cummings — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 13:43:42 +0000

Thank you all for the thoughtful comments on this topic! Pursuing an MBA seems like a particularly personal decision, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer.

@Rachel – I hope you get what you’re seeking out of the experience. If you ever need an ear, I’m happy to trade b-school war stories with you

By: Stewart Rogers

Stewart Rogers — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 03:34:48 +0000

I am all for higher education and could possibly see myself using the MBA as a tie-breaker in a hiring scenario. That being said, I would still prefer real-world results over pure education. And to extend that one point further, I would prefer real-world results and an MBA.

Kudos for getting yours!
Stewart
.-= Stewart Rogers´s last blog ..Top 5 Posts from 2009 =-.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 20:06:03 +0000

After more than 10 years of being a web product manager in all but name, I’ve decided to get an MS in Human Factors in Information Design at Bentley (http://bit.ly/70gJzz starting next week!)… it’s not a PM or MBA specific program, but it’s about the user experience with a nice bent toward business application. I decided to do it because after 10 years, I still lack some of the self-confidence I think I should have at this point. I’m hoping having some real formal education will help with that and I’m glad to see your post reflect my own thoughts.

By: Val Workman

Val Workman — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 19:53:33 +0000

I surveyed 500+ Product Managers in the Colorado area a few years ago. Less than 1% felt they had all the training they needed. The perceived training gap seamed to depend on their own personal journey to product management rather than formal training.

If they came from engineering, they perceived business weekness, if they came from business, they perceived engineering weakness. If they didn’t come from operations, then they always perceived a finance weakness.

Formal training may make learning easier, but to stay relevant the product manager must study continuously. There is just so much to learn, the little formal training can bring is like adding a thimble of water to the Pacific Ocean and expecting to register a difference.
.-= Val Workman´s last blog ..Luck, Skill, or the Economy =-.

By: Larry Mckeogh

Larry Mckeogh — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 18:36:09 +0000

Chris – The MBA is definitely a conundrum. While I would say that getting it while young / inexperienced it is a way to get a leg up. The problem is what if you wait? After 10 years as a product manager the value it provides is debatable. I’ve seen a lot and experienced a lot that you cannot get from the theoretical teachings. What has given me a shot of confidence is actually going through a downsizing.
Getting out and networking enabled me to see that I do have significant skills and am able to handle the trickier business issues. It also emphasized to me that being less tactical and more strategic is the right way.

By: Jennifer Doctor

Jennifer Doctor — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:06:30 +0000

Chris – I do not hava an MBA. 20 years ago I thought about it; as I did 15, 10 and 5 years ago. I agree with Steve and Jim – I think it is more about the person than the letters. The right PM/PMM who has the skills is more valuable than the person with letters. Our community typically desires to learn more, though often does not have the time to do so. If we focus on personal growth, then the education is nice but not necessary. Letters are only that.

That said, I did go back for a mini-MBA program last year – a 40 hour effort where the business/financial elements were stressed. This did provide insight will strengthen my abilities and critical thinking/analysis in my role.

By: Jim Holland

Jim Holland — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:28:28 +0000

Chris – I believe as you do that its a personal decision, an intropective one. Each of us has to regularly, if not daily assess what “gaps” we have in our “repertoire” and look for the balance and what we need to establish the balance. Product management, like anyone, benefits from new knowledge at long as its applied.

By: Steve Johnson

Steve Johnson — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 22:06:10 +0000

I don’t really believe it makes a difference. It’s the person, not the letters behind their name. But employers disagree. In http://www.pragmaticmarketing.com/publications/survey/2005/does-a-masters-degree-make-a-difference we see that people with a Master’s degree make more money.