Learn What an MBA Degree Is and What You Need to Know

Many business schools will accept GMAT or GRE test scores. However, a few test-optional MBA programs do not need applicants to submit business school entrance exam scores. Furthermore, several business schools that normally require test scores will waive that criterion for students who qualify based on remarkable work experience or a strong college GPA.

 

B-schools may invite applicants to interviews on occasion and may require applicants to submit video essays. And, while some programs are geared for college students or recent college grads, most schools prefer MBA applicants with significant job experience.

MBA admissions officers prefer to see proof of job advancement in an MBA application, which means that the applicant steadily assumed more professional responsibility. But, according to experts, it’s also beneficial if applicants have success stories about how they were able to contribute to their present organization, previous employers, college campus, or local community.

MBA Degrees of Various Types

According to Rebecca Horan, a former admissions officer for New York University’s Stern School of Business’s Executive MBA program, there are various MBA programs to pick from, including full-time, part-time, and executive MBA programs. She goes on to say that each type is suited for a particular type of student.

According to Horan, a full-time MBA program is an all-encompassing educational experience that helps students reset their career trajectories. “Because it is such an intensive, all-in curriculum, you can use it to accelerate your career as well as make a career transfer.”

 

However, a part-time program may be a better fit for someone who is happy with their current professional path but wants to advance, especially if the firm is willing to pay the cost of a part-time MBA school, according to Horan. In addition, she believes that someone content with their existing employees may not want to quit it to pursue a full-time MBA degree.

Executive MBA programs, according to Horan, are created for seasoned business people who want to advance their careers and improve their leadership skills.

Experts believe there are two types of full-time MBA programs that MBA candidates should consider: a standard two-year MBA program and an accelerated one-year MBA program. One-year, full-time MBA programs often cost less than two-year programs and take less time to complete, but the speed of these programs requires students to handle a significant academic workload, according to experts.

MBA Specializations and Concentrations

MBA programs typically provide a variety of emphases or specializations that allow students to gain knowledge in a certain area of business, such as finance or technology.

Experts advise MBA candidates to choose a specialty based on the abilities that will help them improve their work performance and the specialties that would most likely increase their job possibilities. MBA graduates with in-demand specializations earn more than their counterparts with less-marketable specializations, according to experts.

How to Get Ready for an MBA

According to Horan, ambitious students must determine their overall career goals before enrolling in an MBA school so that they can make use of their institution’s on-campus recruitment possibilities. She observes that MBA recruiters often begin visiting business school campuses shortly after the start of MBA programs.