While a master’s degree in business administration isn’t for everyone, professionals in certain careers can benefit from the knowledge and credentials offered by these programs. One of these career paths is sales management.
In 2020, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the median salary for sales managers was $132,290 per year. While having an advanced degree is generally not a requirement for sales management, the vast majority of sales managers have at least a bachelor’s degree. In today’s job market, an MBA gives job seekers a competitive advantage in the workforce. O-Net, a project funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, reports that 65% of sales managers hold a bachelor’s degree, while only 9% hold post-baccalaureate degrees. In a competitive market, every advantage helps.
Benefits of an MBA
In addition to an advantage in the job market, an MBA refines the skills of professionals already working in sales management. O-Net reports that the day-to-day activities of a sales manager include advising customers on technical or procedural issues, supervising employees, resolving customer complaints or problems, conferring with organizational members to accomplish work activities, and approving expenditures, all skills that formal education in interpersonal relationships and conflict management enhances. Most MBA programs, including some online MBA programs, offer courses that address these skills through case studies and projects.
Further, professionals in sales management can benefit from formal education informally, through networking. According to Poets & Quants, networking is possibly the biggest benefit of an MBA program. These social networks develop through constant contact with the business leaders of tomorrow. Completing an MBA program with others allows you to showcase your skills to potential employers. Further, if you impress your classmates in the program, they are more likely to refer you to employers later, which is a prime way to get into higher level sales management positions. 85% of jobs are filled through networking connections.
The advanced understanding of business concepts and practices that comes with an MBA could mean the difference between success and failure in sales management. Working professionals now have the flexibility of enrolling in an online MBA program, which allows them to continue working while pursuing a degree. This flexibility is advantageous in more ways than one. While it certainly reduces expenses related to earning a graduate degree, it also means that working professionals can immediately apply what they learn. MBA students can read about a concept one night and apply it in their profession the next day, combining the best of theory and practice to enhance their careers.
These are just a few advantages of an MBA for professionals in sales management. For the dedicated student who wishes to enhance his or her career while simultaneously learning new concepts and practices, an online MBA program may be the best choice.
Learn more about the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi online MBA program.
