Non-Traditional Students Enhance Careers with MBA Degree

You enjoy your job, but you've been passed over for promotion. An MBA degree can help you achieve your career goals while keeping current with changing business trends.

By Karen Lawson
klawson@mba-business-schools.com
MBA Business Schools Columnist

Returning to school after establishing a career can be a challenge, but it may be well worth it in today’s competitive business environment. Emerging trends such as a global focus on business growth, increasing numbers of women and minorities in business, and recent emphasis on the importance of ethics are leading to innovative areas of specialization within MBA degree programs.

As with many aspects of professional success, the educational bar has been raised. An MBA degree is often desirable for management positions. Although work experience may contribute to your qualifications, an MBA degree can provide knowledge and analytical skills needed for business leadership in a variety of situations. If you are established in a specific career such as finance and accounting, human resources or international business, it’s possible to find an MBA program that offers an area of concentration that matches your career needs and goals. Some of the hottest trends in business included:

• Strategic Planning: How to lead your organization into the future through planning for physical and workforce growth, building and enhancing client base and relationships.
• Workplace Diversity: Women and minorities are increasing in management positions. As business trends continue to emphasize international commerce, understanding diverse business and cultural practices is essential.
• Business Ethics and Citizenship: Recent scandals involving corporate malfeasance have contributed to increasing scrutiny of corporate activity by regulatory agencies and political leaders. Ethics courses supply the background and skills needed to maintain positive public relations.

You can choose from a variety of programs offering flexible part time schedules, online courses, and options for tailoring your MBA degree to your professional interests.

Karen Lawson is a freelance writer with extensive corporate background in mortgage banking. She holds BA and MA degrees in English from the University of Nevada, Reno.

Posted on April 10, 2007 at 10:34 AM

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