5 Reasons Why Companies Prefer MBAs

Obtaining a master’s degree of business administration is no easy feat. It might not be quite as hard as a legal or medical degree (aside from the GMAT to get into an MBA program there are no major exams required to gain licensure or practice in your chosen career), but it still entails several additional years of post-graduate study to complete. And like any master’s program, in-depth knowledge of the subject matter and critical thinking are required to graduate, especially when it comes to completing a thesis or some kind of project for equivalent credit (depending on the demands of your program). Then, of course, there is specialization to consider. In short, getting an MBA proves that you’re made of sterner stuff than the average baccalaureate degree holder, and it makes you a more desirable candidate for hire. In fact, there are several reasons why companies prefer to hire MBA grads. Here are a few that might convince you to go for the gold in your pursuit of a business degree.

1.  Good base of knowledge. One of the best things about completing an MBA program is that it will indicate to prospective employers that you are adept (or at least informed) in multiple areas of business administration. The subjects you cover in some amount of depth could include management, human resources, production, PR, marketing, communications, finance/accounting, and any number of other facets involved in running a successful business. But what may appeal to companies even more is the fact that you’re schooled and likely skilled at using the latest programs and technology associated with business administration. For example, you may be trained to understand the ins and outs of social media marketing, something that many businesses are seeking help with these days.

2.  New ideas. There’s a reason why major corporations like to hire MBAs straight out of school: as a student you’re coming from an environment that encourages creativity and innovation, something that many businesses need in order to get the edge over their competition. Certainly experience is attractive, as well, but over time, those who fail to continue participating in the learning process will become stagnant, regurgitating the same old ideas. An infusion of fresh blood, especially employees that are qualified graduates, can help a company continue moving forward in an ever-changing consumer marketplace and a growing global economy.

3.  Proven dedication. Not everyone has the level of dedication needed to complete a master’s degree program. By earning your MBA you will prove to prospective employers that you have the motivation and integrity to stick with goals until they have been accomplished. This is important to many companies that don’t relish the prospect of training an employee only to lose him or her to corporate poachers.

4.  Management skills. Any kind of business administration duties will require some amount of delegation, which means you will likely end up managing a team of other employees sooner rather than later. An MBA program should prepare you for this eventuality. While many companies offer their own management training programs in-house, they’ll gladly take employees that are already prepared for the task.

5.  Self-direction. Whether you attend a top online MBA program or you graduate from Harvard Business School, you’re going to learn how to manage your time and complete projects on your own as part of your education. This is extremely valuable to employers, who aren’t going to want to hold your hand for long, or at all.