I am confused between doing an MBA or a Masters in Management; which one should I choose?
Choose a Masters in Management if you have 0 to 2 years of experience and want a foundational start in business theory. Choose an MBA if you have 3 or more years of experience and want to accelerate into leadership or a career pivot through peer learning.
Your decision between an MBA and a Masters in Management, or MiM, depends almost entirely on where you currently stand in your career rather than which degree sounds more prestigious. If you are fresh out of university with little to no full time experience, a MiM builds your baseline business knowledge and gets your foot in the door faster. If you already have years of work experience behind you, an MBA is built to accelerate you into leadership roles using the network and case experience of your peers.
MBA Vs MiM: Key Differences At A Glance
| Feature | Masters In Management (MiM) | MBA |
|---|---|---|
| Target audience | Recent graduates, early career professionals | Professionals with significant work experience |
| Work experience required | Usually 0 to 2 years | Usually 3 to 7 or more years |
| Average age | 21 to 24 years old | 27 to 32 years old |
| Primary focus | Foundational business theory and technical skills | Leadership, strategic management, peer experience |
How To Make The Right Choice For You
- Choose a MiM if you studied a non business subject like engineering, arts, or science and want to learn core business principles from scratch.
- Choose a MiM if you want to enter the job market sooner and secure entry level analyst or associate roles faster.
- Choose an MBA if you have hit a career ceiling and are looking to pivot industries or move into upper management, strategy consulting, or investment banking.
- Choose an MBA if leveraging a professional peer network is a major part of what you want out of the degree.
My Advice
Add up your total full time work experience right now, since anything under two years almost always points you toward a MiM rather than an MBA program that expects seasoned professionals in the room. If you are close to the three year mark, spend the next year building a track record of ownership or leadership at your current job so your MBA application and classroom experience both carry more weight.
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