What Do You Need to Know About Earning Your MBA

According to the Graduate Management Admissions Council’s 2022 corporate recruiters survey (GMAC), the proportion of recruiters projecting to hire MBA graduates has steadily grown across the United States over the last decade. 

Corporate recruiters continue to actively seek out MBA graduates to fill coveted leadership roles across industries, with 9 out of 10 recruiters projecting to hire recent MBA graduates in 2022.

The rise of flexible, online MBA programs benefits non-business and business professionals in many ways.   

What Do You Learn in an MBA Program?

If you want to pursue a different career or move up in your current organization, then an MBA degree will equip you with the education needed to accomplish your goals. Common topics included in MBA programs include finance, statistics, accounting, technology, business strategy, sustainability and communication. 

Aside from these core courses, some schools offer specializations for professionals who wish to learn more about a particular topic. For instance, those who are interested in commercial real estate may pursue a real estate development specialization while those interested in business analytics may pursue a business analytics specialization.

How Long Does it Take to Earn an MBA?

A full-time MBA program typically takes between 1 and 2 years to complete, while a part-time MBA program can take up to 4 years to complete. Professionals can choose which MBA program works best for their needs because higher education institutions offer a range of full-time, part-time, in person, online and hybrid programs. 

You will want to make sure whichever program you choose is accredited by the AACSB. AACSB-accredited schools are considered to be the best business schools in the world. 

For example, Montclair State University (an AACSB-accredited institution) offers a fully online MBA degree program that takes 2 years to complete. Our self-paced classes allow you to complete weekly lessons and assignments on your own schedule.     

How Does an MBA Benefit Your Career?

MBA graduates have tangible career benefits such as gaining in-demand business skills, growing a professional network and preparing for future roles. 

Gain Specific Business Skills 

Corporate recruiters responded with the top knowledge and skills they want business school graduates to possess before hiring. In the U.S. the top ones are:

• Interpersonal skills
• Learning, motivation and leadership
• Strategy and innovation

Pursuing your MBA will help you hone in on these specific business skills so you’re fully prepared to excel in your career. 

Grow Your Professional Network

Enrolling in an MBA program isn’t just about academics and skills. It can be a major pathway to growing your professional network, which is proven to open doors for the future. At Montclair State University, you’ll be able to network with peers who share your passion for business, professors and staff, as well as a continuously growing network of alumni.

Prepare for Future Roles

Although various industries are witnessing layoffs, organizations remain in need of MBA graduates to manage and lead the workplace. These industries range from finance and consulting to staffing firms and non-profits. 

Professionals who earn an MBA degree stand out among the competition, even during the toughest hiring market. The 2022 GMAC survey found most companies who reported they were growing/expanding (94%) or maintaining current market position/overcoming challenges (89%) still planned on hiring MBAs in either case.    

What are the Outcomes of Earning an MBA?

The 2022 GMAC survey illustrates the increase in earning potential MBA graduates look forward to in the U.S. compared to professionals who hold a bachelor’s degree. The median starting salary for MBA hires is $115,000 compared to $75,000 for professionals who have a bachelor’s degree. 

In addition to a lucrative salary, new business school graduates also benefit from other common perks that make pursuing an MBA degree worthwhile. Recruiters say they plan to include professional development opportunities, signing bonuses, corporate volunteering, educational assistance and/or assistance in paying down school loan debt into their hiring packages.  

Pursue Your Fully Online MBA Degree at Montclair 

A fully online MBA degree is a powerful tool to significantly boost career growth opportunities. An MBA provides you with the knowledge and skills to become a better manager, entrepreneur, and leader in a variety of industries.

Montclair State University offers 7 different specializations that blend management education with the specific specialization. The specializations Montclair State University offers are: 

• MBA, Business Analytics
• MBA, Digital Marketing
• MBA, Finance
• MBA, Human Resources Management
• MBA, Marketing
• MBA, Project Management
• MBA, Real Estate Development

If you have any questions about an MBA degree or the MBA program at Montclair State University, fill out a form on our website or call/text us at 973-435-8070. You can also email us at onlinebusiness@montclair.edu. We hope to hear from you soon!