Question:

I would really like to work in the business-side of a science-based corporation. I will attain an undergraduate degree in biology, and someday I hope to pursue an Masters of Business Administration (MBA). Would attaining a Masters of Science (MS) degree prior to the MBA make me a more marketable candidate?

First Answer:

My immediate reaction is that before getting any more academic credentials get some experience it the industry. This will not only indicate to you whether indeed this career choice is a good one for you, but it will also enhance your value to future employers because you will be able to demonstrate to them what you have achieved, not just what knowledge you acquired while in school. By working, you will be able to determine what additional knowledge and/or skills you need to further your career, be it more in business courses or scientific disciplines.

-- Debra Feldman, founder of JobWhiz, creator of the JOBWHIZQUIZ, and specialist in cyber savvy strategic job search consultations

Second Answer:

Different degrees and types of experience make you more marketable to some employers and less marketable to others. While it is often tempting to speak in generalities, your concern shouldn't be what may end up being most marketable to most employers, but rather what will end up being most marketable to the employers that you are targeting. The best way of determining that is also the easiest: ask them. If you have developed contacts at those organizations through your networking efforts, pick up the phone and ask them.

If you have not developed contacts at those organizations, start today by doing a bit of research through sites such as Hoover's to find the contact information for managers in the areas that you would like to work in. Then call them and offer to buy them lunch or a cup of coffee. Tell them that you'd like to do so as part of an informational interview. Be sure that they understand that you are not going to ask them for a job, you just want to better understand what skills you need to obtain over the next few years to maximize your chances of obtaining employment in your desired areas. Ideally, you want to meet with managers who have already attained what you hope to attain over the next five to ten years because all you'll be asking them to do is to talk about their accomplishments, which is something that most people love to do.

-- Steven Rothberg, President and Founder of CollegeRecruiter.com.

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