Is MBA important for Entrepreneurs

[jenstallon]

This question has always come to my mind. I wonder how important an MBA is for an Entrepreneur. Are the Entrepreneurship skills inborn or do they need to be developed with education and/or experience. What do you think.

[REMogul]

No an MBA is not important in having a successful career as a entrepreneur. If you want to learn how to complex mathematical logical equations and read case studies on how Wal Mart & Verizon got to where they are sure. Entrepreneurship is a trait that people hold and can follow their instinct and read/educate themselves on what is necessary through all the tools available today on the internet and different resources.

[annieloser]

not so important

[kanchua]

Its all about the basic having the basic qualities of Entrepreneurs and does not necessarily yo have MBA degree to start any business. In fact there will be hardly any amplification of bookish knowledge.

[chuff1026]

I see that everyone is saying its not important
You can be a successful entrepreneur without an MBA
i personally do nto have one but I have gotten into MBA programs of varying levels in the last 5 years
I have many friends who have MBAs
being in an mba program can add a lot of value to your entrepreneurial career
imagine networking with a class full of inteligent people with experience
some have money that are willing to invest
you will see varying ideas and view points from people who are driven


it can add a lot of value
is it necessary?
no..people succeed with out it
but as I said before..it can add a lot to yoru career.

[accurate.cygnet]

Answer to that lies within you. MBA knowledge is required when you are going to run some big existing business or planning to do job in some MNC.
Rest if you are looking forward to start a company then you don't necessarily require MBA knowledge.

[goldenegg12]

Answer to that lies within you. MBA knowledge is required when you are going to run some big existing business or planning to do job in some MNC.
Rest if you are looking forward to start a company then you don't necessarily require MBA knowledge.

I interviewed a business school professor who begged to differ. I asked Prof. Moore at EMLYON Business school in France what he felt about the debate that entrepreneurs do not need to go to business school and he responded by saying "We can also say that lawyers don’t need formal education or that doctors don’t need formal education. It’s not because you can speak that you are a lawyer. Let’s defend a few cases or pop a few arms out and see. Maybe we’ll learn as we go along, through our mistakes and try to figure out the interactions, interdependencies, risks and hazards". He tried to explain that the school attracts students from all over the world because they want to study entrepreneurship and their record of around 96% of each class going into an entrepreneurial role in on capacity of the other upon graduation is quite impressive!

[alan123]

I am not saying that MBA is essential for Entrepreneurs but it contains an important aspects that helps in adding value to the business and it enables you with enhanced skills that is always helpful in some part of the professional life.

[DriveThyBusiness]

Very important. Just ahving an idea for a business doesn't guarantee success. I'm an engineer with and MS and I'm getting my MBA now to better understand how markets really work.

[newmusic11]

No. If you have the skills to tackle any situation in any circumstances is enough . You don't need MBA for this.

NO. MBA's are pointless. I've been told by thousands of investors and businessman. Graduate degrees are only needed for people who are going for a concentrated area...ie. Law School, MD, PharmD....

[SnapbackHat]

yes,I like!

[Jlee817]

This question has always come to my mind. I wonder how important an MBA is for an Entrepreneur. Are the Entrepreneurship skills inborn or do they need to be developed with education and/or experience. What do you think.

Honestly, being an entrepreneur or a business like minded individual doesn't mean you have to have an M.B.A. to be successful. However, the credibility of having an M.B.A or any advance degree makes you a little more marketable in the eye of people who view your business inspiration. Such as bankers, investor, and/or people looking to invest in you. It shows them your intellectual level of learning and your motivation to succeed. If you are a successful entrepreneur already, this might not be so relevant, or if you already have a network of people you can tap into. But if you are new to the concept of entrepreneurship, maybe looking for investors or people to see your vision. Having an M.B.A wouldn't be a bad choice, it just not mandatory. I say this because I myself am working toward my M.B.A as well. Not because I want to work corporate, but because it a self-accomplishment. My passion is working for myself, I strongly believe that success is not working for $70-100K per year for someone else's success, but working for one's self to obtain the financial freedom and freedom of being an entrepreneur.

[Steve in FW]

Necessary? No. Helpful if you have no business background and want to go into business? Maybe.

Not having an MBA should never stop you from going into business for yourself. The only advantage for someone with no business experience is to learn more about some of the fundamentals, a la accounting and finance. Of course, you can pay someone to do that for you!

As I once heard the great Dave Ramsey say, "I don't have an MBA, but I've got lots of folks working for me who do."

[OBVA Virtual assist]

MBA is not a must but if you are one then surely it adds a value to your skills as an Entreprenuer.

[daltonvaughan]

Its all about the basic having the basic qualities of Entrepreneurs and does not necessarily yo have MBA degree to start any business. In fact there will be hardly any amplification of bookish knowledge.