Students who choose to expand their managerial expertise by earning a Master of Business Administration degree are on the right track because the demand for MBA grads is strong — companies want MBAs. More than four in five planned to hire MBA grads in 2018, according to a GMAC survey of corporate recruiters.
Are the Rewards of an MBA Worth the Time and Effort?
MBA grads find that the degree gives them access to more jobs with greater earning potential. GMAC placed the median starting salary for MBA graduates in the U.S. at $105,000 per year in 2018.
U.S. News & World Report outlines the following career benefits of an MBA:
- Transferable skills that equip students for varied roles instead of just a single one
- Higher employment rates that mean greater job security
- Degree specialization for students who want niche expertise
- Networking opportunities through interactions with classmates, faculty and the university’s alumni network
Is Versatility Really That Important to Employers?
Yes, employers value transferable skills that relate to a number of key areas including decision-making, critical thinking and communication — these are all skills gained or honed in an MBA program.
Those in leadership roles must often handle an array of tasks, and having transferable skills gives them an edge. In the time it takes to complete an online MBA program — as few as 12 months at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville — students can acquire these skills.
Earning an MBA provides a confidence boost that employers notice both in interviews and on the job. And students notice the benefits of enhancing their management skills even before they graduate. What they learn today in the online program could come in handy the very next day on the job. These versatile skills enable students to gain an immediate return on their MBA investment in the short term and to thrive in management careers down the road.
Learn more about SIUE’s online MBA in Management program.
Sources:
GMAC: 2018 Corporate Recruiters Survey Report
U.S. News & World Report: 4 Key Career Benefits From MBA Programs
