If you’re thinking about pursuing an mba, it’s important to do your homework first. It’s also crucial to have clear career goals that you can discuss during your interview with potential b-schools, as these will weigh heavily in the decision-making process. Ideally, you should have some professional experience before enrolling in an MBA program, as the majority of b-schools will prefer applicants who have some prior work experience and can study full time on campus.
In addition to a broader understanding of business, an MBA offers students the ability to hone their leadership skills. One of the most popular courses in an MBA curriculum is “Managing People for Performance,” which teaches managers how to motivate their employees, as well as how to handle conflict and make difficult decisions. The lessons learned in this class can help managers be better leaders in their current companies and in future positions they may hold.
The knowledge that an MBA provides can be applied in almost any industry. If you are unsure about what you want to do with your career, an MBA degree is also an excellent way to explore new industries and job functions. Using scenario-based learning, students are given the opportunity to act as middle management in various departments and learn about best practices from their colleagues.
In many cases, an MBA degree can significantly increase your salary. The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) reports that MBA graduates average a $125,000 starting salary, which surpasses candidates with just a bachelor’s degree by a significant margin.
