One of the most common questions that students in business, finance, management and other similar majors ask is: “Do I need to get my MBA to be successful in this field?” The answer is – it depends.
Choosing to pursue an MBA truly varies for each individual, depending on their unique career goals and how they aspire to use their skills in their future journey. That’s because everyone’s career path is different, so choosing to pursue a degree isn’t going to be as simple as a yes or no answer.
What is an MBA? How does it work?
A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a graduate degree program that is designed to prepare professionals for leadership roles across a variety of industries. Program formats can vary, from full-time to part-time, online, in person, or hybrid, allowing for students to pursue an MBA in an individualized manner that works best for them. The type of coursework typically offered includes management, finance, marketing, and more, giving students the chance to specialize in something, or take other classes of interest to count as electives.
Who might want to consider getting an MBA?
If you aspire to be a leader, to manage teams, oversee operations, and move up into an executive role, then an MBA would provide you with the knowledge of how to do that. If you are looking for a broader understanding of business, an MBA provides you with the opportunity to explore areas of interest and introduce new ideas and concepts. If you are hoping to pivot from one field, such as engineering or healthcare, to something like management or consulting, this will equip you with the knowledge to transition.
If you are wanting to explore if an MBA is right for you, we suggest chatting with a designate career advisor, a professor, someone that you trust. You can also explore conducting an informational interview with a professional in your field of interest. The MBA is a highly respected degree for careers in any industry.
Fun fact: Did you know that UMass Lowell is ranked one of the top online MBA programs through the US News & World Report?
The Manning School of Business offers an MBA that can be completed online and on campus in anywhere from 12-24 months, allowing for flexibility and tailoring to your interests and goals. To learn more about the MBA degree at UMass Lowell, click here.
