A Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree can open a multitude of career doors. This statement not only sounds attractive to professionals interested in a career change or more growth opportunities, but it is also a proven fact. In a survey of nearly 6,000 MBA graduates, The Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC) found that eight different industries lead employment of MBA graduates, including healthcare, government, technology, consulting and finance. Additionally, graduates’ job functions varied from general management to marketing, IT and human resources. This speaks to the versatility and allure of an MBA.
Accredited MBA programs equip graduates with a compelling blend of hard and soft skills that provide a solid leadership framework in any field. The curriculum of William Paterson University’s online MBA General program offers students rigorous study in financial operations, global economics, business analytics, innovation, corporate sustainability and negotiation strategies. This program provides total flexibility in selecting electives, allowing students to tailor their studies to individual talent and aspirations.
Students who want to add an online MBA concentration area can choose from the following five at William Paterson University: Marketing; Entrepreneurship; Finance; Human Resource Management; and Accounting.
Most MBA programs have robust alumni networks and career services offices that generate invaluable professional guidance. William Paterson University’s strong alumni network helps graduates stay connected to the people and resources that can facilitate forward movement in their careers.
Ninety-three percent of full-time MBA alumni have found their degree to be professionally rewarding. Here are a few more benefits of earning a general studies MBA:
- There is no limit to what you can pursue professionally. General MBA programs present students with the freedom to explore a range of business concepts. Specializations and concentrations can narrow the scope and limit employment opportunities. If you’d like to utilize your degree in a broader sense, a general MBA program would be worth considering.
- It can pave the way for entrepreneurship. If you see yourself entering a managerial or executive role, this could be the path for you. Twenty-five percent of MBA candidates have entrepreneurial goals, and 85% of alumni have established their own companies.
- It improves adaptability. We live in an ever-changing society, and adaptability is crucial. The ability to adjust and stay ahead of a constantly shifting marketplace directly impacts long-term professional success. MBAs have a valued reputation across industries, empowering graduates with the confidence to pivot when necessary and continue professional development.
- It can lead to tremendous earning potential. Sure, MBAs are an avenue to managerial positions, which typically brings in more money than non-management jobs. But a general MBA can still be beneficial to those without their sights on business management. According to compensation projections published by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, 2020 MBA graduates could earn an average starting salary of $79,043. This is more than $20,000 higher than the average salary projection for graduates with a bachelor’s degree. Of course, wages vary by industry and experience.
A general studies MBA pairs well with any individual’s professional goals, from the creative to the analytical and the business-minded to nonbusiness-minded. The program’s appeal is in the overall marketability and versatility of the degree, but its impact will continue to be felt long after graduation.
Learn more about William Paterson University’s online General MBA program.
Sources:
Career Profiles: MBA in General Business
Graduate Management Admission Council: 2018 Alumni Perspectives Survey
MBA.com: An MBA Opens Doors to a Variety of Careers
U.S. News.com: See Which MBA Programs Lead to the Best Return on Investment
