Are You at a Career Crossroads?
Experience or education? When it comes to making the most out of a career, the decisions you make matter. Maybe you are considering continuing your education. You might be considering furthering your education or getting your foot in the door at a company where you can gain experience and gradually work your way up. As independent decisions, it sounds simply like it’s a matter of personal preference. But when put into the context of your whole life—your time, finances, and energy—the decision between investing in an MBA or spending years building a professional reputation can become daunting.
Many people focus on the financial advantages an MBA can bring. It’s important, however, to recognize that the data is becoming less clear on if an MBA leads to an immediate salary increase. While it certainly positions you to earn more sooner, there are other, often overlooked, factors that make the MBA worth considering. So, the next time you wonder, “Do I really need another degree?” consider these assumptions and advantages:
Addressing the MBA Assumptions
"Everyone Has One, So Does it Even Set Me Apart Anymore?"
Graduate education is more accessible than ever, particularly through online learning platforms. It’s easy to think that if everyone has an MBA, earning one might not hold as much value. The widespread availability of an MBA, however, doesn’t diminish its importance. In fact, having only a bachelor’s degree might make you stand out, but not in the way you want potential employers to notice. Especially in the business world, an MBA still holds significant value and is often seen as a necessary credential in many fields.
"I Can Just Look Up Whatever I Need on the Internet."
Pursuing a graduate degree demonstrates your commitment to excelling in your career, and that speaks volumes to employers. While the internet offers a wealth of information, it can’t replace the depth of knowledge and experience gained in the classroom. An MBA provides a comprehensive education that equips you with the tools and resources to tackle complex situations in your career—something that self-guided learning can’t guarantee.
Why You Should Actually Get an MBA
It Teaches You What Experience Can’t—Getting You Ahead Faster
Experience is undeniably valuable in the work field. But for many who do not already have an MBA, you likely also don’t have the 10+ years of experience employers seek. Often, you won’t find the mentorship or leadership necessary to develop skills that business needs to succeed and thrive.
In the professional world, not everything is common sense. Workplace dynamics, team collaboration, and industry-specific research often require a nuanced understanding that experience alone may not provide. An MBA offers a framework and language that you can immediately apply to your job, keeping you competitive with, if not ahead of the curve.
It Prepares You for the Post-COVID Work Environment
The pandemic dramatically transformed the work environment. From the rise of hybrid work models to shifts in employee-employer trust, adaptability has become a key asset. The political and professional fields have seen overturn and upheaval within a matter of a few years. Whereas the predictability of trends and demands had previously had almost decade-long lifespans, COVID-19 changed people. Their changing wants, expectations, needs, and demands have obliterated the idea of the standard “workplace.”
An MBA prepares you for all this. It is designed to be dynamic, teaching you to act decisively, understand industry jargon, and expand your capacity to take on business responsibilities. MBA curricula are continually updated to reflect current trends and needs, ensuring that you graduate with the most relevant, socio-economically information. This is especially beneficial if you’re entering the professional workforce for the first time. Don’t let the instability of the pandemic cause of a setback—let an MBA turn it into an advantage.
Don’t just take our word for it. When the General Management Admissions Council (GMAC) surveyed employers, they asked employers to assess the success and advancement of their employees. The results strongly favored those with business graduate degrees. 62% of employers “strongly agreed” that “employees with a graduate business degree are more likely to be successful in my organization than those with micro-credentials only (such as a professional certificate).” 66% strongly agreed that “candidates with a graduate business degree are more competitive than those with micro-credentials only (such as a professional certificate).” Not only will you be prepared in your institution’s eyes, but a majority of employers also see you as a candidate with a competitive, valuable edge.
It Provides a Bright Outlook on Career
Careers focused in General Management, Management Analysts, and other Business Analytics, are predicted to be dependable career options in the coming years. Not only is it predicted that those with MBAs on their resume have bright outlooks for their careers, but an MBA also sets you up for career advancement much sooner than experience will, guaranteeing more success.
Consider the Graduate Management Admissions Council’s research. They project MBAs continuing to be the most in-demand degree type in 2023 across industries. Now, your MBA not only makes you knowledgeable, but also sought after. Worrying about job stability is a common problem. Those with an MBA are less likely to encounter it since obtaining another degree puts you ahead simply by having it.
Ready for that MBA Now?
Beyond the (important) implications of finances, an MBA will prepare you holistically. Equipped with the skills, knowledge, adaptability, and determination that makes you the best candidate for your dream job.
Convinced? Consider taking this research as motivation to apply for that MBA today!
