After so many people lost their jobs during the global pandemic, you are grateful that you are still employed. Having said that, you are not really that thrilled with your job. The work is okay overall, but you don’t really feel challenged and you are not earning as much money as you would like.
All of this got you to thinking: maybe you should go back to school and earn your Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. You have a strong interest in business, and you have read articles that mention the generous MBA graduate salary.
An MBA can help you to reach your goals, and as the following reasons show, if you are ready to advance in your career, it is a great way to do just that.
MBA Grads Tend to Earn More
The article you read that mentioned how the average salary of an MBA graduate tends to be higher was spot-on correct. As Seattle University notes, the average MBA graduate salary ranges from around $85,000 up to almost $135,000. Also, it is worth noting that the starting pay for an MBA grad is at least $20,000 higher than for someone with a bachelor’s degree in business. If a higher salary is one of your goals, an MBA can help you achieve it.
An MBA Gives You Marketable Skills
As the Harvard Business Review notes, many organizations are looking to hire people with a number of skills that you will inherently acquire during an MBA program. For example, you will learn how to set strategic goals, influence stakeholders and pitch solutions to others while studying for an MBA. In addition to more analytical work, these “soft skills” that are more communication-focused are highly desired by organizations and businesses.
It Can Help You Land the Job You Want
When you look at jobs that you would love to have, check the level of education that is required. If an MBA is a prerequisite to getting an interview, this should inspire you to get into a program. For example, as The Muse notes, a job in the private equity sector of finance is one where an MBA is really important to have. In addition, this is not the type of job that you can transition into over time — the MBA will be key in whether or not you can be hired.
Online Schools Make It Easier Than Ever
If you are hesitant to apply for an MBA because you are unsure about fitting school into your already busy schedule, know that many MBAs can be earned through online programs. You can still work your regular job and then attend classes from the comfort of your couch. Yes, you will have to put in the work, but you will not have to make a long commute to a brick-and-mortar building or possibly relocate to another city to attend school.
Go For It!
An MBA is not an automatic pass to an amazing job, nor is it something you can earn with a half-hearted effort. But if you have the desire and drive for certain jobs that require it, if you want to earn a higher salary and if you want to be part of a program that will teach you a number of marketable skills you can use in a variety of jobs, it’s time to sign up for that MBA program.