Look Ahead to Decide if an MBA Degree is Right for You

Are you deciding whether an MBA degree is right for you? Don't get bogged down in the admissions process, the rankings, or other details. Instead, look ahead to your professional future to help gauge the true value of obtaining your MBA degree.

by Jami J. Rodgers
jami.rodgers@MBA-Business-Schools.com
MBA-Business-Schools.com Columnist

It has becoming increasingly evident that there is no tried-and-true path for the MBA degree candidate seeking admission to an MBA program. Nor is there a definite career progression for the MBA degree holder upon graduation. More and more, MBA degree candidates hail from a variety of backgrounds, careers, and industries. Still, they share a common desire to develop the business acumen of an MBA degree graduate and apply it to their own line of business.

Is an MBA Degree Right for You?

Many graduates find the MBA degree gives them a competitive advantage. If you’re considering pursuing this degree, ask yourself if an MBA will provide you with the necessary skills to benefit your organization. The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) reports that 31% of MBA alumni worked for their post-MBA employer while attending classes and 11% held internships or projects with their post-MBA employer. Some are self-starters, so 5% of MBA alumni were self-employed after graduation.

Post MBA, the Career Path Trends Upward

More often than not, an MBA degree makes business sense in the long run. GMAC reports that 38% of MBA graduates receive at least one promotion at their job within five years of completing their degree. Average salary increases have been reported between 10% and 27% for MBA graduates within four years of landing a post-MBA job.

Be sure to keep an open mind when considering the value of pursuing an MBA program. What may seem like a hefty start-up cost and time commitment may yield a sizeable return on your investment in the long term.

Source

Graduate Management Admission Council

About the Author

Jami J. Rodgers is currently pursuing MBA school admission. She works in acquisition management for the federal sector in Washington, D.C. Jami holds a bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University.

Posted on December 12, 2006 at 12:28 PM

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