The Masters of Business Administration (MBA) degree is aimed at preparing you to be a senior level manager or leader. This program focuses on understanding how to utilize resources, teamwork, finances, business operations, and how to solve complex business challenges. Many programs offer a concentration option focused on specific business areas. There are a number of career paths for MBA graduates including: accounting, finance, human resource management, consulting, information systems, manufacturing, marketing, operations management, small business, government, education, health care, and not-for-profit.  

Most individuals pursue an MBA degree to advance their career into higher levels of management, pivot to a new industry, or launch their own business venture.  

Preparation

Academically, almost any undergraduate major prepares for an MBA, though having a solid foundation in math, accounting, or economics, can make your application more attractive and your time in the program a little easier. Your undergraduate GPA is important, as well as your GMAT score. 

An average of 4-5 years of work experience in a business setting, gaining some practical experience, and showing career growth, can make your your application stronger and the MBA degree more worthwhile developmentally. Those wishing to get into an MBA program that do not have such an extensive work history need to have superb academic credentials and an extensive record of extracurricular activities as well as clearly defined career goals. 

Most MBA programs request one or two letters of recommendation from a supervisor or manager, rather than academic references. 

Researching Programs 

• It is important that you attend an accredited program. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) is a an excellent resource to find accredited programs.

• You can also check out rankings  

GMAT

The graduate management admission test, or GMAT is the admissions test associated with gaining admission to an MBA program. It can help gauge your academic success during your first year of graduate school. The GMAT consists of 3 sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. Your scores are important, but remember, each school weighs these aspects of the application differently. 

More information on the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT)