More MBA advice

Dear Bob …

I would like to revert the topic of discussion to MBA specializations. I am planning on pursuing an MBA this fall and have no clue as to which area I would like to specialize in. Like a few of the people on this blog, I have a degree in engineering. Many of my peers that have furthered their education in business have landed great jobs in the financial sector such as Mergers & Acq’s and Trading, but I really do not know if this is the field that I will enjoy.

I enjoy marketing and could see myself working a the marketing board for a large organization but have doubts on the likelihood of landing that type of position. I have found myself gearing towards a business career by obtaining product management and marketing positions. I have a strong interest in obtaining an education to gain an important business sense that can be used in the real word and eventually pursue the avenue of entrepreneurship, however, I expect to be in a corporate environment for the next 3-5 years to eastablish a solid foundation.

I have worked in the automotive, IT and Telecommunications field, not really focusing on an industry. Is there any advice you can provide as to the type of career I can make and possible specializations I can pursue?

– Degree bound

Dear Bound …

Sounds to me like your career thus far, and your aspiration to become an entrepreneur, give you all the guidance you need. You have a degree in engineering and have held (and presumably succeeded in) marketing and product management positions. I’d suggest talking with your graduate advisor about a curriculum that enhances your strength in product management. This will certainly include marketing, operations and finance. Beyond that, look at what’s available and seems to fit best.

I would suggest that you stop thinking in terms of MBA “specialization.” For where you want to go, specialization is the last thing you need to do. You need breadth far more than you need depth.

– Bob