This blog post is part of our "Application Insider" blog post series that provides insider information, tips, and advice about applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program.
APPLICATION INSIDER TOPIC:
WHY PURSUE AN MBA DEGREE?
“Why MBA?” and “why MBA now?” are important questions that deserve careful attention. Not just because of the size of the investment of time and money, but also because knowing what drives you will help strengthen your application and thus increase your chances of being admitted to the school of your choice.
The specific reasons for pursuing an MBA are arguably as diverse as the number of applicants pursuing the degree. Here are some of the more popular reasons (in no specific order), to get you started thinking about your own drivers and goals and how they connect to your target school.
Reason #1: Increase earning potential – The majority of MBA graduates will experience a substantial pay bump on their post MBA jobs which, and depending on the industry, it may also include signing bonus, relocation allowance and other perks. You can learn more about our students internship and full-time placement statistics on our Parker Career Management Center Annual Employment Report here.
Reason #2: Transition to a different role and/or industry – Many students come to business school with plans to switch industries and/or functional roles. What you may find surprising is that close to two thirds of UCLA Anderson’s students are pursuing both or a double pivot (both role and industry) during their time here. These changes are supported vigorously by our top-ranked Parker Career Management Center and their dedicated team of career advisers.
Reason #3: Enhance your leadership skills – Although most students attend MBA programs after a few years of full-time work experience (average range is 3 to 5 yrs.) after college, it is not unusual for students to want to want to develop their soft skills as they look to start to transition into managerial roles. These kills are developed at MBA programs through the active student involvement in extracurricular leadership roles (in clubs, conferences, student government and more), and the extensive teamwork which is required of students during the program.
Reason #4: Acquire technical skills – As a student in the MBA program, you will not only take classes in core management courses which will give you a broad understanding of business fundamentals, but you will also be able to go deeper into the specific disciplines that will support your career switching plans through electives courses. Additionally, students at Anderson can take up to 3 classes outside of the business school at another UCLA school or pursue dual degrees with one of 10 other departments on campus.
Reason #5: Expand your network – As a member of a business school class you will be in the company of some of the brightest individuals you have yet to meet. You will be able to work side by side with them in projects that will challenge you and push you out of your comfort zone. It is this intense collaboration and partnership that will foster deep lasting bonds with fellow students who you will come to count on as your personal network, professional advisors and life long friends. This vast network also includes the 38K+ strong global alumni network of our school.
Reason #6: Be your own boss – Even though not everyone that graduates from an MBA program will be a company founder, many students do hold ambitions of being in charge of their own destinies and launching their own venture down the road. At Anderson the entrepreneurial spirit of our community is alive and well and evidenced by the programs and events organized by the Price Center for Entrepreneurship, pitch and case competitions or the work done to help nurture future businesses by our own Venture Accelerator.
Reason #7: Make a stronger impact in the world – Last but certainly not least, new generations of students view business culture with a fresh perspective that is a far cry from the one exemplified by the infamous Gordon Gekko character in Oliver Stone’s Wall Street film. Many students have a keen awareness of the importance of sustainability and social entrepreneurship and the role of business to be a force for good and a positive impact in the world.
Whatever your reason or reason for pursuing an MBA degree it is important that you research how the program of your choice will help you realize those objectives and how you plan to get actively involved to realize your goals. This research and self-assessment will help you identify the schools that are a good match for you. It will also help you prepare a stronger application and give you the confidence needed to knock your interview out of the park. A little self-assessment upfront will pay plenty down the road.
Check back for more "Application Insider" blog posts that will cover information and tips on the many aspects of applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program!
-- Adrian Aguirre, Associate Director of MBA Admissions
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