Andrew Main Wilson, chief executive of the Association of MBAs (AMBA) outlines why an MBA qualification is worthwhile and what they can offer any graduate
While the nature of our global economy makes future gazing virtually impossible, our increasingly volatile world has a huge appetite for quality MBA graduates. These future leaders must be global in their approach, with a focus on sustainability, resilience and agility.
They need the knowledge and insight to know how to manage within complex corporate environments, but equally, they need the speed of thought, innovation and creativity to operate like start-ups. An MBA provides life skills required not just by large businesses, but by the public sector, charities, SMEs and start-ups, where there is an ongoing need for qualified managers in the marketplace.
The reasons for people taking an MBA are no longer predominantly financial. The Association of MBA’s (AMBA) research shows that people are choosing to complete MBAs to do ‘worthwhile’ things and make a difference. More MBA graduates are moving from the private to the public sector for that reason.
An MBA focuses on core areas like marketing, operations and finance and specialist topics including sustainability and innovation. But it can offer more than that: it is a transformative experience. Completing an MBA is a solid investment for hardworking, ambitious and motivated people who believe they are suited to senior management.
What can MBA graduates expect to gain?
While studying an MBA, participants develop leadership proficiency and study in-depth management strategy and analysis. They have the opportunity to work on team projects, developing skills in people management, as well as teamwork, negotiation and public speaking.
AMBA’s 2016 career and salary study surveyed 3,355 MBA graduates of more than 120 nationalities and found that the average salary of a graduate from an AMBA-accredited school in the UK was £86,762. In 2016, 58% of the MBA graduates are in senior management, board level or CEO roles, following the completion of their MBA. Research conducted by AMBA’s strategic partner GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council) found that 84% of employers planned to recruit MBAs in 2015 compared to 74% in 2014. In fact, the MBA was the most sought after post-graduate qualification in the opinion of the employers surveyed.
Several business schools have specialist entrepreneurship and ‘intrepreneurship’ groups, courses or modules for leaders who wish to pursue this route – and the MBA is a sensible route for those wishing to change sector or industry.
During the MBA, students build relationships with some of the best business minds in the world – be that with their cohort, business leaders they might meet or indeed their course tutors. Afterwards, their cohort peers will be likely to be successful in their field, so will be great contacts to have throughout your career.
What is an AMBA-accredited MBA?
Accreditation is at the heart of the AMBAs’ commitment to developing standards in global postgraduate management education.
We accredit MBA, Doctor of Business Administration (DBD) and Master of Business Management (MBM) programmes at more than 230 business schools in over 80 countries;
- Our rigorous assessment criteria ensure that only the highest calibre programmes, demonstrating the best standards in teaching, curriculum, and student interaction, achieve accreditation;
- Our accreditation is international in scope and reach and we work with senior academics at top educational institutions around the world to continuously update our accreditation policies and maintain our unique, in-depth and detailed approach;
- We believe that accredited programmes should be of the highest standard and reflect changing trends and innovation in postgraduate management education;
- Our accreditation process reflects this commitment to fostering innovation and challenges business schools to continuously perform at the highest level.
For students, the decision to take an MBA represents a major commitment, both in terms of time and money. In a crowded and complex market, our accreditation provides a reliable list of meticulously tested programmes and ensures that students’ investments are rewarded with the finest business education available, which will have a demonstrable impact on their careers.
Studying for an AMBA-accredited MBA gives students an exceptional platform for networking at the highest level. They will join a diverse and experienced group of professionals, studying with people who have been carefully selected, while benefiting from top quality connections with the alumni of some of the world’s best business schools.
AMBA has a membership network of more than 18,600 MBA students and graduates in more than 100 countries across the world, who regularly connect via our online community or at our social events across the globe, to innovate and collaborate. We are here to support you throughout your entire MBA journey, from researching the right courses to offering support during and after your studies, through knowledge sharing, networking and learning events.
Visit http://community.mbaworld.com/looking_to_do_an_mba.
Andrew Main Wilson
Chief Executive
Association of MBAs (AMBA)
