Mba vs. Master’s Why an Early Career Mba Is a Great Option
If you are a senior in college or a recent graduate, you might be struggling with a choice between a tailored Master’s program (e.g., in Accounting, Finance or International Business), or an MBA.
A great option to consider is an Early Career MBA – a full-time, traditional MBA program that is geared for young professionals. While a Master’s degree may have a shorter duration and may cost less, it also prepares you for a more limited, narrowly-defined role within an organization. If you strive to become a manager or entrepreneur in business or non-profit management, the MBA is a stronger long-term option because: * You gain a broader understanding of business fundamentals. MBA students take a wide spectrum of courses in Finance, Marketing, Strategy, Supply Chain / Operations Management, Human Resources Management, and more. This “core” positions you to one day become a general executive of a company or non-profit organization vs. a specialist in only one area. * Better financial return on your investment – MBAs tend to make higher salaries than those with specialized Master’s – immediately after graduation, but long term as they move into executive management roles at a faster rate. * Higher responsibility, more quickly – According to a survey by the Graduate Management Admission Council, students who complete a full-time two-year MBA program are more likely to start their career as a mid-level professional (69%). The majority of students who earn a Master’s degree (60%) start their careers after graduation in an entry-level position. * Larger and stronger networks – Specialized Masters programs typically take 12-18 months to complete, leaving less time for students to develop close relationships with their cohorts. The relationships are also more focused in one particular skill area. Traditional MBA programs are 20 months, specifically designed to create strong bonds between classmates and alumni. * Structured internship and career
A great option to consider is an Early Career MBA – a full-time, traditional MBA program that is geared for young professionals. While a Master’s degree may have a shorter duration and may cost less, it also prepares you for a more limited, narrowly-defined role within an organization. If you strive to become a manager or entrepreneur in business or non-profit management, the MBA is a stronger long-term option because: * You gain a broader understanding of business fundamentals. MBA students take a wide spectrum of courses in Finance, Marketing, Strategy, Supply Chain / Operations Management, Human Resources Management, and more. This “core” positions you to one day become a general executive of a company or non-profit organization vs. a specialist in only one area. * Better financial return on your investment – MBAs tend to make higher salaries than those with specialized Master’s – immediately after graduation, but long term as they move into executive management roles at a faster rate. * Higher responsibility, more quickly – According to a survey by the Graduate Management Admission Council, students who complete a full-time two-year MBA program are more likely to start their career as a mid-level professional (69%). The majority of students who earn a Master’s degree (60%) start their careers after graduation in an entry-level position. * Larger and stronger networks – Specialized Masters programs typically take 12-18 months to complete, leaving less time for students to develop close relationships with their cohorts. The relationships are also more focused in one particular skill area. Traditional MBA programs are 20 months, specifically designed to create strong bonds between classmates and alumni. * Structured internship and career