Should I get an MBA? Part II

Changes in the economy tend to send people scurrying for the safety of education. In an interview with CIO magazine, Thomas MacKay, the assistant director of IT at Christopher Newport University, in Newport News, Va., describes the extra support an MBA gives to a management career.

• Learn to read and interpret business statements
  An MBA curriculum teaches students to understand and interpret financial statements, marketing plans, market analyses, audit reports and business development plans – all important skills in business.
• You have chance to develop technical expertise
  Students have the chance to evaluate the application of different technologies in business through writing papers and other research.
• Day jobs
  As an MBA student, you can apply what you learn in school to your day job. .
• Become a better writer
  Like any master’s-level academic program, students generally have to produce a 20- to 30-page report for each class subject. Being able to research business topics and develop written comprehensive analyses quickly can be very useful.
• Organizing activity and managing processes
  It goes without saying that an MBA offers the tools, techniques and resources you need to run a business: everything from risk management plans and performance plans to project management methodologies and process maps.

These skills can certainly be gained from years on the job or alternate training. An MBA is expensive and requires a huge commitment – emotionally, financially, and personally. You can be distracted from your regular routine. But an MBA can provide all of the above benefits in a condensed amount of time within a comprehensive framework and offers lasting credibility.

 Business ownership is not for everyone but furthering your education with an MBA to advance your career may be the best option.