Ask a Recruiter: Will an MBA Help Me in the Job Market?

Ask a Recruiter, For Candidates

This is the third installment of our series “Ask a Recruiter,” in which we pose a question to our executive recruiters about hiring, interviewing, the job search, and more. If you have any questions you’d like to have answered in this series, please leave them in the comments.

We frequently get this question from the candidates we speak to–Should I get an MBA? We asked our executive recruiters Jenae Baguley, Peter Stern, and Ben Farber to lend their expertise and tell us how they view an MBA on a resume.

Question: Will an MBA Help Me in the Job Market?

Answers:

Peter Stern, Vice President specializing in the Food Manufacturing industry
For other job seekers, it is neither a guarantee of employment nor advancement. The MBA has lost some of its luster over the last few years. My view is that its value is limited to Marketers and some Finance professionals as well. However, for employment as a Marketer at High-End and/or Fortune 100 company, an MBA is practically a requirement. For other job seekers, it is neither a guarantee of employment nor advancement.

Jenae Baguley, Recruiting Coordinator
More important than boasting an MBA is having progressive work experience. I would say that an MBA can be helpful when choosing between two very similar candidates. If their work histories are identical, an educational component may better define a candidate’s drive and abilities. More important than boasting an MBA is having progressive work experience. An MBA is like the cherry on top of a resume sundae.

Ben Farber, President specializing in the Casino Gaming industry
The challenge of completing a graduate degree will only add to one’s value and confidence in the workforce. An MBA offers another leg up on peers that are vying for the same promotion or career opportunity. Graduate degrees do not guarantee success, as experience is just as important as education to most employers. However, it is a nice plus on paper and the challenge of completing a graduate degree will only add to one’s value and confidence in the workforce.

Bristol Associates, Inc. is an executive search firm with over 50 years of excellence in recruiting nationwide. Bristol specializes in recruiting for the Casino Gaming; Hotels and Resorts; Travel, Tourism, and Attractions; Facilities and Concessions; Food and Beverage Manufacturing; Restaurant; Hospital and Healthcare; and Nonprofit industries.

If you’re interested in working with Bristol Associates, click here if you’re an employer or here if you’re a candidate.

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter here

Get The Newsletter

Receive Exclusive Career Opportunities, Hiring Best Practices, and More Straight to Your Inbox