Why do people pursue an MBA?
From learning the language of business to incredible networking opportunities, here are the 9 answers to the question, “Why pursue an MBA?”
- To Learn the Language of Business
- Expand Your Mind to New Opportunities
- Gain Access to New Client Opportunities
- Gain Out of This World Persuasion Skills
- To Stand Out in the Job Marketplace
- Enhances Your Professional Marketability
- If You Aspire to Be a Consultant
- To Advance Your Career
- Incredible Networking Opportunities
To Learn the Language of Business
People say it’s not WHAT you know, but WHO you know. Often those people are searching for shortcuts to victory or excuses for failure. Getting an MBA from a reputable school will arm you with the knowledge, skills, and basic business vocabulary required to make your mark in any organization. It’s not required of course. Plenty of people succeed without an advanced degree. But it does give you a running start. Remember, substance always trumps style, and despite what some internet influencers would have you believe you simply can’t “fake it till you make it”. Those who actually know will see right through the ruse.
Tim Toterhi , CHRO, Plotline Leadership
Expand Your Mind to New Opportunities
An MBA can provide an opportunity to learn about business in a more in-depth way. In addition, it can help you expand your mind to new opportunities and see things from a different perspective. For example, through the case study method of learning, you might be asked to analyze a real-world business situation and develop a solution. This can help you develop problem-solving skills and think outside the box. There are many benefits to earning an MBA. In addition to gaining a deeper understanding of business topics, you will also develop valuable networking skills and learn how to communicate effectively with your colleagues and clients. Additionally, you can expect to earn more money after completing this degree, as well as have greater career opportunities. If you’re considering pursuing
Rick Elmore , CEO, Simply Noted
Gain Access to New Client Opportunities
I’ve postponed pursuing an MBA for years because life got in the way. Recently, I decided to enroll in an online MBA program through the University of Illinois. I did this because I’m getting a little older, and I want to have more career options to choose from. I can usually find clients to pay the bills. But, there are some companies that want to hire people with advanced degrees.
With an MBA, I have a broader range of potential clients to choose from, and because of this, I can be more selective about the work I take on.
Dennis Consorte , Digital Marketing & Leadership Consultant for Startups, Snackable Solutions
Gain Out of This World Persuasion Skills
Pursuing an MBA can be a great investment for many reasons, one of which is persuasion. An MBA gives students and professionals persuasion skills that will help them in their careers after they have graduated.
A person who obtains an MBA is able to demonstrate strong persuasion tactics through speech, written communication, problem solving and other techniques. These skills are essential to interactions inside and outside the workplace.
Additionally, those with an MBA have access to a network of past and current alumni that will provide mentors, advocacy and resources that can contribute to the success of their career endeavours. Thus, persuasion has become a significant consideration when pursuing an MBA as it opens up far more opportunities for professionals than only having a bachelor’s degree.
Jim Campbell , CEO, Campbell Online Media
To Stand Out in the Job Marketplace
Getting an MBA can help an individual stand out more in the job market. In a highly competitive hiring environment, an advanced degree is an industry differentiator for an individual. It demonstrates expertise in a very diverse area applicable to many different industries and one’s commitment to the field. An MBA is sure to help any new grad hit the ground running job-wise.
Adam Bem , Co-Founder & COO, Victoria VR
Enhances Your Professional Marketability
An MBA, just like any other Master’s program, increases your marketability in the job search. This is typically because you are more qualified. It increases not only the quality of jobs that you can now secure but also the quality. Your options widen and increase in value. An MBA also goes a long way in building your business leadership skills. It also broadens your professional network greatly. Also, in general, Master’s programs help students become much better time managers. Usually, its because students are having to juggle a challenging course load, and their personal and possibly work affairs as well.
Lydia Mwangi , Content Writer, Barbell Jobs
If You Aspire to Be a Consultant
If you have it in your plans to be a consultant at a large consulting firm (like one of the Big 4) it likely makes sense to obtain your MBA. While not a requirement for all roles, recruiters and hiring managers at these firms like to work with those from top-tier MBA programs.
However, if you’re planning to get an MBA make sure you weigh the pros and cons of the programs you’re considering to determine which is the best option to pursue your future goals.
Kelli Anderson , Career Coach, Resume Seed
To Advance Your Career
I would say that before accepting your next position, you can train for your desired career. You might find volunteer or internship opportunities while pursuing your MBA, which can be a fantastic way to gain experience in the real world before you take the plunge.
Furthermore, according to BLS data, people with advanced degrees make more money on average while being less likely to be unemployed. In 2014, people with master’s degrees had a jobless rate of 2.8 percent compared to those with bachelor’s degrees, who had a rate of 3.5 percent. With a master’s degree, the typical weekly salary was $1,326; with a bachelor’s degree, it was $1,101.
Rene Delgado , Founder & CEO, Shop Indoor Golf
Incredible Networking Opportunities
They say that who you know, not what you know, matters. For both new and experienced MBAs, developing your networking skills is one of the most important soft skills.
By introducing you to a growing number of people and organizations that are pursuing like objectives, effective networking will advance your career. Any of these relationships could lead to the discovery of your next great opportunity. Finding persons that inspire and motivate you is a key component of networking.
Visit networking groups online and in person related to your chosen professional concentration. You are forming relationships with the top performers while you become friends with your fellow pupils. These coworkers might run successful company initiatives in the future, just like you. Thus, stay in contact! You’ll never know when you’ll need them or when they’ll let you help.
Salim Benadel , Director, Storm Internet
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