Given my Master's in Commerce and 18 months of work experience, which advanced degree would be more suitable for me, an MBA or a BA?

The comparison itself is unusual, since a BA is an undergraduate qualification and you already hold a Master's, so the practical question is really whether an MBA adds enough on top of your Commerce background to be worth pursuing now.

Why an MBA Fits Your Current Stage

• Builds on existing academics: MBA programs are designed for candidates who already have prior academic and, ideally, some professional experience, both of which you have.
• Uses your 18 months of experience: many MBA programs weigh work experience in admissions, even at relatively early career stages, more than a BA program would.
• Advances your career level: MBA coursework in leadership, strategy, and advanced business skills sits a level above what a Bachelor of Arts covers.

Why a BA Would Not Add Value Here

A Bachelor of Arts is an undergraduate-level qualification, and pursuing one after you already hold a Master's in Commerce would not represent academic progression; it would effectively repeat a stage of education you have already completed and surpassed.

One Clarification Worth Making First

If BA in your context actually refers to something other than Bachelor of Arts, such as Business Analytics or a specific professional certification using the same initials, the comparison changes considerably, so confirm exactly what the alternative credential is before ruling it out.

My Advice

Before committing to an MBA, get specific about what gap it is meant to close. With an 18-month track record and a Commerce Master's already behind you, an MBA makes the most sense if you are aiming at management or leadership roles that your current qualifications do not yet unlock; if your goal is a narrower technical or analytical skill instead, a shorter certification may serve you better than a full MBA.