Go to Grad School or Look for a Job?

[clamum]

I'm looking for some input, in particular from those who are in charge of hiring at companies or have a similar dilemma as I do.

I go to Michigan Tech. University and will be graduating this coming April with a B.S. in Computer Science. Right now my GPA is 3.39, hopefully it'll be raised with all As this semester. Anyway, I'm not quite sure whether I should enter the Master's in Business Admin grad program here, which I can get in a year, or start searching for a job.

The only reason I'd consider going for the MBA is if it would actually help my chances of getting a software development job somewhere. I say this because I won't have any co-op or intern experience because I graduate and if that MBA would put me above other candidates for a job, then maybe it would be worth it. If not, I'd much rather just start working.

Any helpful advice would be appreciated.

 

[Cooler]

Originally posted by: clamum
I'm looking for some input, in particular from those who are in charge of hiring at companies or have a similar dilemma as I do.

I go to Michigan Tech. University and will be graduating this coming April with a B.S. in Computer Science. Right now my GPA is 3.39, hopefully it'll be raised with all As this semester. Anyway, I'm not quite sure whether I should enter the Master's in Business Admin grad program here, which I can get in a year, or start searching for a job.

The only reason I'd consider going for the MBA is if it would actually help my chances of getting a software development job somewhere. I say this because I won't have any co-op or intern experience because I graduate and if that MBA would put me above other candidates for a job, then maybe it would be worth it. If not, I'd much rather just start working.

Any helpful advice would be appreciated.

Get a job many places will higher a cs major.

 

[Glavinsolo]

<-- CS Major. I decided to spend a year and get my MBA after I graduate.

 

[AgentEL]

the only reason I would get a MBA is to pursue a position in business, not a software dev position. Also, to get into a quality MBA program you usually need about 5 years of work experience.

Just start working.

 

[gigapet]

an MBA is mostly worthless with ouut work experience IMO

 

[Ameesh]

getting an MBA without any work experience is retarded. you shouldnt even consider it.

 

[bigrash]

I'd highly recommend getting a job if you don't have any working experience in your field. you can always persue a masters while you work. without any experience you're gonna have a hard time finding a job later

 

[Armitage]

You want an MBA so you have a better shot at a software development job? Why not an M.S.?

In any case, if you want to get an advanced degree, do it now. Life happens, and it will be hard to go back and do it later when you may have a family, mortgage, etc.

 

[Armitage]

Originally posted by: bigrash
I'd highly recommend getting a job if you don't have any working experience in your field. you can always persue a masters while you work. without any experience you're gonna have a hard time finding a job later

I would say it will be harder finding a job with a B.S. and no experience then with an M.S. and no experience.

 

[MotionMan]

Get a job and get your Masters at night and on weekends. That way you will have both experience and the MBA.

MotionMan

 

[DaveSimmons]

For hiring a software developer, which I've helped do several times over the last decade, I'd rate an MBA without experience as a negative. It shows you wasted a year learning management speak instead of going out and getting development experience.

An MS in Comp Sci shows you were probably aftraid of the job market but you've at least spent the time learning more skills related to the job you're applying for.

Ranked on which is gooderer for a development job:
1. BS + 1 year programming
2. BS + MS
3. BS + nothing
4. BS + 1 year goofing off
5. BS + MBA

 

[clamum]

Thanks for the input.

Seems like the consensus is to just go out and find a job. Good, I'd much rather do that. I just feel kind of intimidated by having no experience. I went to a small community college for two years and then transferred to where I am now... and didn't try to get any internship or co-op the first year I was here because I didn't know it was a good thing to do.