The importance of an MBA in a competitive business landscape

The business landscape is growing increasingly complex. 

Digital developments are transforming the workplace, be it by automating certain aspects of work to improving employee productivity. As older employees retire, the millennial and Gen Z digital natives are entering the workforce and moving up in ranks, changing the dynamics of the workplace. Politics and economics form a complex interplay that affects tariffs, laws and commerce.

To keep pace with the changing workplace demands, getting an MBA, ie. Master of Business Administration degree, has never been more apt. Buoyed by popular demand, the postgraduate business administration programmes are not only growing in availability, but widening in its array of specialisations to help students carve a niche to prepare for the future of work too. 

The Master in Business Administration can help graduates and professionals become agile business leaders. This includes equipping students with the skills and knowledge to identify and understand the drivers affecting business value creation, in addition to helping them stay relevant throughout their careers.

These benefits are well documented.

According to the Association of MBAs, many graduates said their MBA has helped them achieve a promotion, expand their area of expertise, equip them to start their own business, widen their professional contacts, learn more skills and gain knowledge about the business world, to name a few.

In view of a disruptive future ahead, these are the very skills many companies will increasingly be in need of and the ones that will make one stand out from the competition. The list below features MBA programmes that have distinguished themselves in preparing students in this aspect:

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS — TRINITY WESTERN UNIVERSITY

Source: Trinity Western University, School of Business

Practical, professional and personalised — these are the traits that ensure graduate success in TWU’s MBA programme.

TWU is an institution that actively explores how values can be applied in the business landscape as part of its broad-based business education. Its School of Business is a proud member of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) while its campus is nestled in the panoramic wonderland of British Columbia, Canada.

The School offers three MBA specialisations. Their international business specialisation arms students the expertise and confidence to take their business career goals to a global level. Whereas the management of the growing enterprise specialisation allows students to combine their self-driven skills with business fundamentals to develop a business from the ground up or to enhance their current business enterprise.

The non-profit and charitable organisation management specialisation — one of only two such programmes in Canada — is ideal for aspiring non-profit managers. Students get to earn personal and professional rewards for learning how to lead a business with a beneficial purpose.

A common thread for these specialisations is how it teaches students to solve real-world business challenges with their immersive practical learning opportunities. Coupled with an intimate learning environment, academically and professionally-established faculty as well as flexible schedules, an MBA from TWU will prepare students to excel in the workforce.

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS — OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY

Source: Oregon State University, College of Business

Like the other business schools featured, Oregon State University’s College of Business is also accredited by AACSB International. The College is known for attracting high achievers with particular excellence in areas such as accounting, business information systems, design, entrepreneurship, finance, management and marketing.

Its MBA programme is highly flexible to cater to working adults. Students can opt to earn their degree fully online, in-person, or via their hybrid model which blends online course material and face-to-face sessions in Portland or Bend, ensuring you find the right mix to keep your MBA on track.

The College designs their specialised tracks with feedback from industry partners so that the curriculum responds to market needs. This ensures students gain a competitive edge in the marketplace, regardless whether they are moving up or making a career change.

Learning here is never passive. Students will benefit from project-based experience to enhance their learning. For instance, the faculty brings students and industry together to find solutions to problems that companies face in managing or growing their business. You can also expect to learn from your global network of peers during the programme, fostering diverse points of view in discussions and projects. 

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION — CAL POLY POMONA

Source: Cal Poly Pamona, College of Business Administration

Located in Pomona, California, Cal Poly Pomona is an inclusive polytechnic university that offers students an affordable education. It is recognised as the second highest-ranked “Top Public School” in the US West by the US News and World Report.

Its College of Business Administration (CBA) is a school accredited by AACSB International, placing them in the world’s top five percent of business schools. It is recognised for its high returns per tuition dollar, according to Forbes Magazine and the US News & World Report.

Cal Poly Pomona’s MBA programme is broad-based, emphasising teamwork and hands-on learning. This is in addition to providing education for managerial positions in business, industry and government. The programme also helps professionals update their skills for career advancement in their respective organisations.

It is designed for working professionals who wish to expand their current knowledge and accelerate their career potential without having to take time off their jobs. Classes are held during the evenings, weekends and in hybrid formats to accommodate working professionals. 

Upon graduating, students are eligible to join their Alumni Association, which has over 300 active members, comprised of some of the most successful people in Southern California and beyond. It also serves as an excellent networking opportunity for graduates.

CARSON COLLEGE OF BUSINESS — WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY

Source: Washington State University, Carson College of Business

Washington State University’s Carson College of Business serves as a springboard for career success. This AACSB International-accredited business school is located in Pullman, Washington, and offers international students an unrivalled business education.

Its MBA programmes are fully online, which means students can learn at their own time and pace. In addition to this, no GMAT is required for qualified candidates.

The College offers two online business programmes — an online MBA and an online Executive MBA – to accommodate learners of all levels. Coursework varies from programme to programme, but students can rely on certain consistencies, like high-level peer-to-peer engagement, responsive faculty and rigorous learning outcomes. 

WSU’s online MBA is ranked 18th nationwide by US News & World Report, which puts it in the top five percent nationally. Meanwhile, in CEO Magazine’s 2019 global online MBA rankings, it is ranked 19th in the world.

At WSU, students can also expect dedicated student support teams to guide them from application to graduation, in addition to access to the Cougar Community, a network of accomplished business professionals across the world. 

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International

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