11 Reasons Why Getting An MBA May Boost Your Career

Many people see further education as the key to future career success. This is perhaps the reason why many attend university - to get a degree and a boost when starting out on their career journeys. While some may leave their studying lives behind them once they attain a degree, others may decide to get more qualifications.

If you are approaching the end of your undergraduate studies, or are thinking of going back to university to earn a postgraduate degree, you may be wondering what qualification to get. Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a popular option for most.

Is this the correct option for you, though? 

This article touches on several reasons why getting an MBA could be a choice for you when considering your next steps for studying and improving your future career prospects. 

You gain superior business knowledge

Depending on where you study, you may be introduced to various practices and concepts relating to data evaluation and analysis, as well as how to evaluate risks in order to make those critical business decisions that are necessary in keeping a business afloat. This superior business knowledge can help you feel more confident when taking on business challenges.

You gain transferable skills

A typical MBA program provides the opportunity to pick up skills and knowledge that can be applied across industries. You will acquire specialised knowledge about how to manage a business; as well as learn how to analyse data, improve your leadership skills, and make better decisions for your business. 

Your earning potential increases

One of the most practical advantages of going for an MBA is that it may help you negotiate higher pay. There are many studies available which show that having this type of qualification can help you achieve an improved salary.

That does not however mean that you can take this for granted and that you will automatically secure a high salary. For you to get a significant increase in your pay packet, you will of course need to show some dedication, put in the hard work and apply the knowledge you have acquired from your studies.

You are more employable

An MBA is usually linked to higher employment rate. Many alumni of MBA courses (See Aston Online, as an example), find that it’s much easier to secure a role at the company of their choice. An MBA is one of the most prestigious postgraduate degrees available and viewed in high regard within the business and financial community. Your degree can be of use even if you currently work in a different sector and are looking to move to another industry.

You interact with professors who are able to challenge you

You’re likely going to need good mentoring relationships to succeed in your career. You’ll have access to some professors while you’re at the business school who will be able to stretch your thinking - you may hear about them from other students and, if you’re lucky, you’ll be in some of their classes. You should try to build relationships with these professors so that you can learn from them.

You learn how to manage people

Some of your lectures will involve learning how to manage people. This could be about motivation or leadership, or how to manage those working for you. You will have the opportunity to learn how to manage large teams which would set you up for success regardless of whether you’ve had prior experience or not.

You get to hear from accomplished executives

Your business school may arrange for one or more executive speakers to speak to your class. You should not take this for granted, however, no matter how frequent these talks may be. You should learn all you can about what has made these people great if you want to be like them. Do not just listen to them, either - sit up front and be the first to ask them questions afterward.

It will help you gain confidence

Earning an MBA will help you build the confidence and knowledge you need if you’re not quite self-assured within the workplace just yet. Taking this type of course means you will be able to ask questions and pitch any ideas you have within a safe area - meaning you will get the faith you need to take on the world.

You may need it to advance your career

Some industries require you to have an advanced degree to progress your career, rather than letting you show your talent or gain more experience. Consulting is a good example here.

You can grow your professional network

An MBA programme can be great for building your professional network. With that being said, this may be the single most valuable part of the course for you. Not only will you stay connected to your university through the alumni network, you will also have several professional opportunities you can use during your career.

You get the chance to gain perspective

The time you take out to complete your MBA can allow you to pause your career so you can reflect on what you’ve done so far and where you’ll go after graduation which you may find invaluable. So, you may find that once you’ve completed your studies, you are on a different level than expected because you’ve connected with numerous other people in different industries you may not have been in contact with otherwise.