Categories: Conversation StartersGeneral KnowledgePeople Facts

6 Interesting Things You Didn’t Know About the MBA

Have you been considering enrolling in an MBA program but are still on the fence? Are you feeling a little unsure as to whether that route is even the right one for you? Perhaps it would be worth it to take a broader look at the MBA program, what it entails, its history, and just what it could mean for your future. Always makes sense to step outside of FOMO and YOLO and do a solid assessment of what is out there in the wold for you.

With that in mind, we’ve gone ahead and compiled a rather intriguing list of six interesting things you likely didn’t know about the MBA. They just might be enough to help you make up your mind.

You Can Obtain Your MBA Online

Perhaps you have been holding back on pursuing your dream of getting your MBA simply because you aren’t located near a school. That’s fair enough, especially for people who don’t want to move or deal with commuting to and from the campus, but did you know you can actually enroll in an online MBA program? In fact, the history of online MBAs dates back to 1987 when the first one was offered.

You can actually learn all that same information from the comfort of your own home simply by attending online classes, and submitting your work electronically. What that means is that you can be based anywhere in the country and still attend school with ease. In fact, you could even be traveling and still attend classes. Prep now from home for that exciting job at Uber, Facebook, Google, or something cool in Boston or San Francisco.

Did You Know There Are a Lot of Jobs That Require an MBA?

Then there is the fact that your “dream job” may actually require an MBA to even be considered for the position. If you don’t have the minimum requirements listed on your resume, it’s going to be very difficult to make it to the interview stage. And what makes this fact even more interesting is that many of the jobs that require an MBA are ones you may not have thought would ask for the credentials.

Take, for example, the position of a general manager. Did you know that having that MBA can give you a leg up on the competition, as it means you’ve got many of the required skills the job looks for? Management positions will typically require the candidate to have such skills as human resources, business, finance, the ability to create strategic plans, implementing ethics, and more. These are the foundations and skills that your MBA will have prepared you to take on. You can click here to learn the specifics on what you’d be covering in an MBA program.

Did You Know That an MBA Almost Guarantees a Higher Salary?

If you’re wondering what the impact of an MBA would be on your salary, there is good news on that front. In general, you can expect to be paid more, not just initially, but throughout your working years, thanks to your MBA. It almost gives you a head start where salary is concerned, as right out of the gate, you’ll be able to make more than the candidate without an MBA.

Did You Know There are Specialized MBA Programs?

Perhaps you have a specific specialty or stream in mind that you want to pursue in terms of your education. Did you know that you can actually enroll in specialized MBA programs? These are a more concentrated look at specific areas or industries, giving you an in-depth foundation to step into a job straight out of school with confidence. They can set you up to be an “expert” in your chosen field, which can certainly help you to land a job faster.

Some of the more common specialties include supply chain management, investment management, marketing management, and even healthcare management.

Did You Know Your MBA Program is a Great Opportunity to Network?

Most people realize that networking is essential to landing a job, as it gives you a chance to make connections within the industry and get the word out that you are looking for a job, and you have the right kind of skills. But why wait until you graduate to start networking?

In fact, your MBA program offers you the perfect launch pad to start networking right away. Students will have all kinds of resources available at their fingertips, and it’s wise to use as many of these as possible. You know never know which connection could lead you down the path of employment.

There may even be networking events, usually organized through the career services department. These can include job fairs at the school, corporate visits either at-campus or in the offices, seminars, conferences, meet and greets, and more. Each of these situations presents a new opportunity to make a solid business connection that can help you later on.

Did You Know That the Whole MBA Credential Began in the Early 1900s?

And now for a little history; did you know that the MBA only came about in the early 1900s? It was 1881 that the world’s first school of business began, which was Wharton Business School at the University of Pennsylvania, but there were no graduate courses at the school.

Instead, it was Harvard Business School that was the first to offer students an MBA degree at Harvard University in Cambridge, MA. This was in the year 1908. At that time, the school had a mere 15 faculty members, which included the dean, and only 33 regular students and 47 “special students”. Only eight students went on to obtain the MBA degree, which took two years to complete.

It should also be noted that women weren’t allowed to enroll in the program at Harvard until quite some time later, in 1959. Looking at present day statistics, it’s interesting to note that women have gone on to earn the majority of the doctoral and master’s degrees in the country.

The MBA is Likely More Interesting than You Thought

So, after reading these interesting statistics and facts about the MBA program in general, there’s a good chance it’s likely more interesting than you initially thought. There’s a reason this program has stuck around as long as it has and has only grown over time.

FAQ