Choosing The Right MBA Program

New Saint Leo e-book answers prospective students' top questions about getting started on a graduate business degree.

Why did Maxime Langelier-Parent, a professional hockey player, decide to pursue an MBA degree while he was still with the U.K.'s Nottingham Panthers?

Because his dream is to become a general manager in the NHL one day. Earning an MBA will prepare him for his next career – off the ice.

What about Brian Davison, who travels the world as the global product line manager for Jordan Footwear?

He wants to position himself as an influential leader in the athletic industry. He knew that earning an MBA would expand his business acumen and enable him to network with other like-minded professionals.

Why an MBA?

Whether it's to transition into a new field or to prepare for the next step in a successful career, business professionals are choosing to earn MBA degrees in record numbers. According to the U.S. Department of Education, the MBA tops the list as the most popular graduate degree in the United States.

Why?

First, an MBA is one of the most versatile graduate degree programs. It can prepare students for a wide variety of positions in any number of fields.

Second, business today is more complex than ever. Managers need to be knowledgable about critical issues quality MBA programs address such as technology, ethics, sustainability and globalization.

Third, an MBA can open doors. MBA jobs are predicted to grow by 20 percent by 2022 with a median salary of $113,000.

Of course, some individuals pursue MBAs for reasons related to personal growth and intellectual fulfillment. In fact, according to the most recent alumni report published by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), 73 percent of the MBA degree holders surveyed said that personal development had been a key factor in their decisions to invest in the degree.

Whether it's for personal development or to change occupations, all are great reasons to earn an MBA.

Counselors who can relate to your concerns

As an associate director of graduate admissions at Saint Leo University, Kristina Phipps understands the questions – and the apprehension – busy working adults have about starting an MBA program.

A recent MBA graduate herself, Kristina had the same concerns that she would hear regularly from prospective students when she worked as a graduate enrollment counselor.

"The top reason people put off earning an MBA is life," she says. "People are focused on finding a job or starting their careers and raising their families. They're concerned about both the time and financial commitment of an MBA."

While Kristina had experience working in her family's business over the years, her bachelor's degree was in biomedical sciences. Therefore, her undergraduate program had not included any business courses. In addition, she been out of school for a few years, was working full time, and had never experienced online learning.

"I was definitely one of those anxious students and could sympathize with incoming students who are nervous about committing to an MBA," Kristina says.

"But sometimes all it takes is a little bit of encouragement. Someone to say, 'Hey, if other people in the same situation as you can do it, so can you," says Kristina. "We all need that reassurance."

What do people need most to help them make their decisions?

"Prospective students want solid information," says Kristina. "Our graduate enrollment counselors and re-enrollment advisors here at Saint Leo understand that. They work one-on-one with each prospective student to address all of their questions and concerns. Many were students of our MBA program, themselves, and can offer first-hand insight into what it's like to be full-time students while working full time."

"Their personal experiences help them to be experts with their students. They do an amazing job at supporting and guiding them throughout both the admissions process and the duration of their programs."

Saint Leo e-book addresses top MBA questions

With so many MBA program options – online, on-ground, full-time, part-time, executive MBA programs and weekend programs – finding the right program can be challenging.

In addition to discussing their concerns with a Saint Leo graduate enrollment counselor, prospective students can now download the university's newest e-book, "Choosing The Right MBA Program." It answers the top questions about getting started on a graduate business degree, including:

• How do I know if I need an MBA?
  
  
• When is the right time to start an MBA?
  
  
• Do I need to have an undergraduate degree in business?
  
  
• Do I need business experience?
  
  
• How do I know if I am a good candidate for an MBA program?
  
  
• What factors should I consider when selecting an MBA program?
  
  
• What is a concentration and how do I choose one?
  
  
• Can I earn an MBA in a year?
  
  
• Why choose an online MBA program?

Best of all, the e-book is free and available now.

Take the first step toward earning your MBA – call a Saint Leo enrollment counselor at 800-707-8846 or click here to download your copy of the e-book now.

Image credit: Gustavo Frazao on Shutterstock

Other posts you may be interested in reading:

Newest MBA Grads Share Reasons For Earning Degrees

Accelerated MBA Online: A Faster Degree Path

Accelerated MBA: What's The Key To Success?

Online MBA Programs: Are They Worth It?