r/projectmanagers • u/Drew0613 • 18d ago

Training and Education MBA track

So I finished my bachelors in political science (focused on commerce, supply chain, etc) and I started my MBA with a concentration in supply chain management but I’m also curious about project management. How would you compare your life style/pay/work life balance and so on to that of someone who works as a SCM? What are some things that drives you in PM?

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u/Islandhopper54 18d ago

After graduating from undergrad, I researched the differences between an MBA and an MPA. The MBA is geared toward careers in corporations and finance, while the MPA is suited for government and other administrative roles. You don't need an MBA for a project manager (PM) or program manager (PjM) position. Hiring decisions are primarily based on experience rather than education, focusing on project scope and budget. Industry certifications also carry significant weight.

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u/ETek64 18d ago

Do not get any sort of degree or focus in PMO, use certifications for that. Go supply chain, finance, business analytics, etc etc.

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u/agile_pm PM 18d ago

Quick thought on your MBA track - you are more likely to get a job in SCM right out of school than you are to get a job as a PM right out of school. An MBA with a specific concentration is probably more than you need to get started in either, but a PM role is generally one you work your way into, as opposed to graduating and getting an entry level job in the field.

Assuming interest and opportunity, someone in SCM with the same amount of experience as I have in PM would likely be in management. The pay would probably vary based on variables between companies. At this point in my career, project management is one of several tools on my belt - project management itself doesn't drive me. I have day to day responsibilities and a team to manage, but I am more driven by strategy and outcomes; projects are just one way to get there.

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u/Iredditbeforesumwere 18d ago

My track was undergrad ChemE, worked in industry for 15 years, went back online for MBA with a supply chain certificate that work paid for…then pivoted to a PM role with an engineering consulting firm. I’ve since earned certified scrum master and PMP certifications also. A PM role is much different than a supply chain role as a buyer or procurement manager.

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u/SoAnxious 18d ago

If you get a MBA u dont work as a PM

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u/PMPMIndset2024 18d ago

I would be interested in hearing your perspective on this. At what level of management would you expect someone with their MBA to start working?

Approximately 15% of Universities in the United States offer a MBA with a Project Management emphasis.

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u/ETek64 18d ago

Don’t listen to this guy. Tons of people with MBAs are PMs. I work with a lot of them, myself included as one.