Pursuing_Mba

PURSUING MBA Pursuing an MBA Danae Lindsey MGT 521 University of Phoenix Pursuing an MBA There reasons to pursue a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) such accomplishing a personal goal, improve career advancement opportunities, and business knowledge (expertise). The completion of an MBA is imperative for professional and personal growth. Obtaining an MBA is a significant achievement in today’s work environment. The MBA degree can provide promising career opportunities and wonder rewards. According to Patterson (2007) “An MBA, or Master’s in Business Administration, can be a great way to move up in a company, change careers or earn a more lucrative salary.” Goals The goals of obtaining an MBA are to accomplish a personal short-term goal, improvement of career advancement opportunities, and increase business knowledge. After completion of obtaining a Bachelor’s degree it has been a short term goal to earn a Master’s degree. The completion of the MBA program will grant a feeling of self gratification. It has been a passionate aspiration to complete this educational short-term goal. The program requires hard work, dedication, and commitment to be successful. It will prove the devotion and perseverance of an individual to accomplish a personal goal. An MBA will enrich the personal development of an individual. The achievement of an MBA will enhance self confidence. The learned knowledge will assist with making confident professional business decisions. Earning a Master’s degree is a life enhancing personal experience. It defines a new meaning on personal and professional relationships with colleagues and MBA cohort. Building last personal relationships with MBA cohort members are important. Those relationships can be used as a networking opportunity. As a professional, in today’s business environment it is important have a networking skills. The MBA cohort can be exposure to important contacts. Sometimes it is not who you know, it is what you know. An MBA degree can improve career advancement opportunities and salary increase. In order to obtain the senior management positions in the federal government there are educational requirements such as having an MBA degree. It is no exemption from the educational requirement. The senior management positions require knowledge of Business Administration. Many employers require an MBA or some type of master degree for senior level management positions. According to Yerak (2000) “A survey conducted by Accountemps found that 80% of top executives say that a graduate business degree is critical to achieving senior management rank.” An MBA degree has monetary benefits. According to Patterson (2007) “Compensation for people with MBA’s can be lucrative. The median starting salary of 2001 graduates of the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business $85,000, according to the school’s 2001 MBA employment report. Signing bonuses ranged from $4,000 in the software industry to $30,000 in finance areas such as investment research and sales. In addition to signing bonuses, some employees will pay the tuition of the people they hire.” The monetary benefits of an MBA are awesome. The federal government offers their employees’ tuition assistance and student loan repayment. Many MBA programs are expensive but very much worth the investment. With companies offering tuition assistance and student loan repayment is validates the importance of a master’s degree. Compensation for higher educational is very important when selecting a potential employer. As a young professional, business knowledge and skills are essential for success in today’s workplace. According to Patterson (2007) “The MBA does offer the chance to further develop critical thinking skills as wells as tangible skills such as valuing companies.” Obtaining an MBA teaches analytical skills to solve business problems and improve and develops business communication skills. Analytical skills are imperative in personal and professional settings. Analyzing and addressing technical problems attributes to making an effective employee or manager. The ability to quickly & effective solve business problems are essential in the workplace. Analytical skills are makes an individual very marketable and a valuable asset to a business company. Business communication skills are a requirement. Effective business communication must be clear and concise. It is important to properly communication with peers and classmates. Jungian Assessment The Jungian Assessment showed an ENTP learning style. The ENTP means the learning styles are innovative, individualistic, versatile, and entrepreneurial. The Jungian Assessment is accurate of the learning styles. The assessment provides a in depth understanding of personality strengths and weakens which can improve work and school program. It can assist with making smart career decision as for as selecting an occupation. The ENTP learning style will be utilized in the completion of the MBA program. The Basic Personality assessment showed extroversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, emotional stability, and openness to experiences. The ENTP learning style and the Basic assessment are very difference. The differences are very obvious. There is not a direct correlation between the two assessments. Innovation is a key skill that can be very useful in both professional and personal settings. It helps to analyze and solve problems. Extroversion is an excellent quality to posses. It means an individual really enjoys working with others. Being an extrovert is great quality for anyone pursuing a MBA or seeking a management position. The Jungian Assessment indicates others perceived as trustworthy. Being perceived as trustworthy by peers is gratifying. Many people in the work environment are not extremely trusting of others and to be perceived as trustworthy is an honor. Peers thoughts the individual’s disciplinary skills needs improvements. One needs to learn how to develop better disciplinary skills. Disciplinary skills are essential to be an effective manager. Summary In conclusion, the decision to pursue an MBA degree has a lot of substantial benefits. The opportunities and benefits of obtaining a MBA degree are endless. MBA graduates are extremely marketable and a valuable asset to any company. The skill sets acquired from the completion of the MBA program will enhance an individual’s personal and professional life. Long lasting relationships are developed within the MBA cohort which enhances the MBA experience. Completion of the program grants self fulfillment. The feeling of fulfillment is a rewarding experience. The investment of dedication, loyalty, and time into completing a MBA is definitely worth it. References Patterson, P. (2002). The MBA: An Investment That Can Transform Your Career. Black Collegian, 33(1), 104. Retrieved from MasterFILE Premier database Rapert, M., Smith, S., Velliquette, A., & Garretson, J. (2004). The Meaning of Quality: Expectations of Students in Pursuit of an MBA. Journal of Education for Business, 80(1), 17. Retrieved from MasterFILE Premier database.