Choosing Your Path: Why an MBA is the Way to Go

3D figure with an MBA. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

Some claim that an MBA is not absolutely necessary for you to embark on a career in business; so then what is the point of getting one? There are several obvious benefits to an online Masters in Business Administration Specialization and a few not-so-obvious ones as well. Among the obvious benefits are that it equips you with skills in management and a well-rounded knowledge-base to prepare you for a broad range of tasks and responsibilities. Continue Reading

B-School Applicants Decline: Damn Shame or About Time?

By Mark Mehler and Gerry Crispin of CareerXroads

The B-school numbers are in and they aren’t pretty according to this recent WSJ article by Melissa Korn. 69% of the F/T, two-year MBA degree programs in the US experienced significant declines in 2012 while 79-80% of the schools in Asia (Pacific Rim and Central Asia respectively) experienced gains. Globally the drop-off is 22% after a decline of 10% last year.

While some of this can be attributed to a return to normalcy after significant gains by B-schools during the financial crisis, you also have to wonder about the continuing value of the product exiting the many hundreds of schools granting these degrees. Continue Reading

7 Benefits of Getting an MBA

Is it really worth your time and your money to get a Master of Business Administration? MBAs are one of the most revered postgraduate degrees on the planet. But the sky-rocketing cost of tuition, along with well-publicized success stories of young entrepreneurs who do not hold MBAs, has inspired a great deal of debate regarding the value of an MBA. Taking into account the time and financial commitment getting an MBA requires, as well as the unpredictability of the 21st century job market, there are still several solid benefits to having an MBA. Here are seven to consider. Continue Reading

Defining the Masters in Project Management

When considering a master’s degree in the field of project management, it can be difficult to decide which path is truly right for you. Without doing the proper research, a master’s degree in project management can easily be confused with a master’s degree in human resources or a master’s in business administration. What is the difference between these programs? Which one is better? Let’s find out the truth behind these degree’s and their titles, as well as how they can help you reach your professional goals. Continue Reading

Earning Your Master’s in Organizational Leadership: Coursework and Concepts You’ll Study and Utilize Well after Graduation

The business world is constantly evolving, and many corporations are now realizing the importance of collaboration over personal success. This has led several to skip the traditional MBA on line or on campus route and instead focus on earning a Master’s in Organizational Leadership. On paper, the two concentrations are so similar that students striving for either degree will often find themselves attending several of the same courses. However, they differ in one key aspect: an MBA is all about the executive’s individual performance, while a degree in organizational leadership is focused on teamwork and the collaborative process. You might be wondering which academic path is right for you: an organizational leadership master’s degree, or a traditional MBA? In an effort to help you find future success and happiness, here are a few of the courses you might encounter while studying organizational leadership, and how each will prepare you for your future career. Continue Reading

How MBAs Match Up with the NBA

MBA graduates (as well as all other college graduates), have you ever wondered how your education measures up against professional athletes?  If so, then you might find the following infographic appealing.  Check out how some MBA graduates and certain colleges match up with some NBA players and teams.

Note: The heading mentions the NBA Finals currently taking place, which we know of course are over. Continue Reading

MBA Graduates are in Demand, Even with Some Concern about Finding a Job

We all hear about how tough it is to find a job these days.  However, if you are an MBA graduate, some employers are looking for you.

The vast majority of MBA graduates are still receiving competitive job offers, despite their increasing concerns about employment prospects. That’s one of the key findings of a new survey conducted by Training The Street (TTS), a leading corporate training provider for a majority of Wall Street Firms and top tier Business Schools.

TTS’s third annual detailed hiring survey, which was completed by more than 300 participants from top 25 MBA programs, showed 10 percent of respondents were less optimistic about their job prospects than a year ago, even though an overwhelming 94 percent had been invited for at least one first-round interview vs. 91 percent in 2011. Seventy-eight percent of respondents had received as least one offer, and 50 percent of respondents had received multiple offers, up from 72 percent and 41 percent in 2011 respectively. Continue Reading

Online MBA a Popular Option to Become Successful

The fact that the world economy is having its share of ups and downs is readily felt from across the globe. Whether or not you have come off your academic entanglements doesn’t matter in today’s world because the dynamics considered in measuring an individual’s core competence has changed. Business strategies adopted in current economy widely differ from the conventional ones. With the educational system being revolutionized, students are able to find themselves in a broader and much efficient platform. Students who wholly concentrate on academics and those with an added professional background are eager to gain new set of skills in professional fields are opting for online MBA programs accredited by a huge number of universities located in the United Kingdom. Continue Reading

Career Prospects for New Age College Students

New age college pupils have wholly accepted the modern academic regimes embraced by the world. I wasn’t into believing the fact that new age schooling had a great to contribute for a bright career until I pursued an advanced degree for professional enhancements. I know now why students are streaming towards advanced degrees which enables them to achieve something larger than life. Apart from achieving professional development, a certificate in advanced study matters because it certifies the authenticity of one’s vocational skills. Continue Reading

Job Outlook for MBAs in 2007 – You’re Gonna Need Shades

As a new management graduate, your job prospects are looking better than ever! According to Job Outlook 2007, employers are planning to employ 17.4% more new graduates than they did in 2006. This increase is across all sectors – service (19.8% increase), manufacturing (9.5% increase) and government/non-profit (9% increase).
This year, MBAs will enter a market with 22.1% higher demand for their skills. MBA degree holders in demand are in the fields of Accounting, Business Administration/Management, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Information Sciences and Systems, Marketing / Marketing Management, Computer Engineering, Civil Engineering, Economics and Finance.
Upbeat Employment Market
The market is looking up, the economy is improving, rising demand for goods and services, the baby boomers are nearing retirement age – all these factors are contributing to the booming employment market. Most employers have already solidified their spots at campus recruitment sessions for the spring of 2007.
Starting salaries are expected to go up by nearly 10%.
Prospective employers are looking for a high level of motivation and fresh ideas that will benefit their organizations. They are looking for candidates that they can mold to be future leaders. A good GPA will help you get your foot in the door. To progress, prospective employers are looking at communication (grammar and writing skills), honesty, teamwork, leadership potential and a strong work ethic.
Work experience in the form of an internship at a leading company will help you stand out among the many job applicants.
Innovative Salary Structures
Employers are trying to be innovative in their salary structures to attract good candidates. Medical (life and dental) insurance, tuition reimbursement, planned social activities, bonus/commission plans, flextime, longer vacation and telecommuting are just part of the attractive perks and compensation packages being offered. In addition, as an MBA, there’s a good chance you’ll get a signing bonus.
Don’t let the booming employment market let you get complacent, even if you are graduating as an MBA with experience. Enlist the help of a job and career coach to help you ‘market yourself’. Be sure to attend your first MBA interview armed with knowledge about your prospective employer, the prevailing market conditions, the motivation to be a team player and a willingness to learn. Often, attitude trumps aptitude in the employer’s eyes.

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