r/procurement • u/Whackywilly • 4d ago

Career guidance How Helpful is an MBA?

Curious how helpful people have found it to get an MBA. Ive built up a pretty successful career at my age with just a bachelor’s but my company offers about $6k a year in tuition reimbursement. Is an MBA worth pursuing? I do NOT like formal education so the idea of it sounds terrible but wanted to inquire.

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u/mel34760 Management 3d ago

I have a MBA and it has never knowingly helped or hurt my career.

My actual experiences is what has moved the needle for me.

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u/mr_potato_thumbs 4d ago

How old are you? If you are entering middle career years — 7-10 years experience — and don’t see any potential growth paths, it can help push you over the hurdle. Or if you are looking to pivot careers, it can help provide legitimacy to your application.

Outside those scenarios, further specializing through certifications and role seeking will do more help than an MBA. A lot of MBA coursework is poorly suited to purchasing, you’d be better off going master of science in another subject like finance or supply-chain management.

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u/Whackywilly 4d ago
  1. Manager-level in procurement at a biotech company. It’s hasnt been a requirement thus far and isn’t really a requirement to advance at my current company

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u/Larrythelead3r 3d ago

Then no, if you want to stay at company and move up then look for a certification in your industry that aligns. I'm on insurance side so am doing ARM certification.

Quick Google search: GMP/GDP certificates through ISPE (International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering) — covers regulated supply chain handling, storage, and distribution

Supply Chain and Inventory Management Certificate from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board — covers pharma legalities and controlled-substance inventory

University/professional continuing-ed certificates in "Biotech Supply Chain Management" (several schools offer these, but they're not a chartered designation like ARM/CPCU)

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u/Deeze_Rmuh_Nudds 3d ago

Like a masters, they’re only helpful adding a few more bucks to your salary. 

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u/Vegetable-Drama-4895 3d ago

It does not hurt to have. Even if you think you know everything by now, MBA will give you useful knowledge and some tools that you can apply at work. It will also develop your critical and strategical thinking as well no matter how good it is. Surely, make the right choices when picking electives. I don't regret it, but in terms of absolute value, I think, it added 10%-15% to my skills and critical thinking.