The ultimate guide to choosing an MBA dispels confusion surrounding what an MBA is, how it can help you, and selecting the right MBA. This guide also talks about various job opportunities open to persons who hold an MBA.

1. The Ultimate Guide to Choosing an MBA
the ultimate guide to
choosing
an mba
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2. The Ultimate Guide to Choosing an MBA
A Master’s degree can be a career-launching vehicle that leads one to actualize their
professional goals. Unlike most degree options, a Master’s of Business Administration
(MBA) has broad appeal along with a variety of concentrations that lead to tangible,
in-demand careers. An MBA is a meaningful accomplishment that provides a range
of flexible employment options that facilitate professional growth and diverse career
opportunities.
demand in a wide variety of
industries in the U.S., online, and
internationally.
The MBA’s Universal
Appeal
The decision to pursue an advanced
degree can be one of the most
rewarding choices a person can
make; it can also be one of the most
challenging because a Master’s
degree costs money and takes time
to earn. Despite this, a Master’s
degree usually equals more (and
better) opportunities for employment
as well as higher income potential.
Why a Business Master’s
Program?
The Master’s of Business
Administration (MBA) is distinguished
as one of the few degree options in
which students from all academic
backgrounds can thrive. The rewards
associated with pursuing an MBA
validate the effort because:
•• The MBA is a career-focused
higher education approach, which
segues into professions that offer
competitive compensation.
The MBA also draws a more unique
variety of academics than other
degree programs. Unlike other
degree programs, which appeal to
a certain “type” (for example, the
mathematically inclined choose
engineering while artistic, verbal
individuals gravitate toward the
humanities), a business master’s
program attracts all types of learners
because it has something to offer
to them. Those interested in math
and analytical professions can find a
niche as easily as those who thrive on
creative and unstructured pursuits.
•• MBAs are highly marketable
degrees that are in constant
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3. The Ultimate Guide to Choosing an MBA
Additionally, one should select
an advanced degree program in
business because:
•• MBA programs have mass appeal
for all types of workers and
learners; students can genuinely
enjoy their academic pursuits
and the fact that those efforts will
have real payoff in the workplace.
•• Anyone with a Bachelor’s can
enroll in an MBA program
regardless of academic
background.
•• A solid program can be pursued
online or onsite at the learner’s
pace, thus making earning an
MBA highly accessible.
In short, an MBA is a gateway to real
career prospects with real growth
potential. The availability of the
program is like icing on an alreadyenticing cake.
Choosing an MBA
that Fits
Given its accessibility and the variety
of career options it affords, the
question really becomes, is an MBA
degree right for me? Before enrolling
in an academic program, students
should first determine their short and
long-term goals. In other words, they
should ask how they plan to make
their degree work for them. Second,
students should evaluate the factors
associated with earning an MBA and
decide if the opportunities made
possible by the degree are worth it
and appropriate for them.
An MBA can be the vehicle for many
professional opportunities. Here are
a few advantages MBA holders have:
•• The hiring of MBAs is on the
rise. In 2012, 92 percent of
business master’s graduates were
employed within three months
of program completion; hiring
projections for 2013 are similar
to those for 2012.
in 2012,
92%
of business
master’s
graduates were
employed within
three months
•• An MBA can help someone in
another field (like engineering
or information technology (IT))
make a leap into a different
area or into business without
“starting over” academically or
professionally.
•• MBAs facilitate lateral transitions
between careers and industries.
For example, if one works in a
concentrated area like computing
and wishes to transition into a
field like technology management,
an MBA would enable that
transition.
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4. The Ultimate Guide to Choosing an MBA
•• An MBA on a resume speaks
for itself; such credentials can
give one a real advantage when
applying for competitive jobs.
Many of the most desirable career
opportunities “highly encourage”
or require prospective applicants
to have an MBA. An MBA can
make the difference between
getting a job and getting passed
over.
•• In some cases, a Master’s level
education can replace the need
to have years of experience,
thus giving MBA holders a literal
jump-start to their careers upon
graduation.
In some cases, a Master’s
level education can replace
the need to have years of
experience...
•• Concentrated training and
expertise for heightened
business acumen, leadership,
communication, and networking,
all of which are skills applicable
across the professional spectrum,
are fostered in an MBA program
Is an MBA Right for Me?
Making the decision as to whether
or not an MBA is the way to go when
pursuing a Master’s is big. There are
many obvious advantages associated
with earning an MBA; however, one
must consider personal aspirations
and circumstances before ultimately
deciding whether or not an MBA is
right for them. Here are some things
worth considering when deciding if
an MBA is a good fit.
•• What are my professional
goals? If you see yourself
wanting to change careers
or companies as you move
through life, an MBA could be
right up your alley. Likewise,
if you see yourself climbing a
corporate ladder, then an MBA
is also suitable. A Master’s
degree can open many doors as
networking opportunities while
one is working toward their MBA
abound.
•• What kind of industry do I see
myself in? MBAs provide ready
access to careers in government
(federal, state, and local), small
and large business, and private
ventures.
•• How important is a Master’s for
me to move up professionally?
Given that the job market
is becoming increasingly
competitive, a Master’s is more
necessary now than ever before
to create opportunity and move
upward. Given the range of
skills one gains through an MBA
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5. The Ultimate Guide to Choosing an MBA
program, more professional
advantages abound with an MBA
than with other degree programs.
•• What lifestyle do I aspire to have?
Though money is not everything,
it certainly matters. Explore the
various MBA concentrations the
salary range associated with
each. MBA salaries are generally
competitive and on the middleto-higher end of the income
spectrum.
Essentially, if one has made the
decision to earn a Master’s degree
and wants to have lucrative career
options, an MBA is definitely a
worthwhile pursuit. Equally as
important as the choice to pursue
an MBA is the programmatic focus
one selects. Interest, personality,
and careers goals all contribute to
selecting a direction.
Heading in the Right
Direction with an MBA
Like a shoe, picking the right MBA
program focus is all about finding the
right fit. How and where one plans
to wear the shoe makes a world of
difference in whether or not it is
the “right” shoe for the journey. So,
before trying an MBA program on for
size, ask:
1. What do you want to get
out of the degree? Honestly
acknowledge professional goals.
Do you want to work at home,
out of state, overseas? For a big
company? A small company? Your
own company? How open are you
to travel?
2. How will you earn your degree?
Onsite? Online? Will the company
you work for or hope to work for
help cover some of the costs?
How much time will you dedicate
to academia each term? Create
a timeline to know how long it
will take you to earn your degree
depending on which path is
chosen.
When considering these goals
and the logistics of earning an
MBA, one should also remember
to consider other variables like
family and income. What are the
other factors involved and who
are the other stakeholders in your
decision to get a degree? What
are their needs? For example, an
online MBA program might not
disrupt a family dynamic as much
as an onsite program, and the
end-goal (an MBA) will lead to a
promotion in one’s organization.
Once the degree’s function has
been clarified, other specifics can
be determined.
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6. The Ultimate Guide to Choosing an MBA
3. What role do you want to have
in the organization you aspire
to work for? This is where
personality and professional
interests play a role. Are you
the creative type who likes to
work alone? Are you a numbercruncher who likes a challenge?
Are you team-oriented and
decisive? These psychological and
sociological factors should weigh
in on one’s decision.
4. What program focus appeals to
you? Obtaining an MBA provides
many professional opportunities.
Take the time to explore all
avenues. Consider likes and
dislikes of past jobs when
conducting this assessment. After
all, MBA programs provide wellrounded educations; however, a
focus is important and sometimes
required.
Here are some things to consider:
•• Do you enjoy working with money
and assessing numbers? If so,
finance and accounting might be
for you.
•• Are you a people-person who
appreciates a challenging,
changing work environment?
Marketing offers a competitive
stay ahead of the curve type
atmosphere ideal for those who
enjoy variety.
•• When working in groups, do
you often find yourself in the
captain’s seat or contributing
ideas that results in a successful
venture? An MBA focused on
leadership and organizational
change can develop the skills and
temperament necessary for such
leadership roles.
MBA programs are comprehensive,
so students will get a little of
everything: finance, marketing,
accounting, leadership, and so on.
Though it is not necessarily required,
many choose to concentrate
their MBA in a specific area of
interest. Having a comprehensive
understanding of the career
opportunities available in each area
of focus will help students decide
their concentration.
...getting through school
without knowing where
to go with it is like playing
darts in the dark.
MBA Careers
Perhaps the most important aspect
of making the decision to pursue an
MBA program is knowing what to
do with an MBA once one’s name is
inked onto the diploma. There are
so many career options available to
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7. The Ultimate Guide to Choosing an MBA
MBAs that getting through school
without knowing where to go with
it is like playing darts in the dark
(somewhat risky, that is); it is best
to have at least one or two specific
career goals in mind for where one
wants to work.
Each MBA concentration is applicable
in almost any business setting. An
example of the types of business
settings are listed below:
•• Government: Federal agencies
employ MBA graduates in various
roles. The Treasury Department,
Department of Commerce,
Labor Department, and Internal
Revenue Service are four that
are actively recruiting business
masters. The Central Intelligence
Agency (CIA) also hires MBAs into
analyst positions.
•• Nonprofit Organizations:
Nonprofits are ideal for ethical,
philanthropic-minded MBAs who
appreciate being challenged.
Though labor-intensive, working
for a nonprofit can be very
rewarding. Types of nonprofit
organizations include:
• The Arts
• Community Development
• Education
• Macro- and Micro-finance
• Youth Development
Roles offered in nonprofit
organizations include leadership
positions like assistant director, chief
financial officer (CFO), corporate
partnership manager or financial
analyst, to name a few.
•• Big Corporations: Entities
like Apple, Google, Bain & Co,
Amazon.com, and the Goldman
Sachs Group hire MBAs in all
areas (such as finance, marketing,
and technology). What the big
guys are looking for in hires are
forward-thinking, ambitious
professionals who are a cut
above the rest and have a positive
team spirit.
•• Small and Medium-Sized
Enterprises (SMEs): SMEs are
increasingly popular options
for MBAs who still want to be
able to work in a competitive,
international business
environment, but have more
responsibility, better opportunity
for movement (think big fish
in a small pond), and greater
influence. Working for a lesserknown company can certainly
have its advantages.
•• Start-Ups: MBAs have all of the
skills needed in launching and
operating a start-up because
financial expertise, management
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8. The Ultimate Guide to Choosing an MBA
and leadership skills, and
marketing mindedness are all
essential in getting a venture up
and running.
marketing requires taking values,
customs, and languages into
consideration while applying
marketing strategies on a global
level.
MBA Careers
MBAs can work in any of these
environments in any sector, including
energy, pharmacy, healthcare, retail,
industry, hospitality, and education.
Opportunities abound whether they
be in private or public entities. The
MBA can be an entrance path into
each of the following careers.
Marketing Management
Marketing managers plan,
direct, and coordinate marketing
programs and policies. Marketing
focuses on marketing techniques
and disciplines, pricing statistics,
customer communications, and the
management of a firm’s resources
and activities. Marketing managers
apply skills in the following areas (in
addition to the traditional business
realm):
Interestingly, traditional, web, and
international arenas are becoming
more integrated, so those who find
marketing appealing will likely find
themselves in a fast-paced work
environment. Marketing specialists
are personable, creative, and enjoy
staying busy.
Management Analysis
•• Internet marketing: Web
marketing involves using e-mail,
the web, social media, and search
engine optimization (SEO) for
purposes of marketing.
•• Globalized and international
marketing: International
Marketing specialists are
personable, creative, and
enjoy staying busy.
Management analysts or consultants
share their knowledge, expertise,
and insight with organizations that
hire them to do so. Consultants work
with start-ups or existing companies
to provide an outsider’s perspective
to fix an internal issue. Consultants
must:
•• Have logical reasoning skills
•• Possess strong leadership skills
•• Be effective communicators
•• Work well with others
Professionally, the objective of
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9. The Ultimate Guide to Choosing an MBA
management analysis is to increase
productivity and revenue. Consulting
is a dynamic career as analysts are in
different organizations lending their
professional perspective. Ideally,
consultants are flexible and enjoy
traveling.
Business Economics
Management accounting involves
using financial and other knowledge
to partner in management decisionmaking and planning as well as in the
formulation and implementation of
policies. Management accountants
are:
•• Strategic managers: advance the
role of a management association
as an organizational partner.
Business economics relates to the
study of financial challenges and
issues that organizations deal with
relative to supply and demand.
Decisions contributed by business
economists can result in profits or
losses for organizations. Business
economists should be:
•• Performance managers: develop
practices of decision making and
manage the performance of an
organization.
•• Risk managers: control framework
and practices for identifying,
measuring, and reporting risks
to achieve an organization’s
objectives.
•• Analytical and good at reading
situations
•• Intuitive
Management accountants are forwardthinkers. They are problem solvers;
being decisive and team-focused are
necessary personality traits for these
individuals.
•• Capable of working well under
pressure
•• Confident and capable of taking
risks
Business economists deal with microand macro-finances, so they should
be mathematically inclined. Business
economists’ recommendations
help organizations know how much
of a product to produce, so their
expertise is extremely valuable.
Management
Accounting
Management Finance
Financial managers deal with the
monetary side of business. These
number-crunchers issue financial
reports, direct investment accounts,
and develop statistics and plans that
contribute to an organization’s long-
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10. The Ultimate Guide to Choosing an MBA
term goals. Financial managers
should:
•• Possess confidence in terms
of leadership strategies and
approaches.
•• Be analytical problem-solvers
Depending on the size of the unit,
organizational leaders might also
have to work with —and please―
other managers and stakeholders.
•• Be comfortable working
independently as well as with
others
•• Possess solid written
communication skills
Information Technology
Management
Though their work seems to
be behind the scenes, financial
managers are critical given that an
organization is only as healthy as its
finances.
Leadership and
Organizational Change
Management
Managing organizational change
entails making predictions about
the direction of the company and
persuading or leading employees
and leaders alike to follow a certain
path. Leadership and organizational
change management is largely about
personality. Leaders must:
•• Be analytical and honest in self
assessments; they should also
be able to understand others, an
ability that makes them sensitive
to the personalities of others.
•• Be patient as enacting change in
an organization can be a timeconsuming process.
This technology-driven approach
merges “regular” aspects of
management such as staff,
organizational structure, and
budgets with software development,
technology support, and networking.
IT management incorporates
technology strategy and forecasting
to generate organizational value via
technology. IT managers should be:
•• Innovative and forward-thinking
•• Team-oriented
•• Creative and technologically
savvy
•• Leaders
Given the prevalence of the Internet
and web applications like social
media in personnel management,
marketing, financial management
as well as other aspects of business
management, information technology
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11. The Ultimate Guide to Choosing an MBA
expertise is going to be of increasing
importance. Experts in this area
not only need computer skills, but
they also need communication and
people skills possessed by other
types of management professionals.
It is likely information technology
management will play an increasingly
large role in the future of business
management.
Education
MBAs might find that they are more
comfortable pursuing professional
opportunities outside of the
corporate structure and prefer to
teach. Disseminating business
knowledge and preparing future
generations of business leaders
is something one can do upon
completing an MBA or later in a
career.
•• Teachers should be charismatic
and caring.
•• They should also be researchoriented, interested in staying
on top of business trends in all
aspects of business.
•• Teachers should also be
excellent verbal and written
communicators.
Though teaching is certainly a
different application of an MBA
from other career-paths, qualified
educators are always in demand.
There are so many ways an MBA
can be applied professionally; the
opportunities are limitless. Whether
a person has an interest in finance
and a passion for the arts or a
personality suited for marketing
and a preference for working online,
there is a career opportunity out
there. An MBA can truly be for
anyone who is interested in having a
variety of employment options, the
ability to advance professionally, and
a gateway to a higher income. Given
that MBA programs are available
online they can often be completed
at the learner’s pace. Obtaining an
MBA can be as easy as answering the
question as to whether or not “an
MBA is right for me.”
An MBA can truly be for
anyone who is interested
in having a variety of
employment options,
the ability to advance
professionally, and a
gateway to a higher income.
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12. The Ultimate Guide to Choosing an MBA
Indiana Wesleyan University’s Master’s of Business Administration is an accredited
MBA program that provides a comprehensive, preparatory education for students
aspiring to pursue a career in business or to advance professionally. Indiana’s rounded
program educates students in areas of personal management, accounting, finance
economics and analysis as well as in other areas. Given the program’s onsite and
online delivery format, students are able to learn in an environment best-suited for
their needs making it easier than ever to jump-start a lucrative career in business.
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