US business schools that develop future-ready leaders

05 Aug 2020

Source: Whitman School of Management, Syracuse University

In many ways, the future of work is already here.

The COVID-19 pandemic is accelerating the great workplace transformation of the world becoming more connected, digital and automated. With many workers stuck at home, businesses are scrambling to digital solutions — like virtual meeting rooms and video conferencing — to keep their workflow secure and their workforce cohesive.

According to a recent Slack HQ report “Remote work in the age of COVID-19,” an estimated 16 million “knowledge workers” in the US started working remotely as of March 27, 2020. These surveyed knowledge workers include programmers, physicians, pharmacists, architects, engineers, scientists, and business leaders.

It has not been the smoothest transition from office to remote work.

The report acknowledged that newly remote knowledge workers struggle to adapt to their new workplace reality. Collaboration skills are lacking, as are the know-how to communicate effectively online. Maintaining productivity from couches and kitchen tables is a struggle.

The problem could be traced to the lack of experience and knowledge. To thrive in business post-COVID-19, knowing how to navigate the digital landscape — tools, strategies and more — is necessary.

Having the right skills for the future is paramount. Find out how these business schools keep graduates ahead of the curve:

WHITMAN SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT, SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY

The Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University puts a keen focus on equipping students with the skills to thrive in the digital future, according to dean Eugene Anderson.

It does this through several distinctive measures.

The first is through an MBA programme that motivates current and aspiring leaders to dig further into digitalisation, data analytics, Big Data and soft skill development.

“We are putting in new courses and programming that help develop more agile, innovative and resilient graduates. A key pedagogical approach is the use of experiential learning — hands-on campus or on-site projects with companies — to give students the opportunity to develop real-world skills,” said dean Eugene Anderson.

Diversity is a priority here too. With a large university like Syracuse there are always opportunities, both online and on-campus, to bounce ideas and collaborate with multiple points of view, life experiences, ethnicities, cultures and belief systems.

Anderson said, “Domestically, we are finding that technology companies are most interested in hiring internationally diverse talent, so being in a global environment helps open doors for our students.”

Last but not least is the School’s investment in future skills development. Whichever graduate business programme you choose, you’ll leave Syracuse with a dynamic set of collaborative, creative and creative thinking skills — all easily adapted to the latest technologies.

“We also work closely with our alumni and corporate partners around the world, especially in New York City, to provide additional support and learning opportunities,” said Anderson.

Ready to receive an education that prepares you to lead in the global business environment of today and tomorrow? Find out more here.

Source: Whitman School of Management, Syracuse University

HAAS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY

The HAAS School of Business at the University of Berkeley brings business to life through a suite of impact-driven programmes.

For example, the Berkeley MBA stems from a foundation of experiential learning. You will take on an Applied Innovation course and work on team projects that range from corporate innovation initiatives with major firms to global consulting work.

There are many applied innovation courses to choose from — learn more about international business development, strategise for nonprofits, evaluate blue chip organisations or conduct real estate investment analysis.

Source: Shutterstock

As a HAAS student, you will also have opportunities to further your career or launch a new one, through the MBA Career Management Group.

This Career Management Group works with you to identify your professional goals and connects you with the business contacts in the surrounding area to realise these aspirations.

Want to get to the next level of your business career? Hone your skills with HAAS.

ELI BROAD COLLEGE OF BUSINESS, MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

At the Eli Broad College of Business at Michigan State University, you’re encouraged to help solve global business problems before and after graduation.

Source: Michigan State University, Eli Broad College of Business

The College’s MBA programme offers a rigorous yet flexible curriculum that inspires team collaboration, global adeptness and creative problem-solving. This 21-month programme is ranked first by The Economist for its return on investment (based on percentage increase on pre-MBA salary) and ranked ninth by Forbes among public universities in the US.

Whereas the Executive MBA programme provides two format options to suit your schedule. For instance, the traditional route hosts in-person classes and the flexible route blends campus and online classes to help boost your tech-based skills.

If you opt for a flexible MBA, you can familiarise yourself with a digital working environment and make an impact as a business leader that embraces automation and technology.

Whichever programme you choose, the Eli Broad College of Business will broaden your skills so that you’re ready for a variety of future professions.

NAVEEN JINDAL SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT, UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS DALLAS

Maximise your future potential with the Naveen Jindal School of Management at the University of Texas Dallas (UT Dallas).

This business school is on a mission to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing, technology-driven, global society. Postgraduate programmes are always improving, as are its suite of management education courses.

To enrol in UT Dallas MBA is to expand your business network by making valuable connections and relationships. The MBA programme also hosts a two-week boot camp for the incoming cohort called LEAD Camp (Leadership, Enhancement, Academic, Professional Development). It prepares students for the future of work with a wide range of seminars, workshops, lectures and activities.

Plan to manage or lead a high tech firm or research institution? UT Dallas’s combined degree of MS/MBA engineering and management lets you earn an Master of Science Electrical Engineering (MSEE) degree in combination with an MBA or MS degree in management. This programme is administered by the faculty members in the Department of Electrical Engineering in the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science and the School of Management.

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