Lately we hear a lot and also quite often about the diverse culture that an MBA offers. And it really is true. Because when faced with the question that OUR EDITORIAL STAFF has proposed for the first contribution of this month of April, which is “What an MBA can do for me”, we have found in a large majority of Business School websites around the world, questions such as “what does an MBA mean to you?” and very coincidentally with the particular style of each school, the question “what does diversity really mean?
It is evident that a Business School brings together candidates for an MBA of different identities, nationalities and work backgrounds. This occurs abroad and also in our local area.
There is no need to fear diversity (on the contrary, the benefits it brings are argued) or multiculturalism, since it is also a differential value compared to other types of studies. In other words, the MBA is at the forefront on a global scale in terms of these two attributes.
Of course building teams and collaborating with peers offers lessons in sharing with people from all walks of life and is invaluable.
Of these offers of what an MBA can do for you, there are not a few schools that tell you that with a good calendar of activities, very intense and diverse, you will be able to better understand your preferences and also know how to fit in and better organize your priorities, both professionally and personally. It is normal for this to be the case, because an MBA is a lifelong learning.
The creation of value in some online training programs
An online learning program is an ideal instrument to create value through business creativity, leadership and problem solving.
It is evident that the experience of the professors, the actuality of the educational model and the facilities that they offer to the candidates to enter a rigorous, immersive, collaborative and learning experience are added, which determines a life experience in general that generates a personal and professional capitalization like few other activities that a person can experience in his life.
Teamworks
For several weeks, depending on the program, the postgraduate student will learn and work with a team that, depending on the orientation of the MBA, will be coordinated by profiles of professors perfectly selected to achieve this change in the student’s learning culture, in addition to putting it in willingness to create and generate value through permanent innovation, and as we said above, the other value of diversity and multiculturalism.
From a combination of sessions and outstanding guest speakers, to regular online classes and some of them complemented with face-to-face activities, the level of commitment of students is increased by seeing the progress and development in studies, simultaneously to a way of understanding the environment and the realities that they are going to face from a much broader perspective, which is precisely the MBA that has opened the horizons for their particular personal reach.
The immersive experiences and dynamic learning typical of an MBA are what allow each student to build their knowledge structure and train to apply it in any sector of activity and also in different types of organizations. Because an MBA has prepared you to adapt to different circumstances and especially know how to integrate well into change processes.
The advantages of learning to collaborate virtually
The dynamics of an MBA make it natural to master remote collaboration across cultures and time zones. And this is a very important skill in the face of an increasingly interconnected world market and the necessary effective virtual collaboration required by professionals at levels of responsibility in any organization, because there is no company today that can do without interconnectivity.
Hence, an MBA equips the student with the necessary skills to adapt in the future as workplace configurations adapt, because they have gained the experience collaborating, learning to lead and innovate with a global team, both virtually and face-to-face.
Being able to belong to global networks
When you are studying an MBA, you are in fact joining a network that will be integrated with important relationships with associated companies under internship projects, as well as with the facilities that professors and coordinators are offering for the monitoring of certain projects that students must complete.
This way of belonging to a community is also a value that is acquired so that it is natural to feel part of a global professional and business community.
Because it is common for schools to give priority to the creation of this type of carefully selected professional networks, in which there are what are called agents of change, numbering several hundred and in countries on five continents. Therefore, in addition to classmates, the professional network of each student is expanded.
The MBA is an academic category qualification of the first professional level
At this point in time, no one doubts it, since for all the professionals who decided to take the plunge and take an MBA, it has also been the decision that allowed them to take another step in their careers.
The benefits of an MBA apply regardless of the activity sector in which they work or how each professional approaches their career. But when there are still people who wonder if it is worth pursuing an MBA, given the commitment and the costs involved, the vast majority of people who have gone through it do not hesitate to say that after the effort and sacrifice, both personal and financial, doors were opened to achieve aspirations that before they were not even able to think of accessing. Because in addition, in a percentage of more than 75% worldwide, the graduates of an MBA declare that they both achieved an improvement in their jobs that they had and in the improvements of the possibilities that the market offered them by being able to manifest their new qualifications and the field of specialty that made them attractive professionals due to their knowledge, good academic performance and internship references in relevant companies in their respective communities.
All this wide range of job opportunities and greater income potential, an MBA is undoubtedly a benefit that beyond the materiality achieved in terms of salary and position, there is that immaterial one that helps you by being able to connect with a diverse group of professionals and become part of an extensive global network of alumni.
The benefits of an MBA
Completing an MBA program demonstrates a commitment to learning, improving, and applying skills that can help a company succeed. In addition, professionals with MBAs feel more confident in their marketability, as well as in the wealth of information they can bring to various endeavors. These are just some of the advantages of obtaining an MBA.
1º) Be more aware of a global market
Earning an MBA puts you in close contact with other students from around the world who have different work experiences and perspectives on the global economy. In addition to learning from professors, MBA students can expand their knowledge of other industries in the country that they study and in the rest of the world.
2º) Improve communication skills
Effective communication is a fundamental skill required for professionals to be successful. While communication may be considered a “soft skill” compared to “hard skills” such as building a P&L model, it is no less valuable. An MBA can help you hone verbal and written communication skills, allowing you to successfully convey concepts to different people at different levels in an organization to ensure everyone can work together towards a common goal.
3º) Expand your professional network
Earning an MBA makes you part of a global network that gives you access to respected and smart professionals you may not otherwise have had the opportunity to connect with. Beyond being part of a larger community, you’ll also have the opportunity to build relationships with other professionals in the classroom and beyond.
4º) Greater job opportunities
In a highly competitive job market, an advanced degree can help set an applicant apart from their peers. From energy to consumer products and startups, an MBA can be an asset in any industry. Employers typically seek to hire or promote a candidate with an MBA because they have skills in marketing and finance that others within the organization may lack. This allows them to get up and running with various initiatives and help your company increase profits.
5º) Better time management
Earning an MBA requires juggling extracurricular activities alongside a challenging academic load, not to mention other personal and professional pursuits. Earning an MBA can help you manage your time effectively, which is not only an in-demand skill among employers, but also a valuable life skill.
More benefits and skills you get from an MBA
Develop advanced and flexible management skills.
MBA applicants are typically young entrepreneurs with a minimum of two years of professional experience.
Even senior employees who feel up to the challenge can sometimes apply.
MBA classes help develop the skills needed to keep a business successful.
The study plan of each MBA degree may be different, but these are some of the most common skills that you can develop depending on the program you decide on:
– Improve leadership and people management skills.
– Develop, advertise and sell your products and services.
– Create and grow in network and create connections or associations
– Manage difficult situations (eg financial crisis, public scandals).
– Maintain healthy company finances.
– Promote and maintain the positive image of the company.
– Collect, interpret and create reports based on industry data.
– Hire top talent and improve employee retention.
– Create hierarchies that help the company to prosper.
– Make difficult decisions at the right time.
In conclusion
Studying an MBA forces you to leave your comfort zone. You will explore the latest international business trends, apply the latest management tools and techniques, and challenge yourself to improve your business, teams, and collaboration.
An MBA is also a great way to prepare for a changing business environment. The skills you develop are also the best tools you have to adapt to the inevitable change in industries, the marketplace, and the way people do business.
If you plan to change career, but the industry evolves in a way that interferes with your plans, the skills you’ve developed will help you adapt quickly and find a new direction. You will also be able to take advantage of changes in the economy and find new business opportunities where others are simply trying to survive in a hostile business environment.