Does a mid-career searcher need an MBA?

August 13, 2024

by a searcher from University of Virginia in Troy, VA 22974, USA

Hi all, I'm new to search and curious to get your thoughts.

My background: I have an MA in English from UVA. I also have 25 years' experience working for tech companies as a content strategist and design manager on both the marketing and product sides, In my 30s, I started and ran both a small landscaping company (I handled account management, marketing, advertising, and AR) and my own freelance writing practice. So I have experience as an operator, as a people manager, and working in tech.

My ideal acquisition target would be a SaaS company or digital marketing agency.

If you were an investor, what gaps would you want to see filled? Formal business education (ie, MBA)? Startup experience? Thanks for your thoughts.

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Reply by an investor
from University of Pennsylvania in Lafayette, CA, USA

Melanie, would you be planning a traditional search fund or self-funded search? I ask because in my experience thus far, the traditional model is a little more templated, and investors in that space are generally (not always) accustomed to seeing searchers with MBAs and standard playbooks, etc. Self-funded search investors are more varied and used to seeing variation in the searcher profile. I also think your 25 years of experience is different than a newly minted MBA - when you are younger and less business experience, an MBA can add great credibility. But business leaders with 25 years of experience don't necessarily need that MBA for more credibility. in either case, you do need to demonstrate your understanding of the business opportunity for your target and give investors confidence you can drive it successfully. Good luck!

Reply by a searcher
from University of Florida in Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA

Melanie, I think the answer to your question depends on the experience you have garnered in your career to this point, where you see gaps, and the expertise you would like to build. The role you intend to play after acquiring a business is also an important consideration.

Focusing on the benefit of an MBA: if you have had a lot of focus in one area, for example IT, throughout your career, an MBA can give you a broad variety of disciplines you will need to successfully operate a business. If you already have a exposure and an understanding of issues related to law, marketing, accounting, finance, strategy, and leadership, etc., you probably do not need an MBA.

I'll stop there for now but there are many other benefits that could be discussed. Feel free to reach out to me directly if you want to chat further.

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