Why an MBA Is Worth It: Three Ways an MBA Can Benefit You

WHY AN MBA IS WORTH IT

3 Ways an MBA Can Benefit You

1. MBAS ARE MORE RELEVANT THAN EVER

Today’s economy breeds more specialized workers than ever before; In a sea of specialists, how do you set yourself apart? The answer lies in business acumen and strong leadership skills. An MBA allows you to differentiate yourself among a group of highly skilled subject matter experts and bridge the gap from technical expert to leader.

Earning an MBA isn’t just about becoming a better leader and getting ahead; An MBA will prepare you for the challenges and changes of tomorrow. Evolving industries, business standards, and hiring practices will require well-equipped managers and leaders. MBA programs provide you the opportunity to hone broader skills - including innovation, preparing for and responding to disruption, and leading diverse employees - while also developing quantitative skills. An MBA program has the potential to transform you into a proactive leader and set you apart in the job market.

2. MODERN MBAS ARE FLEXIBLE

Graduate programs no longer have to be completed full-time to be valuable. Modern part-time programs can be completed in the evenings, weekends, or even online. The following formats are available for part-time students:

Professional MBA (Hybrid): For early to middle career professionals seeking career advancement or beginning a new career track. Classes are held two nights per week, one in person and one virtually. 56% of our students have seen a promotion by graduation.

MBA Online (Virtual): For professionals seeking a flexible online solution to achieve career advancement or change professional industries. Classes are online with optional live webinar sessions. Our students see an average 36% salary increase by graduation.

Executive MBA (Weekend): For experienced, senior-level professionals seeking executive-level strategy and leadership skills. Classes are held on weekends every other week on campus. Students see an average 50% salary increase within three years postgraduation.

CAN AN MBA PROVIDE YOU WITH A STRONG RETURN ON INVESTMENT?

THE ANSWER IS YES. FIND OUT WHAT FACTORS CAN IMPACT YOUR RETURN.

Industry Trends

What are the norms of your industry? The traditional homes of MBA graduates are industries like banking, corporate finance, and management consulting, however, an MBA can provide new pathways in a variety of industries.

MBA students of today are most likely to work in industries like technology or products/services. Some of our most successful MBA alumni at the University of Utah are those who came from highly technical roles (engineering, computer science, etc.) and leveraged what they learned to transition into leadership at their companies.

Program Format

Part-time MBA programs allow students to continue to work while they pursue their degree in the evenings, weekends, or even online. This means that students don’t forgo two years of income – an option that many don’t take into account when considering the ROI of an MBA. Additionally, many students work for companies with tuition sponsorship options built into their benefits, further driving down the cost of the degree.

You

Are you ready to hustle? An MBA will equip you with the skills you will need to be a leader and change-maker, but ultimately it is up to you to put them to use.

The University of Utah’s programs offer career coaching to all current students to help them achieve their goals, ranging from working toward a promotion, changing industries, or starting a business.

On top of career coaching, our programs offer regularly scheduled networking activities, career assessments, job opportunities, expert entrepreneurship advice, and more. The time commitment to fully engage in these opportunities may not be feasible or necessary for everyone pursuing a part-time MBA, but the point remains: career advancement does not come solely through a desire to advance; it requires action.

Full-time MBA programs often have the reputation of delivering the greatest career advancement, and most students in those programs experience incredible career transformations. But why is this? It’s because of the time and effort fulltime MBA students invest in activities that will advance their careers. If you are willing to invest a comparable amount of time and effort in career-advancing activities, you are also likely to see significant results.

Looking for more a concrete ROI calculation? Check out our free ROI calculator: