3 Ways to Maximize Your MBA Education

An MBA can be a huge investment.

The total cost for two years at a top B-school is more than $200,000. With that cost only expected to rise, it’s imperative for MBA grads to maximize their degree. Sho Dewan, a career coach and contributor at Forbes, recently highlighted a few ways for MBAs to make the most of their degree and offered insight into fast-tracking a career in business.

MAKE CONNECTIONS

An MBA isn’t just an education in business fundamentals—it’s an opportunity to grow your network and make valuable connections. B-schools offer a variety of networking events for students to connect with alumni, from industry conferences to career fairs.

“When joining networking events, don’t hesitate to introduce yourself to fellow alumni and share your mutual connections,” Dewan says. “Make your introduction clear and concise, but include a brief highlight of your academic and professional background. Also, encourage a conversation by asking open-ended questions about their experiences and career paths and expressing genuine interest in the discussion.”

Once you make a connection, be sure to follow up and reach out to alumni during your job search.

“Having someone from the inside who supports you can make it easier for you to get noticed during the hiring process,” Dewan says. “And if you’re really lucky, the hiring managers themselves could be a fellow alumnus. Your personal and professional tie with them could give you the extra push you need to land the job.”

CONSISTENTLY UTILIZE AND PRACTICE YOUR MBA SKILLS

An MBA education teaches you valuable skills in project management, communication, and leadership. Throughout your job search, there will be a number of opportunities to apply said skills and reap the benefits.

“When you’re trying to find the right job, use your planning skills to look for companies that match what you want and what you can do,” Dewan says. “During interviews, wow your interviewers by sharing how you would handle difficult situations as a manager. And don’t forget to use your negotiation skills when sharing your salary expectations to get the best compensation package possible.”

CONSIDER A CAREER SWITCH

Business school can be a transformative experience for those looking to pivot careers. If you goal is to try out a new industry, don’t be afraid to tap into the resources that an MBA has to offer.

“MBAs offer specialized concentrations that tailor students’ education to specific industries or function areas,” Dewan says. “Although the availability of concentrations differs across business schools, some of the most common ones include finance, entrepreneurship, operations management, and international business. Focusing on such fields could be your first step to changing your role and finding something that sparks your growth. You just have to find the courage to seek opportunities and be willing to learn new things (and also make mistakes).”

Sources: Forbes, P&Q