After going around in circles, I am trying to find out which MBA if any, will suite my personal circumstances.

I would really appreciate thoughts and opinions on the matter.
I am conscious that a lot of generic ‘should I do an MBA’ posts are swiftly answered with ‘It depends’ type answers.

With that in mind I will outline my position to give the full facts which will hopefully lead to more appropriate answers.

Current position

M41
Wife and 2 kids (11,13)
Started a business 22 years ago
Business has EBITDA of £200k (my remuneration basically)

It is time for me to step back from the day to day business. This will see me employing a Manager and see EBITDA (my profit) fall to around £135k.

Intentions

I would like the opportunity to join a larger organisation (my business is micro) in a fairly senior position with the opportunity to move up and see where my career ends up (hoping C Level roles)
Alternatively, the other stand out option is to move into consultancy in my field (Health and Social Care).

Limitations

Due to having a family, moving away from my location is not an option.
Although I have many years’ experience in founding, growing and maintaining a business, it is very small (30 employees, less than £1m turnover). I do not see this as a limitation as it’s all about scale at the end of the day, however I am realistic and appreciate a ‘bigger firm’ that I may get a role in, will still be a small fish and I would need to work my way up the food chain over some years.

Due to hiring a manager in my existing business (this should then be passive allowing me to focus on new ventures) and the cost of tuition. I would need a role of around £80-£100k pretty soon in the future.

Possible steps

Full time MBA at my local Uni, Bournemouth (AACSB, Chartered Management Institute (CMI) accreditation, Accredited by the Institute of Data & Marketing (IDM)

Executive MBA – From a good school such as Warwick, Manchester etc

Online MBA -– From a good school such as Warwick, Manchester, Imperial

Level 8 (Doctorate level) Strategic Leadership (2 years)– This could then be topped up to a DBA(4 months). Not the best awarding bodies but cheap and quick. DBA’s do not seem to be looked on fondly in the UK.

All guidance appreciated

I don't think this is a highly viable career [strategy to get the professional placement you describe] but a DBA will not help you for anything other than room upgrades at the Hilton. 

[Edited by StuartHE on Oct 04, 2023]

I don't think this is a highly viable career place . 

[Edited by Will2pass on Oct 04, 2023]

If 100 people attempted to do that [almost all would fail to appear credible to hiring managers and at least 98 would fail [to be hired even as associates, let alone in leadership roles].  

[Edited by StuartHE on Oct 04, 2023]

If 100 people attempted to do that, I bekice at least 98 would fail. 

I think Stuart is probably suggesting a DBA is a highly academic degree and not really sought after in the corporate world; a Masters would be sufficient. If you had one, you might use the title 'Doctor' and perhaps get the hotel upgrade...

Depending on the firm and its clients, you should note that consultancy can involve quite a bit of travel to client sites which could mean time spent away from home.

£80k doesn't seem that high a salary in the post-MBA corporate world if you're in your 40s. Have you explored other non-MBA routes into these careers?

Bournemouth isn't a highly ranked university. If you got into the likes of Manchester, Warwick or Imperial, these would open more doors for you and have a likely much bigger financial benefit over your career.

Thanks for a reply. 



Fully got the DBA point but the next 2 comments threw me. 

£80k isn't really the end goal. The end goal is being better off than I am now, £200k. 

Whether that is realistic or just an outlier will determine my next step.

I have had advice that an EMBA is the right call in my circumstances as is pushing the boat out and going with LBS.


My concern is that I have been in a bubble for 20 years. Making good profit but not building any network. 

An EMBA really doesn't solve this issue but LBS just may be prestigious enough to help build links and possibly still meet recruiters?

I think Stuart is probably suggesting a DBA is a highly academic degree and not really sought after in the corporate world; a Masters would be sufficient. If you had one, you might use the title 'Doctor' and perhaps get the hotel upgrade...

Depending on the firm and its clients, you should note that consultancy can involve quite a bit of travel to client sites which could mean time spent away from home.

£80k doesn't seem that high a salary in the post-MBA corporate world if you're in your 40s. Have you explored other non-MBA routes into these careers?

Bournemouth isn't a highly ranked university. If you got into the likes of Manchester, Warwick or Imperial, these would open more doors for you and have a likely much bigger financial benefit over your career.

LBS is a better option, but still unlikely to get you in place. I have expanded my comments [in square brackets]. 

Your experience is not attractive to the major consultancies. 

[Edited by StuartHE on Oct 04, 2023]

Thank you for your thoughts on the matter. 

LBS is a better option, but still unlikely to get you in place. I have expanded my comments [in square brackets]. 

Your experience is not attractive to the major consultancies.