Hi there,

I myself have 4x degrees (3x geology + 1x MBA) and it's OK to spend time in school. That being said, the MBA should typically be the last one IF you're on the path of becoming a great generalist, which the MBA is all about.

• CONTEXT: Most people doing MBAs, especially when self-funded, are specialized to some degree and want to add to their skill set a comprehensive set of management tools and expand their network to break out of their previous path (exception being MBB consultants on a sponsored MBA, for example). From then onwards, any further learning is mostly on the job. 
• ISSUE: If you're going to add another masters post-MBA, you would have gone from specialized → generalist → specialized. It just doesn't line up very well and I would certainly ask myself as a recruiter what your career objective is. At that point, either the MBA or the post-MBA degree would have been a ‘mistake’.
• BOTTOM-LINE: I would probably advise for a different path that actually builds on your MBA, if that's at all feasible with the opportunities in the job market.

Hope this helps a bit. Best of luck!

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Haha, I love the ‘lurker' self-description. 

Glad to hear that you're enjoying the forum and that people actually read these posts. Sometimes I get the feeling that it's mostly coaches :) 

In short, you need to have clarity over where you want to be in 10-20 years and figure out which avenue does the best job at bringing you there (not factoring in for serendipity). 

But I actually wrote a guide on how to figure out whether to pursue an MBA or Masters that includes a thinking framework. Happy to share it with you here:

• Expert Guide: Are MBAs worth it?

Best,
Cristian

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Hi there,

So, to simplify things a bit, you don't have a job offer, correct? Or at least one that works for you?

In which, case this is a bit of a false choice (unless you could keep recruiting).

I don't see a problem with a data analytics degree, but just think about exactly where you want to be. A big data degree will put you into BCG GAMMA and McKinsey Black…NOT Generalist. 

Of course, it also puts you much more as a data analyst, data consultant, etc.

So, just think about what you want and if it fits with your career goals!

Hi there,

Q: I'm nearing the end of my MBA a Top-10 U.S. program, with graduation set for December. I'm contemplating the idea of continuing my education with a Master's in Business Analytics and Big Data post-MBA. 

I would decide considering the “opportunity cost”. What would be the possible alternatives if you don’t do the Master? Considering two extremes:

1. If it is a desirable offer in Europe, it would not make much sense.
2. If it is being unemployed for one year, it could make sense.

If you want please feel free to PM me to share the alternatives.

Best,

Francesco