Is the rush for the MBA worth it?
ISSA Ssekito holds a bachelors degree in business administration and a diploma in accountancy. Many of his contemporaries have a masters in business administration (MBA). But Ssekito is, instead, opting for a degree in law at Makerere University.
By Arthur Baguma
ISSA Ssekito holds a bachelors degree in business administration and a diploma in accountancy. Many of his contemporaries have a masters in business administration (MBA). But Ssekito is, instead, opting for a degree in law at Makerere University.
“The experience I have in business management is more than that of an MBA holder. The challenge I have is interpretation of legal issues in business management. That is why I am opting for law,†he says.
Ssekito, who doubles as the chairperson of Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA), says business management stretches beyond having an MBA.
“It requires more than just a masters or a degree. Look at successful business managers and entrepreneurs in Uganda. Look at Mulwana, Wavamunno, Sudhir, Kirumira, or anyone massively employing people and efficiently running businesses. If you ask them about an MBA, they will not show you one but they have more experience and knowledge compared to masters holders,†Ssekito argues.
What is an MBA?
Online sources describe an MBA as one of the most sought after post-graduate degrees in the world because of its value to people in business and administration across different fields of industry or professions.
The degree is recognised worldwide and is considered as a major step towards a successful business management career.
The MBA term originated from the US in the industrialisation era in the late 19th century. Companies were seeking scientific approaches to management.
MBA core courses are designed to expose students to a wide scope of business subjects like accounting, marketing, human resources and operations management.
Scholars have observed that globally, the prospect of making more money and living a better economic life draws thousands of students to MBA programmes.
MBA programmes
From the traditional format of taking two years off from work to the modern format of doing your MBA at night, on weekends or online, there is no obstacle to pursuing an MBA anymore.
Apart from international study opportunities, eight of Uganda’s 27 universities offer MBAs. Many young people are enrolling for them with a hope for a successful career and a guarantee of being safe from unemployment. But is this view true?
Ivan Kyayonka, the manager Shell Uganda, argues that much as there are certain jobs which require an MBA, in Uganda, such jobs are few.
“There are certain jobs and assignments where a particular MBA would help open up one’s opportunity to a job, but the ability to get the job depends on the person’s potential,†Kyayonka says.
He says a degree only adds to your analytical skills, but not every job requires analytical skills. He warns fresh graduates against rushing into doing MBAs before gaining some experience and exposure in the field.
“If you finish your first degree in business administration and immediately enroll for an MBA you could only end up keeping it in your pocket.
If you come to me for a job interview, I will look at your potential not the papers you have. What you can offer beyond the papers is what counts,†Kyayonka says.
Rose Mary Ssenabulya, the executive director Federation of Uganda Employers, discourages the rush for MBAs without a clear purpose.
“Enrolling for an MBA is not a bad idea but it is not wise to do so immediately after a bachelor’s degree. At that level you have not tested the job market challenges and the level of your competencies,†she adds.
“However, if you are already working, an MBA will complement the experience and exposure that you already have.â€
Somebody without the MBA but with experience stands a better chance to get a job than one who has academic qualifications and no experience, she added.
The other side of the coin
Fagil Mandy, a consultant on education, holds a different view: “This craze of civil servants taking study leave should be evaluated. For instance, how much does the Government lose in terms of workers who ask for study leave. There is a lot of continuous education at all work places, but how are they affecting the economy?â€
“There is no doubt that if someone is working while at the same time studying, their productivity at work is not the same.†Mandy further advises that the quality of the people admitted should be assessed. He says that many universities are after getting ‘customers’ under the guise of students to cash in as a business.
Has doing the MBA improved your business prospects? To share your experience, write to mwalimu@newvision.co.ug or through sms: type Mwalimu leave space, your comment and name and send to 8338
ISSA Ssekito holds a bachelors degree in business administration and a diploma in accountancy. Many of his contemporaries have a masters in business administration (MBA). But Ssekito is, instead, opting for a degree in law at Makerere University.
“The experience I have in business management is more than that of an MBA holder. The challenge I have is interpretation of legal issues in business management. That is why I am opting for law,†he says.
Ssekito, who doubles as the chairperson of Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA), says business management stretches beyond having an MBA.
“It requires more than just a masters or a degree. Look at successful business managers and entrepreneurs in Uganda. Look at Mulwana, Wavamunno, Sudhir, Kirumira, or anyone massively employing people and efficiently running businesses. If you ask them about an MBA, they will not show you one but they have more experience and knowledge compared to masters holders,†Ssekito argues.
What is an MBA?
Online sources describe an MBA as one of the most sought after post-graduate degrees in the world because of its value to people in business and administration across different fields of industry or professions.
The degree is recognised worldwide and is considered as a major step towards a successful business management career.
The MBA term originated from the US in the industrialisation era in the late 19th century. Companies were seeking scientific approaches to management.
MBA core courses are designed to expose students to a wide scope of business subjects like accounting, marketing, human resources and operations management.
Scholars have observed that globally, the prospect of making more money and living a better economic life draws thousands of students to MBA programmes.
MBA programmes
From the traditional format of taking two years off from work to the modern format of doing your MBA at night, on weekends or online, there is no obstacle to pursuing an MBA anymore.
Apart from international study opportunities, eight of Uganda’s 27 universities offer MBAs. Many young people are enrolling for them with a hope for a successful career and a guarantee of being safe from unemployment. But is this view true?
Ivan Kyayonka, the manager Shell Uganda, argues that much as there are certain jobs which require an MBA, in Uganda, such jobs are few.
“There are certain jobs and assignments where a particular MBA would help open up one’s opportunity to a job, but the ability to get the job depends on the person’s potential,†Kyayonka says.
He says a degree only adds to your analytical skills, but not every job requires analytical skills. He warns fresh graduates against rushing into doing MBAs before gaining some experience and exposure in the field.
“If you finish your first degree in business administration and immediately enroll for an MBA you could only end up keeping it in your pocket.
If you come to me for a job interview, I will look at your potential not the papers you have. What you can offer beyond the papers is what counts,†Kyayonka says.
Rose Mary Ssenabulya, the executive director Federation of Uganda Employers, discourages the rush for MBAs without a clear purpose.
“Enrolling for an MBA is not a bad idea but it is not wise to do so immediately after a bachelor’s degree. At that level you have not tested the job market challenges and the level of your competencies,†she adds.
“However, if you are already working, an MBA will complement the experience and exposure that you already have.â€
Somebody without the MBA but with experience stands a better chance to get a job than one who has academic qualifications and no experience, she added.
The other side of the coin
Fagil Mandy, a consultant on education, holds a different view: “This craze of civil servants taking study leave should be evaluated. For instance, how much does the Government lose in terms of workers who ask for study leave. There is a lot of continuous education at all work places, but how are they affecting the economy?â€
“There is no doubt that if someone is working while at the same time studying, their productivity at work is not the same.†Mandy further advises that the quality of the people admitted should be assessed. He says that many universities are after getting ‘customers’ under the guise of students to cash in as a business.
Has doing the MBA improved your business prospects? To share your experience, write to mwalimu@newvision.co.ug or through sms: type Mwalimu leave space, your comment and name and send to 8338