Whether it’s juggling extracurricular activities with a full-time course load or meeting up with fellow students and alumni during on-campus events, an MBA program requires hard work. But the reward is more than just three letters on your resume. It’s in-depth business knowledge, career and salary growth, and a network that could lead to future opportunities.
One of the most important lessons mba students learn is how to communicate with people from different backgrounds. That skill is known as “soft,” compared to the “hard” skills of building a P&L model or analyzing financial data, but it’s just as important in today’s business world. In fact, communication has become a core competency for many jobs, and an MBA is a way to sharpen it.
Many MBA programs also give students the opportunity to get out of their comfort zone by taking on a new challenge. This is often done through scenario-based learning, where students are given a role in a company and have to find ways to solve problems. Spann said this kind of hands-on learning helps students gain the tools to adjust quickly to changes in the workplace or industry.
Ultimately, an MBA isn’t a magic ticket to a high-paying job or a career shift. But if you have a track record of success and are looking for a way to develop your professional potential, it may be the right step for you. Just make sure you choose a top-tier MBA program with a strong reputation to ensure the degree is worth the investment.