Ask HN: Mid career dilemma about pursuing MBA or MS in Tech Leadership?
Hey everyone! I'm at a crossroads in my career and could use your valuable input. As a 41-year-old Principal Software Engineer with significant experience in delivering complex projects and leading engineering teams, I'm contemplating whether pursuing an MBA is the right move.
I've had some good successes with start-ups, running tech consulting business. But my goal is to rise into a senior tech leadership.
My academic background includes a Bachelors in Computer Science Engineering and an MS in Computer Science from the US. However, I'm concerned about potential career stagnation and believe that an executive MBA could propel me into more formal engineering leadership roles.
While I understand that a degree isn't a prerequisite for leadership, I've heard that a technology-focused MBA can help grow into positions like "Director/VP Engineering/CIO/CTO."
I'd greatly appreciate hearing your thoughts on this.