Eight Reasons To Get An MBA

Consider These Eight Benefits of Getting an MBA

People often wonder: "What is the ROI of an MBA?" As you weigh the pros and cons of earning this advanced degree, you can probably think of a handful of reasons not to. Maybe you're still paying off your undergrad student loan. Perhaps you’re questioning the significant investment of time and money.

But if you have dreams of a better career, especially if that career is in management, many companies now consider a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) a necessary piece of the puzzle. This critical training has the potential to accelerate your career and open the doors to more management and leadership opportunities.

8 Benefits of Getting an MBA

If you’re looking for more reasons to believe an MBA is worth it, look no further.

1. MBA Degree Holders Are in High Demand

The market demand for individuals with an MBA is at an all-time high. While hiring took a hit in 2020 due to COVID-19, demand for MBA graduates is expected to bounce back to pre-pandemic levels, according to a 2021 survey conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council, a nonprofit that administers the GMAT admissions exam.

While getting accepted into an MBA program can be difficult, don't let that deter you. Instead, let that be the impetus to help you work harder to get into a respected program. Take advantage of the fact that you will be among high achievers like yourself, and these people will become your friends and peers for years to come.

If you live in the Midwest, you don't have to travel far to find a reputable MBA program. The Heider School of Business at Creighton University has been offering their renowned MBA program for more than 50 years. It is among two percent of schools worldwide to be accredited by the AACSB in business and accounting. It has also been ranked among the top 50 best online MBA programs in the country by US News & World Report.

2. You Will Develop Commanding Communication Skills to Lead with Impact

The MBA program at Creighton University Heider College of Business will give you the communication skills you need to excel in a business environment. Influential leaders require critical thinking and persuasive communication skills that will equip them to inspire and motivate people. These tools can be crucial when taking on challenging business projects that require robust and credible leadership, collaboration and teamwork.

A graduate business degree at Creighton University will help you sharpen your communication, negotiation, strategic and critical thinking, problem-solving, and team management skills. You will perfect your proficiency in writing effective business proposals, developing innovative marketing strategies and making presentations in front of large groups with poise, confidence and credibility.

3. You Will Improve Your Business Acumen

You likely took some business courses during your undergraduate program and have a basic understanding of business principles. But Creighton's MBA program will help you build upon that foundation to reach new heights. The depth of the MBA curriculum will provide you with critical business skills, professional know-how, field experience and a big-picture understanding of what you need to be a leader in your field.

Examples of skills future leaders will acquire in the MBA program are:

• Strategic planning
• Project management
• Operations
• Problem-solving
• Risk management
• Budgeting
• Time management

Creighton’s respect and reputation in the community will enable you to participate in fieldwork at some of the leading businesses in the community that will be invaluable in terms of real-life experiences, applying new practices to your current job and developing new networking relationships. At the completion of Creighton’s MBA program, you will have the skills and confidence you need to be an effective, efficient and strategic business leader.

4. You Can Increase Your Marketability and Advancement Opportunities

An MBA is considered the gold standard among many business executives and prospective employers. Earning this credential can qualify you for more job openings, a higher earning potential, and a faster track to promotions and leadership positions. It’s no coincidence that many Fortune 500 executives have an MBA is on their resume.

It often answers the questions like, "How do I get promoted?" or "How can I earn a C-suite position?" Creighton MBA graduates have proven that the program can be an invaluable stepping stone to elevate your career to the next level.

MBA graduates from Creighton University have achieved careers in many different industries, including Fortune 500 companies such as Union Pacific, ConAgra Foods, Mutual of Omaha and TD Ameritrade. Job titles have included CEO, president, CIO, finance manager, vice president, project manager, marketing manager and many more.

5. You Can Boost Your Earning Potential

As you consider the cost of completing an MBA and wonder whether it will pay off in the long run, rest easy. It can. According to research by Payscale, MBA degree holders experience a faster increase in salary than those with an undergraduate degree. In addition, research indicates they earn higher wages of all degree levels for the duration of their career.

You’re likely curious about what is the average MBA salary? Compensation varies depending on your field, area of concentration and the part of the country where you live. But according to PayScale's survey of thousands of MBA graduates, those with one to four years of experience had a post-MBA salary of nearly $61,000. Experience matters as those with 10 to 19 years of experience earned more than $100,000. An MBA salary for those who have specialized concentration typically commands a higher salary and gives you a competitive edge when you are ready to pursue your desired job.

Graduates of the Creighton University Heider College of Business MBA program tend to earn higher salaries. In the past 15 years, they have averaged an annual salary that is 20 percent higher than that of MBA graduates from other universities.

6. You Will Develop a Powerful Network of Business Contacts

Creighton MBA students have the opportunity to work with various seasoned professors, alumni, business leaders and classmates. Like yourself, they want to expand their business network, explore new job opportunities and become successful leaders. This diverse group of highly motivated professionals brings a wealth of experience in various industries and from all over the country.

You will interact with professors who may become your mentors. You will get to hear presentations from top executives from across the country about their successes, failures and road to success.

Many graduates say one of the most significant benefits of getting an MBA is the relationships they forged while completing their degree. These connections can be invaluable in helping you advance in your career and serve as an essential peer group and sounding board long after completing your degree.

7. You Will Have a Chance to Refocus and Reset Your Goals

The most successful leaders have clear goals they work to achieve. If you have been out in the business world for three years or more, now is an ideal time to determine your long-term career objectives.

An MBA program allows you to take a step back and focus on the big picture, reassessing your career goals. Once you define your destination, a master of business administration degree can help you get there faster.

8. You Can Cater Your Program to Fit Your Needs

If you’re concerned about fitting an MBA into an already busy schedule, you will be happy to know that Creighton offers flexible format options to fit your lifestyle.

Creighton’s program is designed for the working professional and offers part-time, online, on campus evening classes or a hybrid of both. You can customize a schedule to fit your needs and time restraints, which allows most graduates to complete their degree in just a little over two years.

If you already have a business bachelor’s degree, you may want to consider focusing on a specific business concentration to give yourself a competitive edge in your respective field. Creighton's program offers numerous options for MBA concentrations, graduate certificates or dual degrees. These include:

• Finance
• Leadership
• Business Intelligence and Analytics
• Accounting
• Personal Finance Planning

What's Your Reason

As you can see, there are many benefits of getting an MBA. Whether you’re eager to increase your impact in your current organization, planning a career change in a different industry or just looking to increase your salary potential, advancing your education is a wise investment.

Learn more about how Creighton’s nationally-ranked program can help you achieve your personal and professional goals by visiting our MBA program page.