HN Explorer

Should I pursue CS over MBA?

3 points by jes81 ↗ HN
The corporation I work for highly values the MBA, however I am struggling to justify the cost and ROI. I work in M&A and Corporate Strategy for a FTSE 100 in the data and analytics space and interested in having a long career in entrepreneurship and investing. Curious if anyone has a viewpoint on how a degree in CS would serve me. Considering taking a few undergrad level courses and/or pursuing a masters.

6 comments

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beamatronic
There was another thread earlier today about how CS degrees don't give you any social status, so that may be something to consider.
jes81
I saw that, which inspired this post. I'm going less for social status (lived the ibanker thing and didn't like it) and more for building a product or business I'd be proud of.
runningmike
Follow your heart. What do you really want to learn? CS does not limit your future choices, but imho makes more things possible compared with a mba
jes81
Thanks for the feedback - it can be difficult to break out of the "corporate group think"
giantg2
If you are already in a business savvy position like M&A, then I'm guessing you understand accounting and finance. If you want to be an entrepreneur, I don't see an MBA helping much - it's just a credential to help you get a job working for others.

A CS degree probably isn't necessary either. You can take some free or cheap courses online and teach yourself the tech you want to use.

jes81
You're spot on - very comfortable with accounting and finance. I've created a lot of value so far through financial modeling for organizations.

Great feedback on CS degree.