I'm building a personal brand as an industry-focused research engineer (http://atrilla.net/). I have a strong technical and scientific background. What value can an MBA add to my career? Will it enrich my career with management and business skills? Is it worth it?
I have always thought that the best way to learn how to run a business is to do just that. Ask questions, make mistakes, and keep learning. An MBA might allow you to learn about business tactics and details, but will not (generally) give you the experience of running your own business.
Meaning you're planning to run your own business.
> What value can an MBA add to my career?
It might make it easier to assemble a successful business plan for your consultancy, but acquiring an MBA for that purpose alone might be overkill.
> Will it enrich my career with management and business skills?
That depends. Are you anticipating that you may offer business as well as technical advice?