Many MBA participants change careers, either by moving up the career ladder at their current companies or stepping into a new industry. Others pursue a change in career focus, such as switching to a more scientific role. Some even use their MBA to explore an entrepreneurial path, taking the skills learned in business school and applying them to their own start-ups.
Most mba programs require applicants to have a minimum of several years of professional experience. Some also prefer applicants with a bachelor’s degree with a certain GPA, although this does not guarantee acceptance.
Besides improving their business knowledge, students acquire soft skills like critical thinking and communication that make them more valuable to employers. They also learn to work in teams, which are increasingly important in today’s workplace. In fact, some recruiters noticed that their talent pools lacked candidates with the problem-solving and analytical skills that MBA programs teach.
The specialized courses in an MBA program often help participants choose the most suitable career path. For example, the international business specialisation is popular amongst individuals who want to work abroad or in global companies that align their goals across offices and locations. Other popular options include strategic management, finance and marketing.
In addition, a student’s MBA may have a positive impact on their job search by exposing them to different industries and enhancing their resume. Moreover, if a person graduates from a prestigious program with a good alumni network, their MBA can open up exclusive job opportunities that they might not have been able to access otherwise.