APPLICATION INSIDER TOPIC:

WHY PURSUE A MBA DEGREE?

“Why MBA?” and “why MBA now?” are important questions to ask yourself because of the investment of time and money as well as knowing what drives you will strengthen your application and thus increase your chances of being admitted to your top choice.

The reasons for pursuing an MBA are arguably as diverse as the number of applicants pursuing the degree. Here are some of the more popular reasons (in no specific order), to get you thinking about your own reasons and goals and how they connect to your target school.

Reason #1: Increase earning potential – Most MBA graduates will experience a substantial pay bump on their post MBA jobs which may also include signing bonus, relocation allowance and other perks. You can learn more about our students internship and full-time placement statistics on our Parker Career Management Center Annual Employment Report here.

Reason #2: Pivot to a different role and/or industry – Many students come to business school with plans to pivot industries and/or functional roles. Close to two thirds of UCLA Anderson’s students are pursuing both or a double pivot (both role and industry) during their time here. These changes are supported by our top-ranked Parker Career Management Center and their dedicated team of career advisers.

Reason #3: Enhance your leadership skills – Although most students attend MBA programs after a few years of full-time work experience (average range is 2 to 5 yrs.) after college, it is not unusual for students to want to want to develop their soft skills as they look to start to transition into managerial roles. These skills are developed at MBA programs through the active student involvement in extracurricular leadership roles (in clubs, conferences, student government and more), and the extensive teamwork during the program.

Reason #4: Acquire technical skills –As a student in the MBA program, you will not only take classes in core management courses which will give you a broad understanding of business fundamentals, but you will also be able to go deeper into the specific disciplines that will support your career plans through electives courses. Additionally, students at Anderson can take up to 3 classes outside of the business school at another UCLA school or pursue dual degrees with one of 10 other departments on campus.

Reason #5: Expand your network – As a member of a business school class you will be in the company of some of the brightest individuals. You will be able to work on projects that will challenge you and push you out of your comfort zone. It is this intense collaboration and partnership that will foster deep lasting bonds with fellow students who you will come to count on as your personal network, professional advisors and life long friends. This vast network also includes the 41K+ global alumni network.

Reason #6: Be your own boss – Many students have ambitions of launching their own venture down the road. At Anderson, the entrepreneurial spirit of our community is alive and well as evidenced by the programs and events organized by the Price Center for Entrepreneurship, pitch and case competitions or the work done to help nurture future businesses by our Venture Accelerator.

Reason #7: Make a stronger impact in the world – Last but certainly not least, new generations of students view business culture with a fresh perspective. Many students have a keen awareness of the importance of sustainability and social entrepreneurship and the role of business to be a force for good and a positive impact in the world.

Whatever your reason or reasons for pursuing an MBA, it’s important that you research how a program will help you realize those objectives and how you plan to get actively involved in realizing your goals. This research and self-assessment will help you identify the schools that are a good match for you. It will also help you prepare a stronger application and give you the confidence needed to knock your interview out of the park. A little self-assessment upfront will pay plenty down the road.