Hi Wazuans!

I have a degree in real estate and was thinking of furthering my education this coming May, either in The University of Nairobi of Kenyatta Uni. Am torn between choosing MBA or Msc. Finance . This is because MBA has some aspects of management in it while Finance tends to also have some aspect of management in it. Disregarding the costs, which one would seem better to undertake for a 25 year old employee focusing on the future and has plenty of free time despite being employed?

The rate at which my memory is fading, I wouldn't want to attend any class after 30 since i intend maybe to start a family at 33 or 34!

Wazua

Hi UpcomingPaperChaser!

Depends.

You mentioned age and the desire to start a family: Does one course take longer to complete than the other? In my understanding, the MSc would take a shorter time. Would you rather finish faster? If this is a deal-breaker, take the shorter course.

Do you want to have a wide range of career options (MBA - work in communications, IT, etc, usually learn about leadership positions, personality growth, management skills), or would you rather focus on one field and master it (MSc - work in economics, accounting, strategy, etc)?

Do you care what people think? ("MBA! Hiyo ni Kenya Uniform!") If yes, and if this is a dealbreaker or if what people say will depress you, do the MSc.

I think an MBA will give you all the options that an MSc in Finance would, but an MSc will not give you as many options, career-wise, as an MBA would.

For what it's worth, I have a friend who got a Masters in Accounting last year and has a great job at a multinational beverage corporation, but once said,quite wistfully, "I wish I had done an MBA!"

My personal opinion is with your degree in real estate, an MBA would be the better option.

All the best!!

@Peter Reborn, Thanks man for opening my mind on that, so i think MBA is much better. Its to better my career and hope for greener pastures, hopefully!!

@ UpcomingPaperChaser - If you can afford it, go to Strathmore. They are pricey but for MBA or business related courses you will get better quality there. Also consider USIU and Management University of Africa (Owned by KIM). Last time I checked, UON had very HUGE numbers in MBA classes. Not conducive at all especially for a masters class. And I am talking hundreds in one class. Check if this is still the case. KU, I'd rather not!

You can also get very nice Foreign Universities especially from Britain that offer distance learning. But you will need to be very disciplined! Some are 100% distance learning and even exams you do in Kenya. Some will require you to go the Mother University after every couple of months for a week or two. You can pick the one that suits your schedule and pocket.

And don't let anyone discourage you. Education is very important. Sio kila siku biachara, buroti na shares!!!

K.U is quite disorganized. Their distance learning MBA is a shamble, you get to meet the lecturers for only two days a semester and not much is covered. The quality of the material is below par not forgetting the fact that it takes ages for you to get your results.And the class sizes >100

He he he. You have jokes @ mawinder!!!

Nice one.

This is good advice Waruguru . MBA is the way to go.