Deciding to study for an MBA is a big step for aspiring managers. Is pursuing an MBA program at a business school abroad a good choice? Are the financial investment and the entry requirements justified? All in all, is an MBA degree worth it?

If you’re preparing to enter the competitive business world of today, we believe it is.

So, what can you do with an MBA? An MBA will offer you a wealth of advantages, especially when it’s from a well-regarded business school. Getting a high MBA salary after graduation, landing a management position, developing a strong professional network, or even becoming your own boss are just a few of the advantages of studying an MBA degree abroad.

 

Need to know more? Here are more top reasons to start studying a Business Administration degree:

 

5. Start your own company from scratch

 

Many students choose an MBA because they want to become entrepreneurs and learn how to start and grow a business. They have a big dream and want to know how to turn it into reality. Here’s why an MBA can help you become a successful entrepreneur:

MBA professors with real-life experience in starting a business can tell you the major traps you need to avoid and what you should do to make sure your company grows and remains stable over time.

You can find MBA colleagues who have similar interests. Share your ideas with them and see if you can form a common vision. It’s easier to succeed with your start-up if you have a reliable partner who has your back and vice versa.

You’ll learn how to communicate effectively and why it is essential for the success of any organization. Whether you’re negotiating a contract with the suppliers or explaining your vision to prospective investors, knowing how to express your ideas clearly can make the difference between winning or losing the support and attention of your audience.

Don’t believe you’re the only one who wants to become an entrepreneur. Many MBA graduates end up starting their own business. According to the GMAC research team, “B-school alumni entrepreneurs most often found their own companies (85 percent), and combined, over half establish businesses within the consulting (36 percent) or products/services industry (26 percent).”

 

6. MBAs are great for a career change and thriving business opportunities

 

Many students take MBAs to either change the industry they’re working in or advance to a managerial or administrative position. You shouldn’t do both at once, as it’s possible to spread too thin – not having the work experience in the new position to back it up. Approximately 1 in 3 prospective MBA students use their management education to pursue opportunities in new industries or job functions they have not worked in.

It’s a good idea to decide on the industry and job you plan to follow before applying to the MBA. This way, it will be easier to pick the best MBA for your needs and have clear future goals that weigh heavily during your application interview. Also, you’ll have 2 years to develop the exact skills you need for the new job.

The versatility and diversity of MBA program specializations are great support for those preparing for a career switch.

Graduates of part-time or full-time MBA programs have higher chances of holding a high-level management position and enjoying successful MBA careers. Over 50% of MBA graduates worldwide are senior managers or board directors. This type of positions brings a higher salary, but also greater responsibilities.

 

Here are some of the largest companies in the world that hire MBA graduates:

–Amazon

–Apple

–Bain & Company

–The Boston Consulting Group (BCG)

–Citigroup

–Facebook

–Goldman Sachs

–JP Morgan

–McKinsey & Company

–Microsoft

–Walt Disney

 

7. Study excellent MBAs all over the world

 

By earning an MBA degree abroad, you will gain a new perspective on how businesses are handled and get to live in a foreign country during your studies. This will broaden your cultural horizon and your international business career prospects. You can find companies that you want to work for and arrange meetings with potential employers. Who knows, you might end up staying and working in that country after graduation.

When considering which countries are best for studying an MBA, you should search for the nations offering the best MBAs and the best specializations according to your needs. It’s also important to keep in mind the initial investment like tuition fees, living costs and which employers are more likely to hire you after graduation.

Here are the best countries for studying an MBA and the top business schools in each country:

The United States is the clear winner in terms of top-ranked MBA degrees. The U.S. wrote the book on business and offers MBA specializations for anything you can think of. It has one of the biggest economies in the world, offers diverse career options and salaries to match them.

In terms of prestige on the job market, an American MBA diploma weighs heavily and may provide the extra edge you need on a competitive job market. The challenge with the U.S. would be the substantial investment and living costs, plus the unpredictable immigration laws.

The United Kingdom has an old tradition in business education and matchless academic quality. There are many one-year MBAs you can choose from. The UK is great if you plan to work in the banking sector, as top MBA graduates are very much in demand by banks in Britain. One drawback would be the unpredictable economic climate with the Brexit situation as well as the status of European students coming to the UK.

France was the first European country to introduce the one-year MBA. Employment following a French MBA is high: 80-90% of graduates from the country’s top schools find employment in business sectors. Paris has the largest business district in Europe, also known as the Wall Street of France. The challenge is that you may have to learn French to work in the business industry.

Canada is more affordable than the US, the UK and Australia, while also being present in top international rankings and giving you a better return on investment for your MBA. Because of the relaxed immigration laws, most of the international students who graduate an MBA in Canada stay and work in the county. Canada is also known to have a stable economy, which helps with business ventures that rely on predictability.

Australia has a strong international focus, attracting MBA students from North America, Europe, Africa and Asia. This offers great opportunities for networking and has great potential for students who want to specialize on international business. Australian universities also offer many scholarship opportunities. The downside to Australia is the high living cost.

China has cities like Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong that are massive global financial, trade and industrial centers. Chinese MBA degrees are more affordable than similar studies in other countries worldwide. The percentage of MBA graduates employed after three months is well over 90% at most Chinese schools, with some schools even achieving 100% post-graduate employment rates. Studying here is also a great opportunity to break into the immense Chinese market that many global companies are trying to get a piece of.

Singapore is a great place to do business in the technology sector, as the country has integrated technology into infrastructure and the lives of its citizens. This is also a very international country with the biggest part of business school faculty and students coming from a foreign nation. An MBA in Singapore is great for specializing in innovation and entrepreneurship.

 

About the author:  Alexandru Pop has a Bachelor’s in Philosophy and a Master’s in Psychology and is the Senior SEO Specialist and editorial manager of Studyportals. He has been writing for Studyportals since 2014.

 

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