For many years, the conventional wisdom around education was that a college degree was just about always a door opener toward a more successful career. Similarly, in business, an MBA (Masters in Business Administration) was considered the gold standard for proving you have the academic credentials to succeed in business. Thus we got the rise of MBA programs at not only traditional universities but also online schools whose purpose was to make these advanced degrees more obtainable.
Fast forward a few decades and the MBA is still marketed as a key part of many professional careers, especially for those who want to become senior executives. In recent years, people have begun to question the value of traditional post-secondary education and whether it is really a logical path for everyone. Similarly, the MBA has received scrutiny as to whether it still opens as many doors as it once did.
All that said, the accomplishment of an MBA program shows a dedication to developing, implementing, and learning new abilities that can help a business prosper. When a person completes their MBA, they have not only gained the benefit of all the lessons learned during their classwork and gained a mark of distinction. They have also demonstrated that they are willing to go above and beyond with their education, which is a trait just about every employee values.
Let’s look at a few more benefits of earning an MBA.
A Growing Understanding of a Global Market
Through your MBA coursework, you will likely come into contact with students from different backgrounds an potential from all over the world, who have various work experiences and viewpoints on the global economy. MBA students can broaden their knowledge of other industries in the United States and abroad in addition to learning from professors.
This exposure to new ideas and viewpoints is extremely valuable and can provide MBA students with a broader view of business than when they entered the program.
Enhanced Communication Skills
While most MBA programs focus on hard skills like understanding a complex financial statement, there are some key soft skills that will be enhanced as well. Successful professionals in almost any industry must possess the core talent of effective communication. As a part of many MBA programs, students will have to become stronger writers, presenters, and overall communicators.
This experience should lead to similar improvements in these skills in the workplace. In basically any organization, communication skills are vital to your success and advancement. Whether it’s communicating with customers, shareholders, or co-workers, becoming a more effective communicator is a tremendously important skill set to develop.
Enhance Your Network
In your MBA program, you will meet plenty of new people, as mentioned above. Every new person is likely to be a valuable addition to your professional network. As you advance in your career, your network may become one of your most valuable assets. An extensive and powerful network of well-connected professionals can be useful in many facets of your career – from identifying new companies or opportunities to grow in your career, to creating business development opportunities for your current company.
Additionally, a global network of almost 100,000 MBA graduates gives you access to reputable and knowledgeable experts you might not have otherwise had the opportunity to meet. You’ll get the chance to interact with other professionals in the classroom and outside of it, in addition to becoming a part of a larger community.
So, is an MBA worth it?
There’s no definitive answer to that question. The degree itself may or may not have the same carte blanche value it once had, but the benefits of the educational experience and the connections made through that journey is as valuable as ever.
