Deciding whether or not to return to school to earn a graduate degree can be a tough choice for many working professionals to make. Whether they have been in the workforce for one or two years, or a decade, the decision to return to school is about much more than being a student again. Business professionals in particular face a tough choice. Business can be a tough field to break into given the level of competition for jobs.
There are concerns beyond competition for advancement. Individuals with families and other financial responsibilities may feel as though they are risking too much if they return to school to pursue an MBA at the cost of their current job. Concerns aside, there are numerous reasons for professionals to earn an MBA. The following are the top five reasons to study in an MBA program.
Not All Degrees Are Created Equal!
While an MBA can help you for effective leadership in today’s fast-paced business world, not all of the MBA degree programs out there are the same. When examining any MBA program, make sure the program is accredited by an accrediting body, such as The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). ACBSP accreditation certifies that the teaching and learning processes of these programs within a business school meet rigorous educational standards. ACBSP is a leading specialized accreditation association for business education supporting, celebrating, and rewarding teaching excellence. Established in 1988, ACBSP is the only business accrediting organization for all associate, baccalaureate, and graduate degree programs.
A degree in an accredited MBA program can be the differentiator in today’s competitive job market, so be sure to ask questions about accreditation when talking to any college or university.
It’s a Trendy Degree Program
According to Yahoo! Education, students and employers alike covet an MBA degree. Since many students already have years of professional experience under their belt, an MBA program may increase their chances for promotion because it builds upon their knowledge and helps them reach the next level.
Employers covet the MBA in a potential candidate particularly when they earn an MBA with a specialization in an industry the graduate already has experience in. The analytical skills and all-encompassing view of business they gain makes MBA students more attractive to employers.
Competitive Edge
Those who have been working in the field of business for several years might feel as though their skills and education level are beginning to lag behind competitors. Yahoo! Education ranked the MBA as one of the top five degrees at providing adults with a competitive edge in the workplace.
This is particularly true for MBA students because of the versatility of the degree. MBA programs are multifaceted and provide students with an education they can use in more than just the field of business.
Made for Adult Students
Many Master’s level programs are designed for students who have completed an undergraduate degree and also spent several years working to gain real-world experience. The MBA was recently ranked number one for adult students by Yahoo! Education. MBA programs are designed to help individuals who have already been working in the business field to enhance the skills they already possess and build upon the knowledge base they gained both in the workplace and in their undergraduate degree program.
Pursue a New Career
The MBA has also been ranked as the number one degree by Yahoo! Education for those looking for a second-act in their career. Some individuals inevitably find themselves hitting a premature glass ceiling in their career field. A number of factors can contribute to this, but an MBA is a great tool for helping individuals put their experience to use in a related career field with greater potential for growth.
Diversity
Most people would likely assume that an MBA is most useful on Wall Street or with a Fortune 500 company. In reality, an MBA can lead to a variety of career fields in the 21st century and not all of them are on Wall Street.
According to Monster.com, healthcare companies and nonprofit organizations are increasingly on the lookout for MBA grads. The focus on overall management and organizational skills, as well as advanced financial coursework, has made MBA grads increasingly popular among employers in this field.
Sources:
http://career-advice.monster.com/job-search/company-industry-research/mba-hiring-nonprofits-healthcare/article.aspx
http://education.yahoo.net/articles/second-act_degrees.htm?wid=1004&svkid=HUYV&usid=f4805a5f-6a6e-41b6-bf95-016da21dc59c
http://education.yahoo.net/articles/degrees_for_adult_students.htm?wid=1004&svkid=HUYV&usid=f4805a5f-6a6e-41b6-bf95-016da21dc59c
http://education.yahoo.net/articles/five_degrees_for_adults.htm?wid=1004&svkid=HUYV&usid=f4805a5f-6a6e-41b6-bf95-016da21dc59c
http://education.yahoo.net/articles/top_trending_degrees.htm?wid=1004&svkid=HUYV&usid=f4805a5f-6a6e-41b6-bf95-016da21dc59c