If you want to advance your business career, the idea of getting an MBA may be one that you have already considered. While a bachelor’s degree in business or a related topic will certainly help you get your foot in the door of a lot of lucrative business careers, an advanced degree such as the MBA will help you take your career even higher. However, an MBA is a very costly investment of your time and money, so it’s important to carefully consider whether it’s the right decision for you. Will an MBA be the best option for you when it comes to meeting your ultimate career goals? Are there any alternatives that will help you achieve the same results? If you are thinking of getting an MBA, here’s how to make sure that it’s the right choice for you before you enroll.
Ask Yourself Some Important Questions
Now is the time to really get honest with yourself and ask some questions that will help you determine whether an MBA really is the best option for your future career. Questioning yourself about your career choices and what you need to do to meet your goals will help you determine whether an MBA is really necessary or whether you could achieve similar results with a professional certification or simply getting some more experience. Spend some time researching and speaking with professionals who have achieved the goals that you are aiming for to see what they did to get there.
Consider Your Circumstances
Keep your personal circumstances in mind when determining whether or not getting an MBA is the best choice for you right now. The good news is that MBA degree programs are now more accessible than ever with a wide range of online options that enable you to study online and in your own time. If you are currently working full-time and would not be able to afford to lose your job or cut down your hours when studying, for example, an MBA online in Canada might be the best option for you as it allows you to continue working as normal and tailor your study schedule to suit your circumstances.
Discuss Your Plans with Your Employer
If you’re aiming to get an MBA to help you move up the career ladder in your current workplace, it is a wise idea to first discuss your plan with your employer to ensure that they will value your qualification and that it’s going to help you meet your career goals. Additionally, speaking with your employer gives you a chance to find out more about what they are looking for and what they would require from you in order to offer you the promotion that you want. You can also use this conversation to determine whether there are any alternatives to getting an MBA that your employer might offer, such as on-the-job training, a company-sponsored professional certificate, or taking on extra responsibilities at work that can help you get to where you want to be.
If your employer is happy for you to go ahead with getting an MBA and will work with you as you move up the career ladder, it is also worth asking if they offer any schemes where they will pay towards some or all of the cost of your degree. Many employers are happy to reimburse tuition for employees who are studying for a qualification that will also benefit them in the long run by providing more educated and knowledgeable employees.
Is Earning an MBA the Right Choice for You?
Many people make the mistake of thinking that an MBA qualification is the only way to get access to certain business careers; however, this is not always the case. Consider whether you are ready for further intensive study and the cost that is associated with getting an MBA degree. Are you ready to handle the amount of work and commitment that will be required for you to succeed? It is worth considering alternatives to the MBA such as professional certificates to determine which options appeal to you the most.
Bear in mind that getting an MBA is very intensive, whether you decide to study online or in a traditional classroom setting. Consider whether it’s the right option for you right now – have you got the time to dedicate to getting an MBA? If your schedule is already jam-packed, it might be worth looking for less intense alternatives that can help you climb the career ladder.
Where Can Your MBA Take You?
Along with providing you with the skills and knowledge that you need to move up the career ladder with your current employer, getting an MBA is also a good way to change your career direction. If you want to focus on a different area of business, an MBA with a concentration in that topic, such as finance, leadership or marketing, could help you pivot your career and find the type of work that you want to do and enjoy the most. Getting an MBA degree can open up career opportunities in a wide range of different fields, with some of the most popular career options including:
- General Manager
- Sales Manager
- Brand Manager
- Marketing Manager
- Investment Banker
- Financial Analyst
- Production Manager
- Cost Accounting Analyst
- Project Manager
Determining if an MBA is worth your time, effort and money is something that only you can decide. While there is no denying that getting an MBA can certainly help improve your career prospects, provide you with additional resources for climbing the career ladder, help you develop the knowledge and skills that you need to take your career in a different direction or open up different career opportunities in business, it’s important to bear in mind that it’s not the only option available to help you meet these goals. Discuss your plans with your employer, speak to people who’re currently where you’re trying to get to, and do your research to help you determine if getting an MBA is the best choice for you and your career goals.
