Why is an MBA so critical during volatile economic times?
While pursuing an MBA, networking opportunities become available through classmates and teachers. This may aid in seeking employment. And, even though the economy is going through a rough patch, not every employer is going out of business. Despite the certainty of current layoffs and the probability of future layoffs, employers still have to run their businesses. The significance of fit provided by an MBA is important in turbulent economic times when employers tend to lay off employees who are marginal, but either keep or seek new employees with qualifications that tend to be successful at their particular organization.
How does an MBA enhance personal success and well-being?
An MBA aids in helping individuals to find the right job for their respective skill sets as well as the right opportunity to utilize those skills. The training can facilitate finding and developing skill sets they may not even know they possess. It’s only when people are in a position where they have to accomplish tasks that they never would have initiated on their own do they truly discover what they are capable of doing. For instance, most people are terribly afraid of public speaking and will avoid it at all costs. However, most MBA programs emphasize clear and effective communication techniques, including public speaking. It has been my experience that most people have some self-imposed limitations that come with well-established comfort zones developed over time. An MBA program places you in a position where you must come out of those comfort zones to create a new personal and professional environment and a new definition of success.
What does an MBA really represent to potential employers?
An MBA operates as a signal to potential employers that as a possible employee, you possess both advanced skills sets and a desire to be successful. This is indicated by the willingness to spend the time, effort and money to gain such advanced training. This signal also tells employers that you are capable of understanding a wide range of business issues on an advanced level. After all, if you can’t understand the problem, how can you provide an effective solution set?
An MBA signals that you are an advanced problem solver capable of dealing with constantly changing facts to arrive at effective solutions. This capability allows employers to be confident that you can do the job.
ANTHONY ROHACH, Esq., MBA, J.D., is a tenured associate professor in Business Administration on the undergraduate and graduate level, Delaware Valley College, in Doylestown, Pa. Reach him at (215) 489-2929 or [email protected].