Save $100,000: Get a Personal MBA
November 17, 2007 by Phil Gerbyshak
Filed under Business
No doubt you, like me, are VERY busy. Too busy to go back to school to get an advanced degree, but still wanting to learn what it takes to be as smart as a 5th grader, er, I mean as smart of a manager as you can be. I’ve thought about going back to school to get an MBA, or something more, but just never got around to it. If you’re like me, you still want to learn.
That’s where the Personal MBA comes in. A few years back, Josh Kaufman thought it would be really cool to break down what topics a traditional MBA covers, and then find books you can check out from the library, or buy from Amazon, as a Personal MBA. I enrolled long ago, but fell off the planet working on my own career and didn’t keep up with all that was going on.
Thankfully Josh not only kept up for us, but he added new books to the recommended reading list, so we can keep up with the times and keep learning from the latest and greatest books.
I think this is an excellent way to not go back into the classroom but still learn what you need to learn to become a great manager.
Want to quickly learn more about this great program? Read the PMBA Manifesto or listen to Josh’s interview on the Cranky Middle Manager show.
How can this save you $100,000? Thankfully Josh did the math on this one. The cost of all the books in the program is about $1300. The cost of an MBA at a great business school is well over $100,000, and climbing every year.
So check out the Personal MBA recommended reading list, and get smarter today!
[Phil Gerbyshak has read about of the 20 books in the PMBA program, and plans to read the rest of them over the next few years. He'll share his favorites in reviews here at Slacker Manager.]
Phil,
This is interesting. Thanks for the post.
With only 29% of employees engaged at work, we might conclude that the current reading list which produced our current crop of executives may be missing a few things.
I did a quick scan of the list. Nothing on science-based, systems-level concepts regarding organizational design, talent management or managerial leadership.
Regards,
Michelle Malay Carter
Regarding the cost of an MBA. I am lucky enough to only have to pay for books – the MBA classes were free for me! If you REALLY want an MBA I would say find a way! I know several others who work for the school in order to get their MBA classes for free – Gee what a concept, work to get paid and get to go to school for free! So if you want to be thrifty give it more thought then how much it would cost! If employees can get a break (or go for free) then try to become an employee!
And as to the costs for books … one word – Amazon.com!
Michelle – You make a great point. No doubt something is missing. I’d love a course in talent management or managerial leadership, though I’d prefer it be taught from someone who actually had management experience and not an academic who’s never seen a corporate office space.
CK – Sure, there are ways to be more creative ways to go to school to get a formal MBA. For those of us who aren’t interested in the formality of that, I think this offers a great alternative.
You have the “MBA in a day” and other books to search though. But there are times (when the economy was better) that required that sheep-skin.
But having the experience along with the degree is even better. My problem now is GETTING the experience! And I am not getting any exprience where I am currently working – as a matter of fact it has been quite the opposite! Instead they have been giving me physical labor type jobs … that was until I hurt myself! Now as part of Worker’s Comp they have me doing the lowest possible job they could find other than being the janitor! As a result I am looking to move on …
Being a mother in her late thirties and virtual no brain cells left, the thought of returning for an “MBA” is quite overwhelming. Having two sons, one two years away from college, I want him to get the best education and go as far in college to better himself. They will both have to too compete in this crazy world we live in.
I just completed reading the book Having It All by John Assaraf. Finally, I have come around to thinking about my goals for the future. I really thought I was too late, but I soon realized it is never too late. John made me realize that and gave me the motivation and knowledge to begin achieving my dreams and knowledge to help my children know how to make the dreams and goals come true also. I feel like I am fifteen again and can do anything. For more inspiration, go to http://johnassaraf.com/blog/2007/10/31/your-powerful-brain/.
While I think that it is great to read and increase your knowledge, the MBA is also about networking with other professionals. I am currently entering into my final semester in grad school and I am reading the books. Don’t be so closed minded to believe that you can only do one or the other. Also, and MBA looks better on a resume than “I read alot of books”. It is your career, do what you think is best for you and go with it. Good luck.
Gary – You’re right, it isn’t JUST about an education. There’s so much more you can get from an MBA that you can’t get from just reading books. However if you couple reading books with sharing your learnings with others, and spend time in places where people smarter than you spend time, you may be able to get close to simulating the MBA experience. Not perfect mind you, but certainly much less expensive than a $100,000 MBA.
Hello,
I’m launching into a crazy project : read 52 books of the PMBA list in 52 weeks, and write a resume per week in my blog. All the details are here : http://www.books-that-can-change-your-life.net/2008/my-crazy-project-read-52-of-the-best-business-books-in-52-weeks-and-post-a-weekly-review-here-on-my-blog/