Education vs. Experience: Answering the Million Dollar MBA Question

A look at why an MBA is good for your career

It is an age-old question in business circles pinning education against experience in the job hunt. Some argue that the knowledge needed to advance within a particular field can only be gained from on the job experience and that hands-on learning is the most efficient way to gain practical, job-related skills. Those hiring managers are looking for a seasoned professional with many years on the job. On the other side of the argument are those proponents of advanced education who feel a degree correlates with tangible knowledge that can be applied for better work-related outcomes. These hiring managers see the value of a well-educated and diversified professional who is schooled to think strategically.

For any business professional, the move to MBA or not to MBA is a personal decision that should be based on your current circumstances and future career goals. However, if you are teetering on the edge of the MBA decision and are thinking about earning an online MBA degree from Touro University Worldwide, consider the following:

What is your top reason for earning an MBA?

It is important to identify the reason for your return to school and define the prospective outcomes of earning an MBA before you enroll in an MBA program. You should have clearly defined career goals to determine if an MBA makes sense. Among the most common reasons business professionals earn an MBA is to transition their career from one field to the next. If you are considering a career change, an MBA can be the credential you need to get hired. Some other MBA motivators include higher earning potential and career advancement within your current company. While on the job experience can also facilitate these goals, an academic credential can fast-track them.

An MBA can be tailor-made for you.

Not all MBAs are created equal. Although you can enroll in a generic program to boost your resume, you may not necessarily boost your business skills. If you are looking for more than a title on a page, ensure you are getting real value from your degree through a customizable degree program. Touro University Worldwide offers an online MBA program that gives students the option of focusing their degree through five unique concentrations, including:

  • Accounting
  • Finance
  • Global management
  • Human resources management
  • Marketing

These concentrations offer you a targeted academic experience so you get the most out of your MBA program. Professionals looking for a credential to facilitate a career transition will find this quality beneficial in focusing their degree outline on the content areas that matter most to them. A handful of core courses can take the place of years of experience in the field.

Build real connections in your cohort.

Your program cohort could play a large role in your success in your MBA program as well as your career. A cohort is a group of students who enrolled in your MBA program at the same time as you and will likely follow the same academic path towards graduation. These peers stem from a variety of industries and bring diverse experiences and backgrounds to the program. The group of students will spark the discussions you take part in through courses, comprise the pool of peers in which you will work on class projects, provide academic as well as moral support offline and establish your first network of connections post-graduation. Forming good, communicative relationships with your fellow cohort members can improve your academic experience and help you to discover new career opportunities post-graduation.

The MBA is one of the most sought after credentials by business professionals on both sides of the hiring process. However, it doesn’t always make sense for every business professional. Take a hard look at your career goals to determine if the investment of time and money is a solid one for your future. If you have the dedication and perseverance for the advanced program, you could reap the rewards. In most instances, an MBA will lead to a higher salary and greater room for career advancement while providing you with the academic background needed to lead companies forward in a global marketplace. An MBA provides you with added credibility and a diversified skill set for rapid growth in the job market. Fast-track your career and make up for limited experience with an MBA.

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