Hi All, I worked in public accounting for almost 4 years and tested for the
Is the CMA better than nothing?
Answers
The MBA is better if it's from an accredited institution. It is more recognizable by those that do the hiring. Most have little idea of what a CMA is.
You don't write the rules. But you do play the game. Follow their rules and you'll have more control over your own life. Swim against them and.......well we know how that worked out for Don Quixote. :-)
I have earned both a CMA and an MBA. I place a great deal of value in both. I agree that the MBA is more recognizable so I would pursue that first, but if you have the stomach for both, I would encourage you to consider that path. The CMA is especially helpful if you have an interest in working for a manufacturing company and/or a career in FP&A.
Good Luck!
So if the CMA is only helpful/useful if you work in manufacturing, why is a CGMA so special, when I know a lot of people who have them do not work in manufacturing and never had?
Don't compare apple with orange. CMA has it's own value and potential for high contribution resulting from the domain expertise. MBA has its own value. What is important is to be clear in understanding your passion and liking!
I am biased. I serve as the part time IMA Executive in Residence, now in my third year term. First regarding a CPA versus a CMA, the former is about external financial reporting for regulatory compliance ("valuation"). The latter is about internal managerial
Regarding an MBA versus a CMA, if one is young an MBA will open your eyes. If you are older, a CMA hones your skills to help line managers, and one can learn the near equivalent of an MBA by interacting with them and their problems and opportunities .... Gary .... Gary Cokins
MBA: Once you earn it, you don't have to maintain it. It's yours forever. And the network that you'll cultivate during your program can last your entire career.
CMA: The knowledge is a lot more valuable than the credential. Despite the IMA's efforts, this credential is just not well-known enough. And you have to maintain it, just like a CPA.
Note: Like Jim, I have multiple credentials. but in my case I did and still do serve in public accounting. I'm a CPA & MBA. They're both door-opening powerhouses but CMA just isn't there yet.
Check out an article for which I and other professionals were interviewed a number of years ago: http://bit.ly/VMDyLb
It's called "Becoming a Pro: MBA vs.
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I agree that the CMA "knowledge is a lot more valuable than the credential". I felt that the PROCESS of becoming a CMA was extremely helpful and that the CMA problems were very practical and relevant. It definitely provided me with an additional skillset which I found very useful in my work. With that said, I would be the first to admit that the CMA is not that well-known/respected. So, if your main objective is to, say, impress a hiring manager, then it probably wouldn't be much help.
I have worked in
I have worked in private industry for all of my career. I earned my CMA early in my career. It has proven helpful, in a number of areas, not just manufacturing. I am currently working in FP&A in the Retail sector and much of what I have learned is very applicable.
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