Should Entrepreneurs Consider Getting an MBA?

[Scott Trench]

I used to wonder if there was any value in going back to graduate school and getting an MBA.  I have a professional background in Corporate Finance and believe that I have the skill set necessary to succeed in a decent MBA program.

However, in the past year or so, I've really come to change my thinking.

Here are my two reasons why I believe that pursuing an MBA is a poor choice for aspiring entrepreneurs:

Reason 1 -  The degree is expensive

As someone who is particularly aggressive with personal finance, I believe that by committing cash to the degree, or by taking out loans, I delay my ability to invest in real estate or other assets significantly as I tie up my personal capital in the degree.

Further, I believe that I'll accumulate assets to invest at a slower rate for the duration of my education, and that I'll spend the years immediately following my graduation paying off student debts.  I expect this would significantly delay or reduce my ability to invest in real estate for at least 5 years or so.

I don't expect the cash flows (in the form of increased annual salary) from an MBA program to net positive for at least a decade - and I believe that is far too long a payback period for an investment that could have such a huge impact on my daily life and happiness.

Reason 2 - The degree limits my thinking and narrows my career of choice.

It was relatively easy for me as a young kid with just an undergraduate degree to make the decision to quit my cushy finance gig and come work here at BiggerPockets for @Joshua Dorkin .  I didn't have anything to lose!  I could absolutely take a chance on work with a small company that I was a big fan of.  I wonder though, if I would have had the fortitude to take that same chance were I making close to $100,000 annually as an MBA graduate from a top program.

I believe that the MBA mindset that is instilled is one which seeks the highest possible salary and the largest number of material comforts available.  I tend to see many MBA acquaintances as comfortable with a relatively low level of risk, and an unwillingness to rock the boat.  That's a broad generalization, but I do wonder if I would have succumbed to a similar mindset.

Anyways, I wrote about this topic briefly a few weeks ago, and I thought I'd discuss the merits of an MBA for entrepreneurs specifically.  I would love to hear everyone's thoughts.

[Brian Mathews]

If think your success depends on having an MBA, it doesn't.    It can open some doors for you possibly.   Your success depends on you, not a piece of paper.    I'm a business owner, I make more than $100K a year and didn't finish college.   The wealthiest guy I've ever met, with a  net worth in the billions.    Didn't even graduate high school.   I think you can get further in life with an ability to sell yourself or something,  have integrity and don't act like an ***.    People need to be drawn to you and have confidence in you and you will be successful.   Always be generous of your time, talent and money.