Should I Get An Mba?

Studying a Master of Business Administration (MBA) has the potential to set you on the path towards attaining your dream job and fulfilling your career aspirations. It’s a qualification that can add depth to your professional experience and is looked upon favourably by top employers – 88 per cent of organisations surveyed in the 2016 Corporate Recruiters Survey planned to hire MBAs in 2016. An MBA is also a great way to improve business know-how, build practical skills, develop your management and leadership potential, and grow your professional network.

But with so many postgraduate course options out there, how do you know whether getting an MBA is the right career move? If you’re considering an MBA, ask yourself the following questions:

Do I need an MBA?

Apart from an additional degree on your CV, an MBA qualification will prepare you for higher management roles by providing the knowledge and expertise to help you lead in any business setting. Completing an MBA is a demonstration of your commitment to learning and professional development, and a testament to your research skills and leadership potential.

Furthermore, many employers prefer MBA graduates and acknowledge that the skills learnt in this degree are applicable and relevant to the workplace. So, if the skills learned in an MBA will boost your career opportunities and represent a good return on investment, it’s likely to be a wise move.

Will an MBA get me the job I want?

The great thing about studying an MBA is the flexibility the course offers. For example, at Kaplan Business School, you can either study a generalist MBA covering a range of business disciplines, or you can choose to specialise within a specific industry. This means that when you graduate, your qualification is tailored to your business interests and the perspective of your professional field. While an MBA can’t guarantee you every job, it can certainly give you an edge.

Do I have time to complete an MBA?

Balancing study with your current life and work commitments can be difficult. With advanced standing, you can power through your MBA and graduate within a year and a half. Or, you could choose to study on a “per unit” basis. If you are expecting to have a challenging few months in the office or are busy with your personal life, you can take a break before resuming your learning with a fresh mind. In many cases, students have up to six years to finish an MBA with 16 units – and the end result is exactly the same.

Additionally, if you choose to study online, many of the postgraduate courses available are designed to fit into your lifestyle – not the other way around. You’ll also save on travel time to and from campus. When you study online, getting to your classroom is as simple as turning on your computer or mobile device.

Will an online MBA give me the same qualifications as an on-campus degree?

An online MBA allows students to gain the same skills, knowledge and qualifications they would if completing the degree on campus. Usually, the same academics that develop the coursework for on-campus students develop the content for online study as well. Additional benefits for online students include the ability to work full time while they study; the flexibility of short study blocks; and freedom of location. Upon completion, both on-campus and online students receive the same degree on the same certificate from the same tertiary institution.

Considering whether you should undertake a Masters degree is a tough decision and one that should not be taken lightly. A report conducted by Graduate Careers Australia titled Postgraduate Destinations 2014 revealed that 90 per cent of recent postgraduates were in employment soon after completing their degree. So taking on an MBA, which offers cross-disciplinary relevance and holds a strong reputation among employers, seems to be an investment worth making in the current market.

Think an MBA is the right career move for you? Check out what courses we have on offer!