The Top 9 Reasons to get an MBA

If you think that going to business school is the next necessary step in accomplishing your goals, this is a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. We know you’re probably itching for a pay increase and a more impressive title, but these are not reasons enough to get an MBA! 

Newsflash: Business school requires a lot of time and money… So if you’re looking for a ‘get rich quick’ scheme, an MBA might not be the best route. While going back to business school may earn you a higher paying job, getting an MBA is all about return on investment. On the other hand, if your motivations for wanting an MBA stretch beyond the bounds of cold hard cash, you could be in it for the right reasons. 

… But maybe keep reading just to make sure. 😉

The Top 9 Reasons to get an MBA

1. To Make a Transition.

One of the biggest reasons people decide to get an MBA is because they are looking to make a career change. For some, this means shifting industries. For others, it means a whole career change. Whatever your short- and long-term goals may be, business school is a great time to take a break from the daily grind and refocus your career. 

Remember: The sooner you decide exactly what it is you want to do with your career, the better. Going through business school with laser-like focus will ensure you take the right courses, join the right clubs, and make the right connections.

2. To Gain New Perspective. 

Getting your MBA will change the way you think about things, and not necessarily only in the business world. This experience will give you the opportunity to meet people from around the world and give you exposure to the global economy. This is ideal for anyone who is looking to delve into international business or anyone who wants to think outside the small box of where they used to work.

Along with experiencing a shift in how you see the business world, getting an MBA will also change the way you view yourself. No matter how much experience you have, going to business school is sure to remind you of how little you actually know. Take this piece of humble pie with gratitude and go through your b-school experience with a hunger to learn more.

3. To Build Confidence.

By landing in a program that suits your learning style, you will be able to use your experience at business school as preparation for the real world. This is exactly why it’s important to do thorough research when searching for your perfect MBA program. 

In a classroom setting where you feel comfortable around your professors and classmates, you’ll learn best practices for interacting with others and how to thoughtfully articulate yourself. These skills will prove to be invaluable when it comes to expanding your business relationships and advancing your career. 

4. To Get More Experience.

The secret to landing a great job is more than just being qualified for it. Today’s employers are looking to hire individuals with diversity and a ton of experience. Your time in business school will not only give you an opportunity to use your existing skills in more real life situations, it’ll prepare you with transferable skills to ensure you are strong candidate for a wider variety of positions.

Another great way to increase your career opportunities is to study abroad. An international program is sure to offer experiences you wouldn’t have studying domestically and connect you with business people from about the globe.

5. To Improve Skills.

The #1 thing that an MBA can offer is a jackpot of new skills and knowledge you can’t get anywhere else. Not only will your business school education involving learning from the best in the industry, you will study underneath professors who challenge you and change the way you think. 

While your b-school experience is guaranteed to make you a more well-rounded employee, it will also make you a better co-worker. You’ll gain valuable leadership skills such as team management and strategic thinking as well as communication skills that will make you a more effective member of a team.

6. To Network.

Business school is the perfect setting to make lasting connections that will shape your future. Throughout your MBA you will establish an international community of professors, cohorts, and businesses.

Along with establishing a network of people to call in the future in order to build your business or boost your career, you’ll establish a community of like-minded people you will likely stay connected with long after your time at business school is complete. Everyone who gets their MBA is looking to build their skills and leverage their career, so no matter how diverse your backgrounds may be, you all are guaranteed to have some things in common.

7. To Work Internationally.

This applies to anyone looking for a major career shift. If you’ve been working locally and want to take a giant leap and work in another country, an international business program may be exactly what you need to make the shift. 

By getting hands-on experience outside of your home country, you will build relevant skills that will help you should you choose to stay abroad after graduation. Throughout the process of getting your MBA internationally, you’ll also make valuable connections with local firms that may directly lead to job interviews.

8. To Move Up the Ladder.

Perhaps you feel as though you’ve reached the ceiling at your current job and the only way to keep moving up is by getting an MBA. By expanding your skills, knowledge, and network, you are guaranteed to open new doors that may have otherwise stayed shut for the remainder of your career.

If your long-term goal is to be a higher-up in your industry, going to business school is likely a necessary step. However, it’s important to understand the specific reasons why you need an MBA to accomplish your goals. This question is guaranteed to come up in the application process more than once and admissions officers are looking for an answer that reaches beyond simply wanting a more impressive title.

9. To Boost Your Income.

Along with new skills, increased knowledge, and valuable connections comes a pay raise… but as we mentioned before, the prospect of a higher paycheck should not be the leading factor in your decision to get an MBA. 

Contrary to popular belief, not all MBA programs are a magical rainbow with a pot of gold at the end. Before you apply, be sure to calculate the ROI of each school you are considering to ensure the money you will invest will be worth your projected salary increase post-graduation.

Above all, make sure your motivations are in line before you dive into the admissions process. You will be the most successful in your applications and studies if you are clear on the reasons an MBA will benefit your future. Take some time to weigh the pros and cons and make the decision that makes the most sense for you.