Every business, no matter the size or industry, shares many core principles of operation. Business Administration Information contributor Julian Hooks writes, “The principles of accounting apply no differently to the books of a small, family-run restaurant than those of a large, multinational corporation.” People with the right skill set can transition to virtually any industry they like.
An MBA program teaches students these transferrable skills. If you’re looking to change tracks in your career, having an MBA can open up possibilities horizontally as well as vertically. A versatile curriculum, the opportunity to build a large network, and opening the door to higher-paying careers are just a few of the benefits to getting an MBA.
A Shifting Career Landscape
The versatility of an MBA helps explain the power of the degree to increase a graduate’s opportunities in many different fields. U.S. News & World Report contributor Rebecca Koenig writes, “The worlds of finance and consulting used to draw MBA graduates in droves. But these days, students leaving school with master’s degrees in business administration are finding jobs elsewhere.”
Jobs in technology and the products and services industries are becoming more popular for MBA grads, overtaking finance and consulting. This shift has far-reaching consequences. Not only are more jobs in these industries available for MBA grads, but also networking in these fields has become easier as a result. This means that MBA students have the opportunity to explore possibilities in many different disciplines and industries over the course of their education.
The career landscape for MBA grads is growing horizontally. As SoFi Learn points out, “This isn’t your dad’s generation; success doesn’t mean sticking it out with the same company for 30 years. The workforce is now on the move. In fact, 42% of millennials are likely to change jobs every 1 to 3 years.”
A Formidable Knowledge Base
MBA programs offer students the opportunity to develop a broad skillset that can apply to virtually any industry. As Hooks writes, “Business students acquire knowledge and essential competencies in all foundational areas of modern business, across all industries and their subsectors.” Whether you’re starting your career as a mid-level manager at a Fortune 500 company or launching a new business from your parents’ garage, many of the same principles learned in an MBA program will be pertinent.
Over the course of their studies, students will develop leadership and critical thinking skills. These skills are useful to any employer looking to fill management positions, regardless of their industry. The same applies to skills in accounting, marketing and human resources. These are coveted skillsets in every industry, and MBA grads have a distinct advantage over the competition because of their knowledge in these areas.
Whether you’re looking to take your career to new heights, explore new industries or start your own business, you can equip yourself with the required skills by completing an MBA program. During the course of your studies, you will have the opportunity to network with people in a wide variety of industries and gravitate toward the place that fits you best.
Learn more about Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s online MBA programs.
Sources:
SoFi Learn: Facing a Post-MBA Career Crossroads: How to Pull a Successful Career Pivot
U.S. News & World Report: 5 Hot Jobs for MBA Graduates
Business Administration Information: Why Business Management Degrees Are Great for Versatility
