Articles

Combining Relevant Work Experience With MBAs

2011-01-05

In any economy, MBAs stand out in the applicant pool and frequently command a higher salary when combined with relevant work experience. An MBA from an Ivy League school is a definite asset but, really, any prospective employee that graduates from a reputable MBA program has an advantage over other applicants. Before a prospective employee gets to the application process, finding the right MBA program is a must. Some programs require life/work experience and some simply require high grades and stellar GMAT scores. Other options to consider are whether an international distance learning program or moving to attend school are appropriate for your job field or resume.

There's an adage about graduate schools that says basically a student should find a graduate program in the city or locale he would like to live in. The reasoning is that while attending school he will make such fantastic connections, a job upon graduation is easier to attain. With the ease of online and distance learning at quality schools, it's not quite as necessary to learn in a specific location, particularly if an employer is footing the bill and willing to promote MBAs from within. When footing the bill for oneself, it is nice to make a determination about where the jobs are and if starting an MBA program in that location is helpful. From a networking standpoint, there is a definite and tangible benefit.

The primary benefit for attending a reputable MBA program and attending in person is the ability to take advantage of the internship opportunities. Building a network of people and developing business contacts are crucial to the ability to translate MBA skills into a job, company or career. By defining the work experience appropriate for an individual's professional pursuits, choosing a reputable MBA program to attend is easier.

Some schools require previous work experience prior to admittance. For applicants, that signifies that the program assumes some educational or experiential basics, and all students bring their unique skill sets to the required classes. For prospective employers, it signifies a willingness to learn after already having, presumably, succeeded in a corporate environment. Of course, if an individual's previous skill set is combined with his interests, that makes the classes much easier and more interesting.

Participating in an MBA program, when combined with work experience, is perhaps the best way to advance and experiment with an education that is designed to stretch creativity and business acumen. There are high profile stories about successful people who eschewed an MBA, or even a BA but, for those few stories, there are more people who have used their life and work experience to enhance their education and build a wonderful career.