When it comes to getting a MBA, you don't necessarily need one to start a company. A lot of the skills to run and start a business can be learned at any point and all the rules and regulations needed to run a business. MBAs are good for a general basis of information into the world of business. The rules and basis business and that degree are ever changing and nothing has really been the same for the last 20 years or so. It is ever changing and the ability to adapt to that change is what is super important. But having a MBA in combination with the engineering degree can show that you have an adverse background in both and can make you more appealing for companies that are looking for that duel background allowing for a knowledge in both. What really mattering when starting a business or going into business is the people you know and not as much of what you know, even though that is just as important. By having connection and being able to talk to people is just as vital as well. The only thing that it wont be beneficial for is if you are going into research and development as those specialized science skill are more impactful than a business degree. 

I think an engineer or scientist can absolutely start a successful business without an MBA. While business school offers useful connections and credibility, most of what you need to run a company can be learned through experience, mentorship, and self-study. Engineers are already trained to solve complex problems, think analytically, and adapt quickly, which are the same skills needed to build and manage a business. The key is being willing to step outside the technical mindset and learn areas like finance, marketing, and leadership through real-world practice. Many great companies were started by people who learned as they went, not by following a set curriculum. Networking can still happen through industry events or startup programs without the cost of an MBA. Do you guys think hands-on experience running smaller projects or startups could replace what someone would gain from a business degree?

I think thats a great through, and It's something I've never considered before. I think for the purposes of starting a new company, an MBA may be extremely helpful to lean about things noght taught as an engineer, however, I dont think its strictly necessary. I think all an engineer needs is the know-how and a potential in order to make something happen. One of the most challenging aspects, however, could be finding a sponsor or networking to find opportunities where starting a company would be more advantageous than joining a well established one or even a startup. Sure there may be some perks to starting the company yourself, however I think in the aspect of engineering, joining a company may provide more engineering related work. It would be interesting to see what percentage of engineers would prefer to start their own company than to join one.