MBA Jobs

A master's degree in business administration (or MBA) is useful for moving ahead in the business world. People who have an MBA have access to careers beyond middle-management, and often move up the corporate ladder quickly. About 80 percent of the senior management staff at financial and corporate companies hold MBA degrees.

How do I get an MBA? In the United States, most students complete a four-year bachelor's degree in business before applying to the MBA graduate program of an accredited university. However, MBA candidates may come out of any undergraduate program as long as they complete the required courses and take the Graduate Management Admission Test, or GMAT.

What will an MBA do for my career? MBA programs provide a wide knowledge base in finance, marketing, corporate organization, economics, government, and leadership. MBA grads are therefore qualified for a wide variety of MBA jobs in a broad market. MBA holders usually earn more money than their non-MBA counterparts.

An MBA can also be helpful even if you're not in management at a corporate or financial institution. Business owners of all kinds benefit from the business and marketing skills of an MBA.

Has the value of an MBA changed over time? While an MBA will always be a useful degree, it no longer immediately opens doors. The stock market crash of October 2008, combined with recession economics and high-profile corporate scandals, dramatically affected the MBA job market. Historically, MBA enrollment increases when the economy slumps, resulting in too many MBA holders and too few MBA jobs.

How can I maximize my MBA? Even in a competitive market, an MBA degree can be a huge asset if you use it effectively. If you attended a great graduate program with a widely respected program, finding MBA jobs will be easier than if you attended an unknown school in the middle of nowhere. If the latter is the case, however, don't despair - just work hard on your reference section. You may want to consider a specialized MBA, such as medical services management or biotechnology.