Which MBA specialty should an entrepreneur who wants out pursue?
If you're an entrepreneur hoping to sell off your business and join a corporation, play to your strengths, but keep in mind the differences between running your own business and being a part of somebody else's
Follow @ITCatalystsDear Bob ...
I was reading one post with regards to choosing an MBA specialty. You recommended finance as having the best prospects as having a higher demand-to-supply ratio for those looking for a career change.
Well, I too am in this position, but with a twist. You see, I moved to an Asian country almost 10 years ago and started my own manufacturing company. Prior to that, I had been self-employed through importing household goods from the same country.
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Over the years and current situation here I have gained great experience through managing and being an entrepreneur in a foreign country, with exceptional language skills, which you would expect after 10 years living and working in a country.
Expansion, though, has never taken off, due mainly to financial restraints, due both to not being able to get local bank investment in my company and some personal challenges related to multiple divorces. The result has been having to grow at a very slow pace.
Having said this, the foundations are solid. The small buyer base we have is solid, and it is growing with us. The problem is I feel I am missing out on earning my true potential, which I could if I was working for a large company.
So I have enrolled into an MBA program and doing quite well in the first semester with an A grade average so far.
I am thinking that, at the end of 2010 with an MBA under my belt, I'll pursue that corporate option of a salary instead of being an entrepreneur with not enough financial resources. So I too am in the position of choosing which specialty to direct my MBA toward. Should I specialize in international business, entrepreneurship, project management, information systems, or, as you suggested, finance?
No one can really give me a clear cut answer to my prospects of employment having been self-employed for the past 20+ years, which means no history of working for any known companies and references are from me, as I am my own boss.
So what would you suggest for someone in my position, so I can move back into the world of working for a salary? And like you suggested -- could finance be a good option for me in case of an MBA specialization?
- Coming in out of the rain
Dear Coming in ...
Yes, that's a twist alright. Interesting challenge.
A few thoughts occur to me, for whatever they're worth:
