If you’ve been thinking about returning to college to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, your time may be now.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 9% growth in the management occupations sector between 2020 and 2030, an increase of approximately 906,800 new jobs.1
A Master of Business Administration could help prepare you with the skills and knowledge to explore new career vistas—a compelling reason to earn this degree. If you’re ready for an MBA online program, here are five ways to start preparing for business school:
- Establish your career goals.
As you blaze your path to a business administration degree, mold your dreams and ambitions into specific career goals. Monitor job boards to stay current on advertised positions. Talk to leaders and mentors within your company and profession. Consider interviewing and shadowing an executive in the type of job you will seek once you have your MBA degree in hand. Do some research. The BLS website and its Occupational Outlook Handbook are excellent sources for data and insights into professions, earning potential, and career options. If you’re already enrolled in an online university, use the abundant resources of its career services center. - Select an accredited university.
Match your aspirations to an online MBA program that meets professional standards. The best business schools will offer accredited programs, such as those accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). A degree from an ACBSP-accredited program can help prepare you to compete in the global marketplace. Also choose a business school that offers the degree and specialization you seek. (More on that next.) And as a working professional for whom time is the most precious commodity, you’ll want to select an online graduate degree program with a flexible and convenient learning platform. You supply the laptop, the internet connection, and the “classroom”—your kitchen table, a coffee shop, or that comfortable couch. - Choose your MBA degree program.
Now that you’ve set your career goals and selected a top MBA program, it’s time to chart your academic course. Find the best fit for your future by exploring specializations in areas such as healthcare management, human resource management, or project management. Walden University offers a top MBA program with these options, plus a self-designed specialization for the ultimate in customization. - Set your time frame.
How long does it take to get an MBA? Time to completion can depend on many factors—including prior credits earned and individual progress—but some universities offer completion options that help students proceed at a pace that’s right for them. For example, Walden University’s MBA program has three completion options: the Standard Track; the One-Year Fast-Track; and the Tempo Learning® competency-based format. With Tempo Learning®, students can learn and advance on their own schedule, speeding up or slowing down as needed. - Prepare for admission.
You’ll need to round up a few items before getting started with your online education. At Walden, you can begin the admission process with an unofficial transcript, though an official transcript is required once you’re admitted. You’ll also be asked to provide a résumé showing your work and educational history. An Enrollment Specialist will guide you through the process of applying for your online graduate degree program, and once admitted you’ll receive information about ways to help fund your education through grants and loans, scholarships, limited-time savings, and tuition-reduction opportunities. You’ll be ready to enroll in your first course before you know it.
These five steps can help turn ideas into action and dreams into reality. The late Ruth Handler, co-founder of toy manufacturer Mattel Inc., once said, “We didn’t know how to run a business, but we had dreams and talent.” Imagine what you can achieve when you combine your dreams and talents with an MBA degree. The wide world of business administration awaits you.
Walden University is an accredited institution offering a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program online. Expand your career options and earn your degree in a convenient, flexible format that fits your busy life.
1Source: www.bls.gov/ooh/management
Walden’s BS in Business Administration, Master of Business Administration (MBA), Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), and PhD in Management programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). The MS in Accounting and BS in Accounting programs are also accredited by the ACBSP and have earned the organization’s separate accounting accreditation.
Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, www.hlcommission.org.