Do you dream of becoming a future leader?
If you see yourself in a leadership or managerial role in the future, or are thinking of stepping into entrepreneurship, an MBA could have a really positive impact on your career.
A Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree course is a globally recognised postgraduate qualification. Known worldwide for unlocking doors to higher-level positions in the corporate world, pursuing an MBA could be the stepping stone you need to take your career to the next level and achieve your dreams.
What is an MBA?
An MBA is a postgraduate degree course that is specifically designed to shape your career and help you become a leader in your field.
An MBA degree offers you a unique opportunity to upgrade your managerial skills, broaden your professional network, and expand your knowledge of the business world, often on an international or global scale. You'll have the chance to study business-related topics such as operations, marketing, finance, human resources, and strategic management, and gain a wider perspective on how businesses operate and succeed in the modern world.
Are MBA degrees worth it?
MBAs are widely respected and recognised by employers globally, and often, the investment in an MBA is outweighed by your increased earning potential post-graduation. Glassdoor put the average salary for MBA graduates at £54,000 as of October 2023, with some graduates earning up to £74,000. This is significantly higher than graduates without an MBA. In the latest HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey (2020/21), graduates reported earnings between £24,000 and £29,999 from full-time employment.
If you are considering pursuing an MBA to advance in your current career and increase your earning potential without changing jobs, you might want to discuss your plans to study with your manager. Your manager could have a wider understanding of the potential opportunities in your organisation after completing an MBA, which could help you decide whether the investment of time and money required for an MBA degree will be worthwhile for you.
Discover our 100% online MBA course that allows you to study anytime, anywhere, with flexible payment options to make investing in your future easier today.
Five reasons to consider an MBA degree
The decision to study an MBA, especially if you’re also working full-time with other priorities at home, can be a big one. Here a few reasons why making that decision could benefit your future professional career.
1. You'll build a professional network
One of the crucial benefits of an MBA is the opportunity it offers for networking. Being part of an MBA programme often means you'll be studying alongside professionals from a diverse range of backgrounds, working in a variety of local and global industries. This cross-industry networking can often inspire new ideas, collaboration, and innovation, enriching your experience.
Online MBA courses typically provide excellent opportunities for professional networking. At LIBF, our students become a part of a global community that includes classmates, alumni, staff, and experts from over 130 countries. As an LIBF student, you’ll have access to online groups that enable you to connect with other students and participate in online discussions and you’ll receive a free LIBF professional membership, opening you up to networking and learning opportunities within your field while you study.
Often, the relationships you make during your MBA programme can last long after you’re finished in the classroom. Many MBA providers will have alumni networks that offer lifelong opportunities for networking, creating an extensive global network of professionals you can leverage for mentorship, business partnerships, and future job opportunities.
2. You'll expand your managerial and leadership skills
Enrolling in an MBA programme is a wise move if you're looking to gain more than just academic knowledge about the business world. It will equip you with the essential managerial and leadership skills necessary to flourish in a work environment. Such skills include strategic thinking, problem-solving, effective communication, project management, and entrepreneurial thinking. And you’ll typically get plenty of opportunities to collaborate with your peers on team projects and presentations, which will improve your communication and leadership abilities while fostering entrepreneurial thinking.
Getting a comprehensive understanding of business through an MBA will help you guide your teams efficiently, innovate in your job, and maintain a strategic outlook on your organisation's objectives. These management and leadership abilities are crucial in preparing for higher-level management and leadership positions, and they will make you an asset to any organisation, whether you're seeking to advance in your current company or transition to a new organisation or industry.
3. Increased job opportunities
In today's competitive global job market, it's becoming increasingly important to stand out. This is where an MBA degree can really make a difference. By studying various business domains such as finance, marketing, supply chain management, and HR, you can gain specialized knowledge that will allow you to explore diverse sectors after graduation. With a deep understanding of market dynamics, business trends, and industry best practices, you won't be limited to a single industry. Instead, an MBA program can open many doors to different sectors.
What's more, businesses of all sizes, from promising startups to established multinational corporations, value the skills that MBA graduates bring to the table. Completing an MBA program can lead to a variety of roles, including those highlighted on our online MBA course page.
4. Increased entrepreneurial opportunities
If you see yourself as an innovative entrepreneur in the making, an MBA can kickstart your journey into the exciting and challenging world of entrepreneurship, providing you with the knowledge and skills to transform your innovative ideas into a thriving business venture.
On an MBA course, you’ll develop an understanding of what makes a credible business opportunity, how to craft business proposals and what a capital market is. Combined with your developed understanding of business trends and organisational behaviour, you could soon be transforming your ideas into a successful start-up.
5. Personal development
While it's easy to think of an MBA as a way to advance your career, it also offers you the chance to develop personally and broaden your horizons. An MBA degree encourages a new perspective on business and world issues, fostering creativity, resiliency, and ethical responsibility. It nurtures your ability to turn challenges into opportunities, a quality invaluable in the fast-paced business world.
You'll also get to meet and interact with a people from all walks of life, an aspect that will further develop your communication and team-working skills when looking to manage and work with corporate teams.
Is an MBA degree right for you?
When it comes to making the final decision on studying for an MBA, there are many more factors to consider. Can you make time to study while raising a family and working full-time? Can you afford an MBA, or do you need to find an MBA with a flexible payment plan?
If you’re looking for the ultimate freedom, take a look at our online MBA course and discover an affordable, flexible alternative to traditional on-campus learning.
Discover our online MBA courseFrequently asked questions about studying an MBA
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