How to Transition From a Bachelor to an MBA Student

A green MBA road sign. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

When you are in college, it can be hard to figure out the best path to your career. Of course, there are resources that will help you along the way. An online MBA degree is always going to produce a variety of career options and is definitely worth a look, but how do you make the transition from your bachelor’s program to an MBA? There are a few different options, depending on where you are.

Some colleges have 5-year programs that are designed to give students a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in business at once. Instead of graduating from the bachelor’s program and then re-enrolling for a master’s degree, these schools do it all in one program. This makes the transition easy and allows you to get your education done with quickly. Of course, it is only an effective option for those people who are sure of what they want to do before they enroll in college. In rare cases, you might be able to transfer into a program like this, but it is rare.

If you are completing a traditional bachelor’s degree, it should be in business or a related field. Schools will sometimes have different requirements, so be sure to check the places where you want to apply before you decide where to go. Then, you will need to rate the various MBA programs that are available, figure out which ones you like best, and apply to them. Many MBA programs require GMAT scores, so be sure to get the details about what is required for admission. If you need standardized test scores, take the tests before you apply. Also, many MBA programs require the applicant to have been working for 2 or more years before s/he is qualified to apply for the program.

When you do apply for an MBA, the requirements are strict because programs are rigorous. You should be prepared to deal with a lot of prerequisites and prove that you are truly ready to enter this program. Research schools, including online degrees, so that you will be able to get more out of your own investment in your education and career. It will be easier for you to make the transition to an MBA program when you know where you are going.

An MBA program typically takes 1-2 years to complete. During that time, students learn all types of advanced business practices that are designed to ensure that they are ready to be leaders within the business world, regardless of where they choose to apply their skills. No matter how you get into an MBA program or why you’re interested in this degree, you have to make sure that you give yourself the chance to make the most of the resources that are out there. That way, you will get the education that you deserve, and get it more effectively because you know what you are doing and which steps to take along the way.

Zack Jones is a recent graduate of Arizona State University’s English Literature Program.  Zack also has experience in content marketing, sports reporting and blogging.