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Decision for Mba

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The past several years has brought upon what many would consider a soured economy. Job outlook is scarce and many businesses have had to engage in hefty layoffs and even close their doors. This is problematic because there are many more individuals looking for jobs and far less companies hiring. With so many people applying for fewer positions, employers have a great opportunity to select the best candidate for their position. The question, then, is how does one stand out and be recognized by a potential employer rather than simply getting lost in the mix? Many people turn to furthering their education by obtaining a Master of Business Administration (MBA) to give them an advantage over their peers. Although a person is furthering their education and refining their skills, the decision of obtaining an MBA is met with opposing views. One of the most debated aspects of an MBA program is its ability to set a person up for financial success. Many wonder if the benefits of the degree are worth investing in if it may limit options and create debt. In an article from CBS Money Watch, author Trunk (2011) comments that the amount of time one invests in getting an MBA could be applied to on-the-job experience instead. The author argues that experience will equip them as equally as investing that time in education only without having student loans. On-the-job experience is important, but continuing education and refining communication skills will help to broaden a student’s ability to apply oneself in the work place. Moreover, there is generally a financial earnings increase associated with successful graduates of MBA programs. In data collected from Occupational Outlook Quarterly in 2003, the median weekly earnings of a person with a master’s degree were approximately $422 higher than those without a degree (Lacey & Crosby, 2004-2005). That is $22,900 more per year on average. Assuming that median incomes have increased with inflation since 2003, and considering that the average student loan for an MBA is currently $31,927 (finaid.org), a person should not have trouble paying off debt if they manage their finances accordingly ("American Student Assistance", 2012). The government, along with many employers, has financial aid available to help alleviate the gravity of graduate school loans. FAFSA is a program that operates under the Higher Education Act to help individuals initiate work-study programs, obtain loans, and in some cases gain federal assistance ("Federal Student Aid Gateway", n.d.). Employers understand the importance of having their employees advance their skills in ethical leadership, communication, management, and business strategy through academics. Obtaining an MBA will only expedite the mastery of these topics. Aside from financial advances, an MBA also has the ability to equip people with enhanced skill sets that improve workflow, team building, and strategy. According to data collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many “top executives in the public sector often have a degree in business administration, public administration, law, or the liberal arts. Top executives of large corporations often have a Master of Business Administration (“Occupational outlook handbook,” 2012)”. It is evident that in order to obtain executive managerial status, employees need to be educated in certain areas of business and performance that an MBA provides. However, this view is met with some opposition. In a study conducted at the University of Auckland, New Zealand, evidence showed that some executives that already have an MBA do not view it as imperative as on-the-job training for their employees. However, research has also shown that four of the top ten world business leaders posses an MBA (Birchfield, 2010). So, whether a current executive believes a degree to be relevant to their employees or not, the skills obtained in the program have certainly had a positive impact on the global business community. Obtaining an MBA adds long-term value to a person’s career performance by enhancing pivotal qualities such as communication, leadership, problem-solving, and time-management. Trunk (2011) argues that, when considering job outlook, “right now you can choose anything. After you go to business school you can only choose jobs that pay enough to pay back your loans.” Does an MBA really limit an employee’s options upon graduating? It is possible that if an individual does not take initiative to relocate, to learn new concepts, or explore the global market, there may be some financial limitations. However, today’s economy has much opportunity in a global sense as business leaders learn to explore new avenues for profit and networking. According to Pete Withers, “our business leaders will be dealing with global business people, all of whom will have MBAs. That is today's driver's license (Birchfield, 2010).” So, in order to be equipped to perform in a global market, one needs to understand how the system operates to be successful. This knowledge does not initially come from on-the-job experience, but rather being educated. An MBA will give a person the tools necessary to succeed in business, but it is still up to the individual to take the associated risks and use the tools to benefit their own career. In order to broaden business approaches, understanding of competitive job market, and learn to properly communicate on a global platform, one should seriously consider getting their MBA. Often, with motivated individuals, the value gained from the education will fully outweigh any financial debt that may follow a master’s program. The programs set up an individual to have a competitive edge because of their ability to make high-value, complex decisions. The MBA is by no means an overnight remedy to making a fortune. With a long-term and goal oriented attitude, a person will be successful in enhancing their job into their career.

References

American Student Assistance. (2012). Student loan debt statistics. Retrieved from http://http://www.asa.org/policy/resources/stats/default.aspx
Birchfield, R. (2010, May). MBAs Are they worth it?. New Zealand Management, 57(4), 28-34. MasterFILE Premier.
Federal student aid gateway. (n.d.). Retrieved from
 http://federalstudentaid.ed.gov/about/index.htm
Lacey, J., & Crosby, O. (2004-2005, Winter). Job outlook for college graduates. Occupational 
 outlook quarterly, 17. Retrieved from http://www.bls.gov/opub/ooq/2004/winter/art02.pdf
Occupational outlook handbook. (2012, March). Top executives. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. 
 Department of Labor, 2012-2013 edition. Retrieved from 
 http://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/top-executives.htm
Trunk, P. (2010, December 9). Thinking of getting an MBA? Here are 5 reasons not to. CBS money watch. Retrieved from http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505125_162-46940101/thinking-of-getting-an-mba-here-are-five-reasons-not-to/

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