There is a degree for everything, and many employers want very specific masters or PhD qualifications. For example, I work in a public library, (having taken a break from the LA TV business), and even though I have worked as a researcher for documentary TV, for an advocacy group on Capitol Hill AND as a book buyer, I am not qualified to be anything other than a library assistant because I do not have a Masters in Library Science.

We've become obsessed with degrees over experience.

I'm currently applying to Bschool after spending 10 yrs as a programmer.
The 3rd point is definitely important. I'm constantly reading financial stuff and getting an MBA from a top school is something I need to "get out of my stuff".

Thank you. I made the change. -P

Penelope, you have been writing articles in a bubble for too long. The MBA was once no more than a 'status symbol' but due to the accessibility of them today they are becoming a necessity for upper management. And a good employer would rather have a employee that comprehended the advanced concepts and can apply what they learned, not one that thinks posting a degree from Harvard in their office will automatically get them further promotions.

You don't have to approve this comment for posting, it was more of an FYI.

I will give you the benefit of the doubt and say that it's just sour grapes on your part, and that you are not actually so foolish that you would pick your school, which you seem embarrased to even name, over Harvard or Wharton and that you seem to imply a course taught in a lecture hall is not taught by quality instructors. That's quite a leap.

* * * * * *

Bill, I'm with you when it comes to how peopel learn best. The point here, though, is that when you go into the job market, people do not place a value small lecture halls. Hiring managers don't care. And the whole point of an MBA is how people value it in the job market.

–Penelope

Acquiring an MBA is a key enabler for further career advancement in business. I work as a business leader in an emerging technology field and my graduate work occurred at one of the smallest schools in FL. This gradate work has been successful in opening many doors for me which would have remained closed. The idea that one can only achieve success if you graduate from a top 25 MBA program is obsolete and misleading, many disruptive business practices are being developed in 'lower tier' schools since they are hungrier for recognition. I would rather attend a small MBA program with quality instructors than a 'recognized' MBA program taught in lecture halls. Plus didn't we all learn a few years back that as long as you go to class you get a 'B' in any Ivy League school?!?

Want some REAL advice about graduate school? Don't go straight into grad school after completing your undergraduate degree, unless you are in a Co-Op or internship program that allows you to gain relevant experience.

You state some correct facts, omit others and then come to some erroneous conclusions about attending a top 5-10 MBA program.

You are correct in stating that if you don't attend a top 5-10 school, you should be very aware of the return on your investment. Spending $20-30k+ a year on tuition for a small, second/third tier school will make it tough to earn a return on one's investment. Other key points:

- Top schools are great for getting into Consulting, Investment Banking, Private Equity, Investment Management, etc. If you want into these fields, you should focus on a top 5-10 program.

- If you want to go to Corporate America, consider a low-cost, well respected 2nd tier school. There are many public and a few private institutions ranked 20-50 that will open this door at a much lower price. Once in the door, your talent, ability and impact on the Corporation will matter a lot more than your degree. In fact, candidates from top schools often get branded in some corporate settings for expecting too much, too soon and for not sticking around long enough for the Corporation's investment to pay off (Corporations don't have an ability to retain these recruits). These perceptions won't get you hired, endear you to colleagues, or get you the next promotion. p.s. If you do choose a 2nd tier school, it is much more important to be in the top quartile of your class!

- High cost MBA's (whether top tier or not), are not the right choice for many careers. If you choose to go into low paying fields such as some non-profit, charitable work, public education, etc., a balance between the education recieved and the cost of getting it is key. There are great 2nd tier schools with scholarships available that can give you the education and degree you need without the high cost. Some will even pay you to go to school! In the end, coming out of school with little or no debt rather than another mortgage payment can make life a lot more enjoyable. p.s. If Mom and Dad are going to foot the bill, don't worry about the cost - get the top notch education. For everyone else, be a good education shopper!

- Not everyone can get into Harvard or Stanford. There are a lot of great jobs available to folks coming out of lower visibility programs. Again, be aware of costs and focus on whether the school has solid relationships with the employers that you are most interested in working for. (Also, see above comment on being in the top quartile of your class).

- If you are making