How an MBA can accelerate your career

How an MBA can accelerate your career by Amber Rolfe Looking to build a career in business? An MBA could be for you…If you’re a graduate who’s been working in business for three years or more and has managerial experience, studying for an MBA could be the best way to progress your career. Not only could it enhance your career prospects and salary expectations, it’ll also enable you to network with a diverse range of people.We spoke to Newcastle University Business School, to find out more information about starting an MBA and how having one could benefit your career:What is an MBA? An MBA (Master of Business Administration) is a highly valued and internationally recognised postgraduate qualification. It’s designed to help develop the skills required to progress a career in business and management.It covers a range of key business areas, including everything from accounting, economics, and marketing, to management, finance, and applied statistics.MBAs differ from other Master’s qualifications in that they focus primarily on developing the practical skills gained from professional experience â€" instead of building on academic knowledge.Postgraduate adviceWhat does an MBA involve?MBAs usually include a core curriculum of subjects (e.g. marketing, accounting, finance), along with optional modules that allow students to pursue a specific interest.Courses are intensive, and use a combination of work-based projects, dissertations, group activities, and case studies to teach a wide range of skills that are vital to succeeding in the business world. These include strategic planning, leadership, operational management, and financial analysis.In terms of assessment, you’ll be marked on essays, exams, and group activities.Who are MBAs for? MBAs are designed for graduates who’ve gained a minimum of three years’ worth of management experience in any field â€" making it a great opportunity to expand your current business knowledge, or even transfer from one sector to another.By helping business professionals to develop their practical skills, MBAs are essential for anyone looking to progress to the next stage of their career.What are the types of MBA? There are a number of types of MBA, and the one that’s right for you will depend on your experience level, career goals, and life circumstances.Here are the main types of MBA:General MBA What it involves: This type of MBA teaches a broad range of business skills, which can be applied in a variety of sectors. Core modules are based around marketing, financial management, and organisational behaviour. You’ll also have the opportunity to choose additional modules based on your interests, as well as gain practical skills by carrying out a personal project.   Perfect for: People with managerial experience whether its project, budget, people or product based.What you’ll usually need: A degree, along with at least three years of relevant managerial work experience.Specialist MBA What it involves: Specialist MBAs are designed for those who are working in a particular sector, or are looking to gain experience within a specific industry. They focus on the application of management skills in a range of areas, including biotechnology, aviation, football, and more.Perfect for: People who want to progress their business career within a particular sector.What you’ll usually need: A degree, along with at least three years of relevant work experience.Executive MBA (EMBA) What it involves: EMBAs are more advanced than General MBAs, and focus on providing extensive and practical knowledge on leadership in a boardroom environment. They’re generally studied part-time (usually on evenings and weekends), to enable students to keep their existing day job.Perfect for: People who have been in a senior management position for a while, and are looking to progress their career quickly.What you’ll usually need: A degree, along with five to ten years of relevant work experience.Distance Learning (or Online) MBA What it involves: Many MBA courses can be studied on a distance learning basis, allowing students to study in their own time, from wherever they are. Materials and support will be provided and an average of 20 hours study time should be allocated per week.Perfect for: People who want to fit studying around other commitments.What you’ll usually need: A degree, along with five to ten years of relevant work experience.How can I study an MBA? Whilst MBAs can be studied both part-time and full-time, or on a distance learning/online basis â€" the study methods available will vary from provider to provider.For example, NUBS’ MBA can only be studied full-time, with no distance learning options.How long will it take to complete an MBA? This will depend on whether you study part-time or full-time.If studied full-time, an MBA will take around 12 months to complete.What are the benefits of an MBA?MBAs are highly respected by employers worldwide, making them a great asset for business profe ssionals looking to build and develop their career.Here are a few key reasons to start studying:You’ll be able to develop your skillsYou’ll boost your earning potentialYou’ll make yourself more eligible for a promotionYou’ll have the potential to work abroadYou’ll build international connectionsYou’ll become more attractive to employers“The MBA gave me exposure to a variety of companies, experience through work-based projects, and a cohort of stimulating peers from diverse business cultures.”Deepak Setty, MBA Graduate, Newcastle University Why study with Newcastle University Business School? If you’re considering starting an MBA, Newcastle University Business School could be your ideal option.They have over 30 years’ worth of accreditation behind them and offer an AMBA-accredited MBA which takes 12 months to complete. And, thanks to their extensive professional network, you’ll be able to learn from, and engage with, world-leading researchers and practitioners f rom across the globe.Benefits of studying with Newcastle University Business School include:The ability to customise your MBA journey  and choose from a range of optional modulesLearning through immersive business experiences with their Business in Action module, and challenging business led competitions.Innovative  Entrepreneurship and Innovation modules, business hackathons with experienced entrepreneursPartial and full-fee scholarships  available towards your tuition feesAn optional international study tour  which includes visits to global businesses, as well as the option to  complete  your Management Consultancy project in an international locationExtended careers support throughout the programme and beyond graduationFind out moreWant to learn more about how an MBA with Newcastle University Business School could change your career? Find out more todayNewcastle University Business School are a multi-disciplinary Business School that develops students of the highest calibre, help ing prepare them to become influential business leaders and progress in their careers.