Should I Go To Business School?
If you’re thinking about applying for business school, but still not 100% certain about taking the plunge, we outline the top reasons why a business school program can be the next best step for you.
1. You love the world of business
Passion and enthusiasm for business is a great drive for many people that decide to apply to business school once they’ve completed their college degree.
At business school, there are many different branches of business that you can study in more detail, including banking, corporate law, economics, management, manufacturing and strategic planning to name but a few.
If you’re keen to learn more about some or all of these topics, or others not listed above, then this is probably the right step for you.
By the time you graduate, you will have received a well-rounded education that covers all the essential functions of a business.
This means business school can satisfy your intellectual curiosity in an academic community with like-minded people, while also allowing you to gain another qualification.
2. Personal development
Attending business school isn’t just about completing another course.
You’ll gain new knowledge and skills, overcome challenges, and learn to push yourself mentally.
A business education can also equip you with great leadership and problem-solving skills.
This will prove invaluable on your resume to potential employers, and put you ahead in the job market when you leave and start looking for vacancies.
So if you’re determined, focused and ambitious, this may well be the next step for you.
3. Increase your financial prospects
Business school graduates can expect to earn around 30% more than those only holding a Bachelor’s degree, with many post-MBA starting salaries at a minimum of $70,000-$85,000.
Over a lifetime, this is a huge financial gain compared to those seeking work without a graduate degree.
Employers are prepared to pay for knowledge, and business is no exception, especially since an MBA program requires a lot of hard work and dedication.
Graduates from top business schools can expect to earn over $100,000 dollars within their first year out of school, making this a fairly alluring path for those interested in a business career.
4. International recognition
The USA is home to a majority of the best business schools in the world.
Therefore an MBA from an American business school is also a ticket to working anywhere in the world, as it will be recognised by potential employers across the globe.
This is particularly important to those who are international students, or wish to work overseas once they have completed their business studies.
5. Build your professional network
Studying for a program at business school will expose you to a large number of people, including lecturers, research professors (some of which will be the best in their field), alumni, and fellow students.
By forming relationships with these people, you can quickly form a list of contacts that may come in useful during your future business career.
30% of MBA students in the U.S considered developing a network of contacts to be the most valuable asset of a business degree. During your studies, you’re likely to meet like-minded classmates who could make excellent collaborators or colleagues in the future.
Not only will your network grow in number, it will often become more diverse. Wherever you choose to study, you’re likely to meet international students from a range of backgrounds.
These new connections will enrich your business school experience by introducing you to new perspectives, cultures, and international business practices. In a global business environment, they will also prove to be great contacts for the future.
6. Start your own business
Gather the knowledge and expertise required to set up your own business by studying for an MBA.
This program will provide fantastic preparation if you have entrepreneurial flair and wish to run your own business.
Once you have graduated, you will be armed with the latest skills and knowledge, and already be at the forefront of your field. This will then give you the best chance of making your new venture succeed.
7. Set yourself on your dream career path
Whether you’ve always dreamt of a career in business, or have just decided you want to gain experience in a new field and do something completely different with your life, an MBA will open a lot of doors for you.
Many industries such as investment banking and private equity advertise vacancies where an MBA is mandatory. Therefore business school is a great way of pursuing your dreams and getting ahead of the rest of the pack.
There are many good reasons for applying to business school, but on the other hand, don’t just go to business school because you feel there is nothing else to do, or no suitable alternative.
Similarly, don’t apply because a family member (or someone else) wants you to. Make sure that this is definitely something you think you will enjoy and want to do in the long term.
After all, business school comes with an eye-watering price tag, and it would be pointless to waste time and money over the next three years studying for a career you’re not really interested in.
Further information
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