The Rise of the Specialty Master’s

THE SPECIALTY EFFECT

There is currently no data to suggest that specialty MBAs will cannibalize the traditional MBA degree, although, according to Kathie Amato, the associate dean of Fuqua’s MMS program, it would speak loudly to the programs’ success if they do. Based on conversations she’s had with colleagues at other b-schools, students graduating from the one-year specialty programs have yet to apply for an MBA program at any school.

Amato believes eventually some percentage will seek out the more traditional degree, a potential dependent upon the career choices of graduates. While the MMS program can open many doors into analyst roles, for example, it has yet to develop into a catalyst for more senior level—and, therefore, higher paying—positions that an MBA leverages. But Louie, she says, is a testament to the program’s success, as he was able to utilize the skills he acquired to reach his personal goals.

Louie’s new five-year plan does not include returning to school. When he worked at Motorola, his interests and curiosity underwent a major shift. Louie wanted to be more involved with implementing the technology he was working on rather than developing it.

He started interviewing for product management positions at various technology companies whose hiring managers, he recalls, appreciated his background in engineering and the way he thought about business, but believed he needed more academic training in business.

“They told me, ‘We love your background. We usually bring in MBAs who have a technical background like yours but they have gone through core marketing classes,’” Louie recalls. “I don’t think the MMS ended up being a replacement for an MBA. But it did give me that core skill set that allowed me to augment my tech background in the business world.”

Based on the job interview he had with his current employer, Louie’s concluded he most likely won’t have those kinds of conversations again.

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