Why Do I want an MBA?

大型連休も後半に入りましたが、出願準備の進捗状況はいかがですか?
テスト対策の傍ら、そろそろ「MBA取得後に自分は何を成し遂げようと思っているのか?」といった問いと向き合う日々を過ごしている方々もいらっしゃるかもしれません。MBA取得後から何年も先に達成したい目標がわかっているのであれば、その目標を達成するために必要なスキルや知識を身に付け、さらにはネットワークを構築するためどの学校で誰と知り合う必要があるのか?未来の自分像を取り巻く環境を想像する機会を少しずつ増やしてください。

そうした一方で、MBA出願準備をスタートしたものの、「卒業後のキャリア目標が多少曖昧な気がする、これでいいのだろうか?」と考えを巡らせている方から相談を受ける機会があります。これまで国内畑を中心にキャリアを形成してきたため、これからは国際事業に関わる機会を増やしていきたい。まったく別の業界に転職したい、あるいは、将来的には起業家志望で、自分の会社を立ち上げ、国際市場におけるビジネス展開についてもっと学びたいなど、MBA教育は様々なキャリアの方向へと進むことを後押しするものの、そもそも自分が何を求めているのかを知らなければ、準備も先に進みませんね。

そのような状況を踏まえ、今回はUniversity of PennsylvaniaのWharton Schoolのサイトから、”Why Get an MBA“と題した記事を共有いたします。
https://mba.wharton.upenn.edu/why-get-an-mba/

The Benefits of an MBA

Completing an MBA program demonstrates a commitment to learning, improving, and applying skills that can help a company succeed. Additionally, professionals with MBAs feel a greater sense of confidence in their marketability, as well as the wealth of information they can bring to various endeavors. These are just a few of the advantages of getting an MBA.

1. GREATER AWARENESS OF A GLOBAL MARKET

Earning an MBA puts you in close contact with other students from around the world who have different work experiences and perspectives on the global economy. In addition to learning from professors, MBA students can expand their knowledge of other industries in the U.S. and abroad.

2. IMPROVING COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Effective communication is a fundamental skill required for professionals to succeed. While communication may be considered a “soft skill” compared to “hard skills” such as constructing a P&L model, it’s no less valuable. An MBA can help hone verbal and written communication skills, allowing you to successfully convey concepts to different people at different levels of an organization to ensure everyone is able to work together toward a common goal.

3. EXPAND YOUR PROFESSIONAL NETWORK

Earning an MBA makes you part of a global network of nearly 100,000 alumni, giving you access to respected and intelligent professionals you may not have otherwise had a chance to connect with. Beyond being part of a broader community, you’ll also have the opportunity to build relationships with other professionals in the classroom and beyond.

4. INCREASED JOB OPPORTUNITIES

In a highly-competitive job market, an advanced degree can help set an applicant apart from their peers. From energy to consumer products to start-ups, an MBA can be an asset in any industry. Employers typically look to hire or promote a candidate with an MBA because they have skills in marketing and finance that others within the organization may lack. This allows them to hit the ground running with various initiatives and help their company increase profits.

5. BETTER TIME MANAGEMENT

Earning an MBA requires juggling extracurriculars alongside a challenging course load — not to mention other personal and professional pursuits. Getting an MBA can help you manage your time effectively, which is not only an in-demand skill among employers, but a valuable life skill, as well.

そして、在学中における教育オプションとして、19種類の専攻分野(以下をご参照ください)が用意されています。圧巻の数ですね。

  • Accounting
  • Business Analytics : STEM Certificate
  • Business Economics and Public Policy : STEM Certificate
  • Business, Energy, Environment, and Sustainability : STEM Certificate
  • Entrepreneurship & Innovation
  • Finance
  • Healthcare Management
  • international Business
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Marketing and Operation
  • Multinational Management
  • Operations, Information and Decision: STEM Certificate
  • Organizational Effectiveness
  • Quantitative Finance : STEM Certificate
  • Real Estate
  • Statistics : STEM Certificate
  • Strategic Management

こうした教育リソーソを将来のキャリア形成に向けどう活用すべきか。少しずつ学校調査を初めていきませんか?