Gen Z Dilemma: Master’s in Business or Build a Bright Career?
Business careers are one of the main topics considered by Generation Z (Gen Z) who are now entering the workforce and higher education. With unique characteristics and increasingly complex challenges, many of them feel confused in designing their future. After completing their undergraduate education, they are faced with two big choices: continuing their studies to a Master of Business Administration to deepen their managerial and leadership insights, or jumping straight into the workforce to build their dream career early on. Both have their own advantages and consequences, and this decision will determine the direction of their business career in the future.
In this fast-paced and competitive era, every step is crucial. Both choices have their advantages and challenges, as well as long-term impacts on career development. Many of our Gen Z friends feel the same way. Let’s discuss them one by one, so you can find the answer that suits you best.
Why is Master of Business Administration interesting?
Many of Gen Z feel that continuing to study for a Master of Business Administration will delay their steps to start their careers. And some Gen Z feel that continuing their education with a Master of Business Administration. One of them is because this master’s degree is often considered a “golden ticket” for managerial or top-level positions. On the other hand, they are also concerned that the time spent studying will reduce the opportunity to gain valuable work experience. In addition, the high cost of education and the need for immediate financial independence are important considerations.
Therefore, by continuing your studies to a Master’s degree in Business Administration, you can further explore theories and concepts that you may not have mastered in your undergraduate studies. This is also an opportunity for you to focus on specific areas of interest, such as entrepreneurship, digital marketing, or supply chain management. Not only that, your professional network will also expand. So, if you feel that you want to have a strong foundation before jumping into the professional world, a Master of Business Administration could be a very attractive option.
Comparing Pros and Cons
Let’s take a deeper dive into the pros and cons of each option:
Pro Advanced Master of Business Administration
- Increased Salary and Position: Data shows that Master of Business Administration graduates typically earn higher starting salaries and have a greater chance of filling managerial positions.
- Extensive Professional Network: You will have the opportunity to meet many professionals and academics who can open up future business career opportunities.
- In-depth Knowledge: There is an opportunity to study complex business theories, concepts and case studies in greater depth.
- Skill Enhancement: Skills such as analysis, leadership, problem-solving, and strategic abilities will be well honed.
- Entrepreneurial Opportunities: The knowledge from the Master of Business Administration program is very applicable to building and developing your own business.
Cons Continue Master of Business Administration
- Expensive Costs: The Master of Business Administration program has high fees, which can be a financial burden, especially without scholarships.
- Time Consumed: You need to allocate 1-2 years (or more) to focus on your studies, which means delaying your entry into the workforce.
- Overqualified risk: You may be overqualified for an entry-level position when you need experience.
- Not all industries require it: Some fields favor work experience and practical skills over a Master of Business Administration degree.
Pro Direct Employment
- Practical Experience: You can gain relevant and valuable work experience right away.
- Financial Independence: Starting a job means being able to earn money right away and becoming financially independent.
- Early Networking: You can start building professional industry connections early in your career.
- Career Acceleration: There is a possibility of getting promoted faster if you perform well.
- Finding Passion: You can discover your true interests and passions faster through hands-on experience in the working world.
Contra Direct Work
- Lower Starting Salary: Entry-level positions generally offer lower starting salaries than graduate positions.
- Limited Advancement Opportunities: Without a master’s degree, you may find yourself limited in your career path if you don’t have the skills and experience to back it up.
- Need to Study Independently: You need to be more proactive in learning and developing yourself so that you don’t fall behind graduates.
- Tougher Competition: In some positions, you may have to compete with candidates who have a Master of Business Administration degree.
Factors to Consider
- Your Long-Term Career Goals
What exactly is your dream career in 5 or 10 years? Do you want to be a CEO in a multinational company? Or do you want to build your own successful startup? If your goal is to reach high positions in big companies, then a Master of Business Administration can be a very strong provision for developing a business career. But if you’re more interested in becoming an entrepreneur and getting your foot in the door, perhaps hands-on work experience will be more relevant to you. - Financial Condition
Be honest with yourself, do you have enough funds to pursue a Master of Business Administration education? Or do you have the opportunity to get a scholarship? If the main obstacle is financial, it might be wiser to work first, save money, or look for scholarships until you actually get them. - Interests and Passions
Are you really interested in studying business administration? Or are you just following your friends? If you have a strong interest and passion in this field, then the learning process in the Master of Business Administration program will feel fun and not burdensome, because every material learned will immediately feel relevant and useful for the development of your business career in the future. But if you only do it because you have to, it could actually become a burden and the knowledge received is not maximized. - Intended Industry
Some industries highly value a Master of Business Administration degree, such as consulting, investment banking, or large technology companies. But in other industries, practical experience and a professional portfolio may take precedence. Therefore, it’s important to do your research on the industry you’re aiming for. - Flexibility and Adaptability
The world is constantly changing. There may be other options that suit your situation better. For example, you could work for a few years first, then do a Master of Business Administration through a part-time or executive MBA program. This way, you can gain work experience while earning your degree. There are also blended learning programs that combine online and offline learning, which can provide greater flexibility. - The Importance of Choosing the Best PTS in Indonesia
If you decide to pursue a Master of Business Administration, make sure you choose a campus that is able to optimally support the development of your business career. One of the best universities in Indonesia for this field is Telkom University. This campus offers study programs designed in line with the needs of modern industry, supported by competent lecturers and complete facilities. Choosing Telkom University is not only about continuing your education, but also a strategic investment for the future of your business career. The Master of Business Administration program at Telkom University is known for its innovative and applicable curriculum, with a focus on developing leadership, managerial and digital skills that are highly needed in today’s business world.
Ready to Take the Next Step for Your Future?
Interested in exploring business science and building a brilliant business career? Telkom University offers a Master of Business Administration program that is innovative and relevant to the needs of today’s industry. Don’t miss this golden opportunity to improve your qualifications!
Register for Master of Business Administration at Telkom University Now!
Conclusion: Choose the One that Suits Your Purpose and Condition
The dilemma between continuing their studies to a Master of Business Administration program or going straight to work is a real challenge faced by many Gen Zs. However, by choosing to continue their studies at Telkom University, they not only get high-quality education, but also strategic provisions to build a globally competitive business career. The support of modern facilities, industry-relevant curriculum, and opportunities to build professional networks make Telkom University the right choice for Gen Z who want to develop themselves academically while preparing concrete steps in their business career journey.
Still confused about the best choice for your career?
Don’t let doubts hinder your steps! Come on, consult your dilemma by visiting the official website of Telkom University and find more information about the Master of Business Administration program offered. Take the first step towards a successful future with quality education from Telkom University.
Find the Best Master of Business Administration Program and Start Building Your Dream Career!
Tags: Master of Business Administration | Telkom University Master of Business Administration Telkom University | Magister Administration Business
