When do i need an mba

Something to note about the MBA is that you can apply it to most industries. To accelerate your career path. Not everyone who pursues an MBA wants to make a dramatic change. Many are looking to pick up the pace of their professional development within a certain industry or at their current company. A part of that involves gaining access to more senior roles with higher salaries. Graduates from top MBA programs often land positions that put them on an accelerated path into leadership.

The reason is simple: Employers expect graduates of these programs to have the academic, interpersonal, and leadership skills to solve complex business problems. Accelerated MBA programs are also an option for people looking to earn the degree in a shorter period of time. Kellogg launched the first one-year MBA program more than 50 years ago for candidates with the focus and discipline to earn their degree in 12 months, and other schools like Cornell and Duke have added similar offerings.

The accelerated option is not for everyone, but if you have a business background and the need for speed, it may be the answer. To expand and diversify your network. A part of enrolling in business school is becoming part of a community of future leaders and well-connected alumni. At Kellogg, our global alumni network spans 65, people across more than 15 industries. Those connections add up, and the case is similar at many programs. I was recently talking with a graduate who was in the running for a job at a large e-commerce tech company, but suddenly became stuck in the hiring process.

An alum with connections at that company made an inquiry, discovered the issue was a delay in HR, and provided a recommendation that moved her application forward. Most MBA programs offer access to networking events hosted by clubs and employers, as well as affinity networks and student-led conferences — all opportunities that could expand your reach, and therefore, your chances of success in the business world.

It takes passion, proactivity, and hard work to expand your knowledge and skills. And MBA programs are just that: very hard work. Most students who enroll have a track record of professional success and are seeking further development.

If you are feeling doubts about your current role, or struggling to advance at the pace you want, there are other steps you can take first. For example, you can step up at work by asking your manager for a stretch project in your area of interest and seeking out their critical feedback. You can also try cultivating relationships with people whose careers you admire to find out what they did to get where they are.

With this level of engagement, you might learn more about what you really want, set new goals, and be positioned to take full advantage of an MBA program when, and if, you choose to pursue one later on.

Your parents offer to pay for it. Dow Jones. To Read the Full Story. Subscribe Sign In. Continue reading your article with a WSJ membership. Resume Subscription We are delighted that you'd like to resume your subscription. Please click confirm to resume now. These are just a few of the advantages of getting an MBA. Earning an MBA puts you in close contact with other students from around the world who have different work experiences and perspectives on the global economy.

In addition to learning from professors, MBA students can expand their knowledge of other industries in the U. Effective communication is a fundamental skill required for professionals to succeed. An MBA can help hone verbal and written communication skills, allowing you to successfully convey concepts to different people at different levels of an organization to ensure everyone is able to work together toward a common goal. Earning an MBA makes you part of a global network of nearly , alumni, giving you access to respected and intelligent professionals you may not have otherwise had a chance to connect with.

In a highly-competitive job market, an advanced degree can help set an applicant apart from their peers. From energy to consumer products to start-ups, an MBA can be an asset in any industry.

Employers typically look to hire or promote a candidate with an MBA because they have skills in marketing and finance that others within the organization may lack. This allows them to hit the ground running with various initiatives and help their company increase profits. Earning an MBA requires juggling extracurriculars alongside a challenging course load — not to mention other personal and professional pursuits.

Getting an MBA can help you manage your time effectively, which is not only an in-demand skill among employers, but a valuable life skill, as well. Here are some of the most common questions students have when considering an MBA.

An MBA can enhance your marketability as a professional and increase the quality and quantity of job opportunities.

An MBA also helps you build business leadership skills, as well as a professional network. Wharton graduates are part of an extensive alumni community — over 99, strong in countries.