4 Signs You’re Ready to Pursue an Online MBA at Montclair State University

Going back to school can be overwhelming. But, for people who are ready to make the commitment, it’s an investment that can pay for itself many times over. 

Before you start, it’s a good idea to take some time to self-assess and decide if you’re ready to invest the time and resources required for an MBA program. 

With online MBA courses becoming more common, many professionals are reaping the benefits of an MBA without quitting their jobs or putting their careers on hold. If you haven’t felt like you could take advantage of a traditional, full-time MBA, an online MBA program, like the one offered by Montclair State University, could open up new doors.

Ready to apply? Get started on your application today!

Here are 4 signs that a Montclair State University online MBA could be the right choice for you:

1. You have a personality that is driven toward leadership and career growth.

If you’re someone who is good at self-managing, actively sets and achieves goals, learns quickly, and communicates well with others, then you’re probably a good fit for a leadership position.

Some of the most common reasons for pursuing an MBA are the job growth and leadership opportunities the degree offers. 

In 2018, 81 percent of companies worldwide reported that they planned to hire recent MBA graduates. That number has steadily grown on average over the past five years. 

Additionally, 52 percent of companies in 2018 reported plans to increase starting base salaries for MBA grads. 

Even if you aren’t planning a move into a C-suite position, an MBA can open up new job opportunities and possibly even allow for more upward momentum with your current employer.

2. You are an agile learner that is ready to make new connections. 

An added benefit of pursuing an MBA is the opportunity to network with other students, faculty, and alumni. 

Business school courses typically involve collaborative assignments and projects. The chance to learn from and create connections with other like-minded students can be invaluable. Many MBA students have previous work experience, and they come from a variety of undergraduate majors. 

These opportunities are multiplied in an online program where you can work with people from different areas of the U.S. and even other countries.

This unique experience allows you to meet people with different backgrounds and career goals, and it allows you to form lasting relationships and make positive impressions on your future colleagues. 

These types of connections can not only help you find new job prospects, but can also help you stay current with what’s happening in your industry. You’ll have a community you can reach out to for help answering questions and addressing difficult problems, and you’ll be able to do the same for them.

3. You have an analytical mind and are always looking for new opportunities. 

Being a valuable employee isn’t just about solving the problems that fall into your lap; employees who are proactive and look for ways to improve their company are oftentimes the ones who get the most recognition. 

Whether you’re an entrepreneur at heart or want to move up the corporate ladder, an MBA will give you the skills you need to solve problems and take on a variety of roles. 

If you are interested in running your own business, an MBA can give you the tools you need to develop a business plan, market your company, hire and manage teams, and more. 

An entrepreneur needs to have expertise in a variety of areas and be able to quickly analyze and solve problems. An MBA can help you further develop these skills and the others you gained in your undergraduate experience. 

Those same skills will also help you if you are working for someone else. Being able to manage a team, work with a marketing department, and understand how a business operates makes you a well-rounded candidate for management and leadership positions.  

4. You want to be engaged in a field that requires an MBA.

In some fields, the experience is more important than an advanced degree, but that’s not always the case.

To break into certain industries and positions like Finance, Business Analytics, and Digital Marketing, an MBA is required, and even with experience in a related field or position, it can be hard to build a successful career without one. Some fields, like Private Equity, value MBAs and prefer—or even exclusively hire—people who have them. 

Additionally, an MBA will give you the skills to fully engage in your job and move your company forward. Your understanding of how a business works and how to successfully solve problems will make you an invaluable asset and allow you to be an involved and contributing member of the business community.

If your industry research has found that an advanced degree is listed in the requirements section of all the job postings that excite you, an MBA program could be a good next step.

Start your journey toward a Montclair State University MBA.

While the decision to pursue an MBA isn’t one to take lightly, if you see your career aspirations and goals reflected in this article, it’s a step you should seriously consider. 

Whether you’re looking for the opportunity to advance at your current company or you want to make a career change into a totally different industry, you can broaden your horizons and change the course of your future with an online MBA. 

And while all of these categories may not apply to you, if even just one of them did, you should consider whether an MBA program can help propel you to the next step in your career.

Montclair State University’s online MBA program offers a General MBA with the option to complete online concentrations like Project Management, Marketing, and Human Resources.

Through our AACSB-accredited program, you’ll learn both academic theory and practical application, and you’ll be prepared to enter the fast-paced and rapidly-changing world of business.