Benefits of an MBA

The ability to command a higher salary is the most visible reason to take an MBA program. A 2012 study by Forbes reported that full-time students typically found jobs after graduation that paid 50 percent higher than their earnings before they entered school. Another study of schools in Virginia found that, 18 months after graduation, the median wages for MBA graduates was about twice that of graduates with a bachelor’s degree in business.
In addition to increased earnings, taking an MBA has other benefits, such as:

• Gaining knowledge about best practices and other aspects of the business environment that can give you a wider perspective. This perspective can help you make better decisions and improve your ability to forge interpersonal relationships as you deal with both customers and employees.
   
• Giving you a networking opportunity to meet with people from other
  industries. In addition to increasing your personal network, you will also gain insight into how different industries operate and the issues they face.
   
• Providing a chance to practice your management and teamwork skills in a setting with few, if any, consequences for making mistakes.
   
• Demonstrating that you are committed to your profession. There is nothing like an advanced degree to let others know that you are serious about your career. A side benefit of being a student is that you may also be eligible for discounts in professional societies while you are attending school.
   
• Learning skills that will transfer to other parts of your life. The management and quantitative skills you learn from an MBA can help you make better decisions and be more organized in all aspects of your life. Your MBA skills can also be valuable if you have a passion that leads you to a leadership role in an organization outside of your daily job.
   

Career Opportunities

The career opportunities with an MBA are nearly endless. Some graduates choose to remain in traditional businesses within a specific industry, while others may want to change industries or use their skills to start up their own company. Many local, state, and federal government employees also find that an MBA provides the skills they need to move into higher-level positions and even move from one government agency to another. Non-profit organizations always need people who are both passionate and know how to run things. No matter what you choose to do, you’ll put your MBA skills to good use!