7 Most Important Features of an MBA Program

For someone with a keen interest in understanding how a business functions, an advanced  degree in business makes absolute sense. So if you’re someone who’s looking for a master’s degree in business, then this article’s for you.

Running a business includes various functions such as finance, marketing, human resources and operations, and these functions collectively contribute to its success. To understand these functions in detail, it’s wise to earn a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA). In these advanced times, there’s a plethora of colleges and universities that offer online MBA programs that you can complete at your own pace and from the comfort of your home. 

Before we delve any further into the subject, let’s understand the basics of an MBA program:

In layman’s terms, an MBA is a postgraduate degree in business administration that focuses on various areas of business such as accounting, human resources, marketing, supply-chain management, business strategy, finance and many more. While an MBA is a generalized degree, it does offer elective subjects such as human resources, accounting, finance, marketing etc. for you to gain specialized knowledge and become an expert in your preferred area.

Now that we’ve understood what an MBA is, let’s look at some reasons why earning a master’s degree in business is vital to boost your career.

Here are some of the top reason why you should consider enrolling for an MBA program:

1. Career advancement: An MBA program offers the right set of knowledge and skills that you will help you advance in your career. The program provides in-depth knowledge on business principles, including marketing, accounting, finance, and management, which can help you take on more advanced roles in your organization.

2. Increased earning potential: Once you earn an MBA degree, you are almost always eligible for a higher salary and can therefore increase your earning potential. Graduates of MBA programs are usually in high demand, and their expert level business skills and knowledge can help them compete for higher-paying job opportunities.
   
3. Networking: Completing an MBA program is one sure shot method for you to build a professional network of peers, professors, and alumni. This network can prove to be of immense value when seeking advice and guidance for career advancement or looking for lucrative job opportunities.
   
4. Entrepreneurship: If you’re looking to learn the right set of skills needed to start your own business, then an MBA program can help develop and polish your skill set. An MBA program can provide an overview of various business principles including marketing, finance, and management, which can be of great value for entrepreneurs.

Related: Entry-Level Business Administration Jobs

In this section, we will list some of the top features of an MBA Program and how you can make the most of it:

1. Electives: In addition to the core curriculum, an MBA program should ideally also offer multiple elective courses that allow students like you to specialize in specific areas of interest. Some popular electives are entrepreneurship, international business, and sustainability.
   
2. Case studies: An MBA program should include simulations and case studies that allow you to apply your theoretical knowledge and problem-solving skills to real-world corporate scenarios. When considering these case studies, it’s important to note that they should challenge your abilities and must be relevant to current business issues.
   
3. Experiential learning: In today’s day and age, a student learns more from experience than traditional classroom lectures. This is why many MBA programs offer experiential learning opportunities, including but not limited to internships, consulting projects, or study abroad opportunities. These opportunities offer a foundational platform for students like you to apply their knowledge in a practical setting and gain valuable experience.
   
4. Professional Development: A good MBA program should ideally offer professional development opportunities. Some of these opportunities include career counseling, job placement services, and networking events. These resources can help you build your professional network and prepare for post-graduation placement opportunities to kickstart a successful career.
   
5. Flexibility: There are many MBA programs that offer flexibility and accommodate the needs of working professionals. This includes online MBA programs, classes in the evenings or on weekends, or part-time enrollment options.
   
6. Diversity and Inclusion: MBA programs that foster a diverse and inclusive environment, and welcomes students from all backgrounds end up promoting diversity in the student body, faculty, and curriculum. These kinds of programs also offer the right kind of resources that are needed to support underrepresented groups.
   
7. Personal Growth: Graduating from an MBA program requires a  significant commitment of time and effort, which can be extremely rewarding. A good MBA program can help you develop essential skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership, which can prove to be beneficial both professionally and personally for you.

Thanks to the advancement of technology and the popularity of MBA courses, there are multiple options available for you to choose from when it comes to earning a master’s degree in business administration. Some of the popular types of MBA programs include:

1. Full-time MBA: A full-time MBA program is a traditional one- to two-year program that requires students to attend classes full-time. This program is ideal for students who want to solely focus on their education and are looking to advance their careers in a positive direction. Typically, a full-time MBA program is available on campus for students.
   
2. Part-time MBA: A part-time MBA program is designed for working professionals or adult learners who wish to gain an MBA degree while continuing to work. These programs may take more than two years, and classes are held either online or on-campus, usually either in the evenings or on weekends.
3. Executive MBA: An Executive MBA program is typically designed for mid-career professionals who have significant work experience. The main aim of students  enrolling in this program is advancing their careers. These programs are usually part-time and take 12 to 24 months to complete.
   
4. Online MBA: An online MBA program is designed for students who need more flexibility in their schedule. These students prefer to take courses online, and are offered the same coursework as on-campus programs. The main difference is that the classes are delivered through online platforms.
   
5. Dual-degree MBA: A dual-degree MBA program lets students earn two degrees simultaneously. Some examples of such degrees are an MBA and a law degree, a medical degree, or a master’s degree in a related field.
   
6. Specialized MBA: A specialized MBA program allows a student to focus on a specific area of business, such as entrepreneurship, sustainability, finance, or marketing. These types of programs usually offer a combination of core business courses and specialized electives.
   
7. Accelerated MBA: A condensed version of a traditional MBA program, an accelerated MBA is typically completed in one year or less instead of the two years required by a standard program. This program is specially designed for students who want to earn their MBA degree in a shorter span of time and get back into the workforce as quickly as possible. This results in the curriculum of this program being more intensive, with a heavier workload, and requires students to be highly committed and focused.
   
8. Global MBA: A global MBA program allows students to study multiple areas of business in a global context, often including international study abroad opportunities. These programs focus on developing global business expertise and cross-cultural communication skills.

To summarize, the type of MBA program that is ideal for you entirely depends on your career goals, work experience, and personal preferences. While full-time programs offer a more immersive experience, part-time programs allow for more flexibility. A specialized and dual-degree program can provide students with a focused education, while global MBA programs present a global perspective.

In the next section, we aim to highlight the factors that you must consider before you shortlist a business school for your MBA program.

1. Curriculum: The curriculum is the most important feature of a business school or MBA program. A well-designed curriculum that is regularly updated to reflect the latest trends and developments in the business world is crucial. It should cover a broad range of topics, including finance, marketing, management, accounting, entrepreneurship, and strategy.

2. Faculty: A business school’s faculty is considered to be the institution. Many top-tier business schools attract world-class faculty members who come with years of academic expertise and industry experience. These professors should ideally be accessible to students and must be able to offer guidance and mentorship throughout their MBA journey.

3. Career services: A business school should have a robust career services office that assists students every step of the way, right from resume and cover letter writing, to networking, to interview preparation, and finally, job placement. 

4. Facilities: A business school should also provide students like you with modern facilities, including study rooms, classrooms, access to a well-stocked library, virtual office hours and computer labs to access the resources needed to upskill.

5. Experiential learning opportunities: An ideal business school offers students the opportunity to apply their knowledge in practical situations through internships, consulting projects, and other experiential learning opportunities. These experiences allow students to build their resumes by developing skills needed in real-life scenarios.

6. Networking opportunities: Offering students ample opportunities to network with alumni, industry professionals, and other students is a sign of a well-rounded business school. This can also include events such as guest speaker series, networking receptions, and alumni mixers.

7. Reputation: The reputation of a business school plays a significant role in a student’s career prospects. Most top-tier schools are selective and have higher admission standards. If you attend a prestigious business school, it can also open doors to career opportunities and networking connections that might not otherwise be available to you.

Enrolling in an MBA program requires significant investment of money, time and effort. That said, your hardwork will reap several benefits like substantial career advancement, increased earning potential, professional networking opportunities, and personal growth. 

When considering an MBA program, as a student, you must consider the program’s features, such as the core curriculum, electives, case studies, experiential learning opportunities, faculty, flexibility, and reputation. Additionally, it’s important to consider which type of MBA program best fits your career goals, work experience, and personal preferences, and accordingly, make an informed decision. Ultimately, an MBA program can provide a valuable education and a competitive edge in today’s business world.

If business is not your calling, please feel free to explore our resource repository to know more about other areas of studies that might interest you. We wish you the best of luck!