Jesse Langley lives near Chicago where she works at a technology startup. Some would call her a workaholic, but then they realizes she legitimatel loves her job. She loves reading and crackling fires and she writes on behalf of Colorado Technical University.
Earning your Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a great way to prepare for the problems you will undoubtedly face when entering the workforce. It’s difficult to succeed in business without getting your foot in the door, and an MBA can do just that. With an MBA, you can be better equipped to face a dwindling job market and find effective solutions for problems within your industry. However, not everyone is well-suited for an MBA. To determine your own compatibility with an MBA program, consider the following reasons why you may (or may not) need an MBA.
1. You strive for progress. If you have a Freudian attachment to your parents and want to live in their house forever, an MBA program may not be a good choice for you. Alternatively, if you are always making new goals and working hard to achieve them, you would be an excellent candidate for an MBA. Those with MBA degrees are always looking for ways to progress, both professionally and personally. If you would classify yourself as a “go-getter,” you are likely well-suited for an MBA program.
2. You love learning new things. Too often people forget that the primary purpose for higher education is not to increase your likelihood of landing a high-paying job, but to expand your mind and develop skills that benefit you in your everyday life. If you’re someone who values knowledge and are always striving to improve your self-sufficiency, an MBA program is an excellent choice for you. If you strive to structure your life around the saying “Ignorance is bliss,” perhaps an MBA program is not the best option.
3. You like being in charge. Some people enjoy taking orders—in a bizarre, psychologically unhealthy kind of way—but those who like to be in charge are much better suited for an MBA. Individuals with an MBA usually prefer to take control of a situation and be a leader. Without an MBA, climbing up the corporate ladder can be difficult, which is why those who like managing a team and taking on responsibility are more fit for an MBA program.
4. You have excellent life-management skills. Where there’s a will, there’s a way, to earn an MBA you must always have a will. If you’re the kind of person who can juggle two part-time jobs, raise a family, and work hard in your MBA program, you are exactly the kind of person that’s best suited for the business industry. If going to the grocery store every week overwhelms you, you might want to look into alternative routes.
5. You think positively and creatively. Let’s face it: business is all about losing until you win. If you are incapable of maintaining a positive outlook despite the downfalls, an MBA program is not a good plan for you. Individuals who hold MBA degrees are resilient and passionate about their work. They have a strong drive to get things done, but they also think creatively and are, more-or-less, idea machines. If you’re one of those “woe is me” types who hasn’t completed a creative project since kindergarten art class, you probably won’t find success in an MBA program.
Enrolling in an MBA program isn’t something to be taken lightly: it will require hard work, creativity, and time-management skills. If setting and meeting goals, taking charge, and taking on new challenges isn’t your style, then an MBA program isn’t for you. But if you’re ready to take your career to the next level, consider enrolling.
Are you thinking of getting your MBA? What questions do you have?
If you already have your MBA, what advice do you have to potential MBA students?