Grad School

[42]

So my parents are offering to send me to grad school with a few conditions.

I had been thinking about going to grad school to become a psychologist. I still like the idea, but to be honest psychologist get paid poorly for the amount of schooling it requires and they usually aren't treated too well in their work environment.

So my parents have proposed I get an MBA. I'm looking at acounting for the moment. Yes accounting is definietely not related to my art degree. However, accountants get paid much better than any other degree I've looked at, accept maybe law and medical degrees.

Course, I can always try for an MFA in art, but there really isn't much that can be done with an MFA other than teach (which I like to do). Still the cost of getting an MFA is more than what one would make after getting the degree.

Now the psychology and MBA degree would require me to take some classes before applying, maybe a year worth of schooling. My parents are willing to pay for me to take the pre-requisite classes for the MBA.

So thoughts? Opinions?

[Mad Dr Jeffe]

The MBA would set you up if you wanted to run the buisness side of the art world, like running a gallery or something.

[42]

I thought of that. Running a gallery, publishing house, or design studio could be reallly cool.

[EUOL]

I second that thought, but is a full-blown MBA program the kind of thing you need, or the kind of thing you'd do well with?  

[Mad Dr Jeffe]

My wife used to help run a gallery and there is a lot of outside of the box thinking that you have to do to survive. Still she had a blast, and it was a good way to put her art history degree to work in a way that her current job doesnt.

[42]

but is a full-blown MBA program the kind of thing you need, or the kind of thing you'd do well with?

Well, I know people who run design studios and galleries without an MBA. And those who have people with MBAs running their studios and galleries. Generally, the ones with the MBA tend to be lot more successful.

And to clarify, my parents will help me get an MBA, not just any grad degree. They see an MBA as a versatile, practical degree. And they have a point. Most grad programs are geared towards a very specific occupations or no occupation at all.

[stacer]

And that is an advantage of an MBA--you're working in business, but it's flexible as to what business.

I just don't see you as the business school type, though. Perhaps I know too many business school students who also appear to have politics in their future.

[Skar]

Just think 42, with an MBA you might get to run an art department (ad agency, graphic design, etc...) the way it ought to be run, ergo, not like that yellow pages company you used to work for.

[stacer]

Yeah, they really didn't get the idea of sticking with one style of organization, that's for sure. (I worked there for two years, and quit about the time that 42 started working there.)

[42]

So I'm thinking that I'll take a few classes, then drop out if I don't like it. Don't have any other plans at the moment.

[stacer]

I dunno, 42, I thought that when I started grad school, and look where it got me... a master's degree.  

[MsFish]

Do you like buisness stuff?  I personally would languish and die in such a program.  But if you enjoy it, that's awesome.  

[42]

I don't mind business stuff. Honestly, I've never given it enough of chance to know if I like it or not.

[Mr_Pleasington]

Y'know, optometry isn't exactly a bad route...

[Peter Ahlstrom]

TOKYOPOP is looking for some designers, if you find school isn't your thing, and you don't hate Los Angeles...