MBA vs MComm vs MSc

[mamoo zn]

I am senior software developer who has a BTech: IT

I am considering a Masters in either Computer Science or Commerce.

Both are a possibility based on experience and motivation.

This is to remove the stigma attached to BTech: IT saying it's not a degree and has not real worth.

What it would do for my career well I am not sure.

However recently the thought doing an MBA entered into mind.

I have no real leadership experience as such as required by the MBA or preferred.

My aim is to move into a leadership position of a development team - I would like to still remain technical but with more of a team focus.

This might sound a little wierd but I heard via the grapevine that if you did an MBA, you would be approached by large organisations.

Is an MBA or MCOMM of any worth if you not in a leadership position?

What would be the benefit of gaining a Masters in Computer Science?

At our organisation there is a so called flat structure like most IT departments.

So advancing to a management role won't happen anytime soon - there are too many people that have been here before me eagerly waiting in line.

 

[Ancalagon]

It depends on the Mcomm or MSc. Would you do them via coursework or via thesis?

MBA is an option and could give you that leg up that you need. With it, you might be able to get a new job at a team lead, but it would probably have to be a new company. MBAs are unfortunately very expensive.

 

[mamoo zn]

There MComm via coursework is a better option as it has modules that deal with "management principles". At the end of completing the coursework you write a thesis (very much like an MBA).

MComm would be done via UKZN

Msc also through UKZN would be via thesis.

MBA would have to be via Regent or Mancosa. However some consider these the spaza shops in comparison to the large institutions.

However if I did an MBA at a large institution won't help as I won't have a lot to contribute being a techy with blinkers.

Team Lead is the break I am looking for but with a fair bit of mentoring.

 

[proxilin]

Will you be doing it part time or full time? MBA part time is hectic. In your case I'm also not sure it's worth it, especially if you won't be doing it at the big institutions. MBA is worth it if you want to be in upper management, but for a team lead role I think either an MComm or a MSc will be great.

 

[mamoo zn]

I would have to do the MBA part time. However doing the MBA part time is less tedious than doing the MComm part time.

There are lecturers every evening from 17:30 t0 20:30 (mon - thursday) vs MBA which has a meetup every Saturday.

I have seen debates where an MComm is actually ranked more valuable than an MBA.

Like Regent MBA vs UKZN MComm.

Having a fairly young family of 3 makes a bit hard studying part time (evening lecturers and all) but hey no pain no gain.

 

[cguy]

I would say MSc for either a more senior, but still hands-on type "team lead" type role. I would also recommend it if you eventually, want to get into management for a very tech focused company. If technology is not the focus of the company, an MBA is likely to help you get into the more traditional management roles. An MSc may also help get you into a more senior dev role (that pays a lot more, is likely more interesting, and also doesn't require that you become a manger).