Showing posts with label business school. Show all posts
Showing posts with label business school. Show all posts

27 June 2013

Choosing the Right MBA Specialization

Within MBA, students and professionals can select from numerous specializations, which include finance, accounting, marketing, human resources, supply chain management, strategy, operations and logistics, and so on.

Face the ‘market’ aspect

Among these specializations, supply chain training in Dubai is the sought-after specialization by international students. Although the field of finance is tough and not everyone has the aptitude to study finance, it continues to be the most lucrative field. Today, management students, have to face the ‘market’ aspect of their profession. By knowing about the business part, people can add to their possibility to succeed in their field, at least while living under the increasing acceptance and adoption of market values.

Specializations gaining momentum

These two specializations seem to be gaining momentum with many candidates opting for these courses. With the growing business complexity, specialization is beginning to receive attention in business schools. Students who have strong management and forecasting skills, with a deep interest in the corporate happenings, can consider it as an option. Both these certification courses are generally one-year long and teach students everything related to the subject, making them a master in that specific field.

Get into the core of business

However, for getting into these training courses, it is very important to know the core of business. A certification course from a reputed B-school gives you in depth knowledge through practical training methods like case study completion, which help you get first-hand knowledge of the industry.

No mid-career crisis, please

Do you drag yourself to your work place every morning? Are you in a happy space when it comes to your professional life? If you are not content with what you are doing, then wake up and smell the coffee. Do not be a victim of mid-career crisis. Experts say that this crisis is characterized by a state of confusion where the employee is dissatisfied and confused with his work and job role. It has been observed that most of the time many high-performing professionals go through a mid-career crisis because they grow very fast during the initial years of their career and later, the pace of growth slows down a little. In such a situation, going for specialized education is not only a welcome relief but also a career booster.
Choosing an MBA: Stockvault

Do value clarification exercise

With changing dynamics in the business world, there are changes within the organizational structure across the globe. And when you feel saturated within an organization it’s time to do a value clarification exercise which will make you think seriously about your career, help you understand in which direction it is going and ask relevant questions on ways to go forward. A well-structured module helps you to connect between your past roles and present one.

Chart the right way

While going for a special training tries to have a clear vision. Always know for sure that it is important to keep yourself updated by acquiring new skill sets. In the process you will surely rediscover and review your strengths and weaknesses which will help you to identify suitable options and opportunities and chart the right way forward.

Update your knowledge

There are several important benefits of keeping up with the latest happenings in the industry. It not only helps you to take better decisions but also helps you to figure out the threats and opportunities faster, that gives you a competitive edge. Going for specializations helps you in shaping your company’s strategy. Up to date knowledge along with specialized training are a lethal combo for building expert power. By gaining expertise in your job, you will get the respect and trust of other employees as well, which is invaluable. Finally, it will help you to become more alert and aware to changes that you need to concentrate on.



Drive for diversity

Studies state that enabling and improving upon the assortment of ideas, cultures and experiences has a positive impact on innovation. Though there is no silver bullet to do so, professionals backed by certified training courses from a reputed institute can create a workforce mix that reflects diversity. It has been observed that this diversity makes a company treat its employee inclusively which positively leaves an impact on the quality of work. It multiplies quantity and ups the quality of both the organization and mid-level professional, giving them a scope to reinvent themselves.




Author Bio:  Sam Andersen is a senior SEO Content writer doing some free part time blogging on management training and Six Sigma Black Belt Dubai and Qatar. If not writing for these, he's on the keyboard writing about food and travel.

18 June 2013

How to Write a Personal Statement for MBA Students


Admission into a top MBA program is a goal for many people. A MBA opens opportunities, gives valuable knowledge, and is often the gateway to important management positions. However, the biggest challenge to MBA programs is the application process.

Between the numbers of recent college graduates, mid-career business people upgrading their resumes, and career changers, the competition for prestigious MBA programs is stiff. Therefore, it is very important to make a strong case for why you should be accepted into a particular MBA program.

To do this, use the following tips to submit a strong personal statement for MBA programs.

Tell a Story

One of the most important aspects to personal statement writing is being able to tell a story. Although you may be tempted to write about your job and business experience alone, stories are the best ways to show admissions committees that you’re a perfect fit for their program. But don’t make it into an epic work of fiction. All the program wants to know is who you are as a person, as a businessperson, and how you would fit as a student in their MBA program.

Show Experience

The unfortunate truth is that MBA programs want people who have work experience. Experience is a better weapon in an MBA program application than a great GPA. Most experts state that work experience is a big plus in MBA program applications. But since not all job descriptions are self-explanatory, be sure to include short descriptions.

Be Mindful of Your Language

The business world is dynamic and relies on effective communication skills. This means that the language you use in your personal statement is very important. This means that you should use appropriate terminology and vocabulary for a serious business school. However, don’t go overboard on business jargon, as this can make you seem insincere.

Be Honest

When your application comes off as too generic, most admissions committees at MBA programs will assume that you are being dishonest about your true achievements. To avoid this, keep the information true and personal. Show how you are different from all the other applicants with your unique qualifications.

Avoid Repetition

You will probably send your personal statement along with resumes and CVs. Don’t duplicate experiences and points already provided in your other documents.

Keeping the above tips in mind will help you to write a great MBA personal statement.

Byline: Alex is a writer at Best Essays. He helps other students with their education.


17 January 2013

Top 5 Business Majors in College

Business and related fields are some of the most popular college majors of all. After all, students who pursue these majors are almost guaranteed to find some kind of work upon graduation and, what’s more, they have a lot of options in terms of the type of work they do. While you can certainly get a generic business degree, it’s usually in your best interest if you have a more specific idea of what you want to do. These individuals don’t have to apply for general jobs, and they also show their employers that they have always been interested in and devoted to their particular field. Even if you’re not sure just yet which business major is right for you, take a look at this list of the top five business majors in college. One of them might just be the right choice for you!

Accounting


Have you always had a head for mathematics? Do you enjoy the “number crunching” that most other people dread? Do you like dealing with money and helping people find ways to make their dollars go further? If so, then a career in accounting might be the right fit for you. Accountants work in many different settings. Some are personal accountants, working with their clients on an individualized basis. Others set up shop and work for the general public, while some are committed to the business world as a whole or to one or more specific businesses. A career in accounting is lucrative and many people find the work to be personally rewarding as well.


Marketing


Marketing is not for everyone, but for some, it’ s an absolutely perfect fit. Those who work in the marketing world are usually dynamic and charming, creative and innovative, and have a head for sales, computing figures, budgeting money, and working with the general public. Prospective marketing majors should ask themselves? Am I naturally gifted at ‘promoting’ products and services? If I see an advertisement, do I almost instinctively create a mental list of potential improvements? If you answer these questions in the affirmative you’re well on your way toward a marketing degree. If you’ve been told that you could sell anything and if you’d like to come up with new ideas and see them put into action, consider majoring in marketing.


Business Administration


Some people are just natural born leaders, and those who are are usually quite well suited to a career in business administration. If you want to be the “big boss,” the one who pulls all the strings and who makes high-end executive decisions that have the power to affect an entire company and the people who work for it, then make business administration your major. Do be aware, however, that this is a high pressure, demanding career, but it is one that comes with a great amount of power, prestige, and usually, a pretty hefty salary.


Finance


If you’re the person who always seems to have money left over when everyone else is flat broke, and if you answer all of your friends’ financial questions with ease, then a career in finance is likely right up your alley. One of the great things about this major is that it’s so versatile in terms of what you can do with it! Finance majors often go on to become stockbrokers, investment bankers, relationship bankers, accountants, and so much more.


Global and/or International Management


Those who love to travel, who have an interest in international and foreign affairs, and who have a head for business and a love for other cultures often do well in global and/or international management positions. This job might call you to travel extensively or even to live abroad, a prospect that is thrilling for many. Plus, there’s no limit to where this job can take you. Even if you start with a lower level position, you can easily work your way up the career ladder with time and effort.



This piece was contributed by Terrence Gilman, a resident of the great city of Seattle and a freelancer with an interest in education, business and current global affairs; for those looking to further their education, be sure to view plc courses and other courses which offer training in high demand areas.

17 September 2012

Advanced Degrees: Leadership vs. MBA

--> Conventional wisdom has always been that getting a master’s of business administration (MBA) is a surefire path to career success. Prospective students have fanciful (even somewhat fantastical) images of getting their MBA, and immediately skyrocketing to the top of the ladder, and reaping the salary rewards that come along with it.
While in some cases, holding a MBA does lead to a higher level of career success, in most cases students find that the path to the corner office is a bit more winding than the MBA program materials lead them to believe. And in some cases, students find that the MBA program isn’t quite what they expected – or interested in.

That’s where the leadership degree comes in. When you start comparing graduate programs, chances are that you’ll find many schools offer both MBA and leadership programs; perhaps even a MBA with a concentration in leadership. There is some overlap in the programs; in general, they are distinctly different in both scope and outcomes. Unlike other master’s
level programs, MBA and leadership programs aren’t generally focused on one specific industry or skill set, and the options are a bit broader.

So how do you choose the right degree program, to ensure that you get the education that sets you on the path to your goals? Consider these factors when comparing programs:

Are you more interested in numbers or people?

 

Perhaps it’s an oversimplification, but MBA programs differ from leadership programs in large part thanks to their focus on numbers. MBA degree programs often focus on the quantitative aspects of business, areas such as financial applications, economics, accounting and marketing in terms of numbers, rather than creative ideas. Leadership degree programs, on the other hand, focus more on qualitative aspects of business, such as human resource, team management and leveraging human capital. Leadership programs tend to be more holistically based, incorporating ideas from the humanities, communication, human resources, while the courses you’ll find in business programs are more subject-focused, such as finance.

What is your background?

 

While both MBA and leadership programs welcome students from a broad array of backgrounds, students who earned an undergraduate degree in the humanities or liberal arts may find the courses in leadership to be more in line with their existing knowledge. Because MBA programs tend to be so numbers-based, those who do not have any knowledge or experience in those fields (like finance or accounting) might find themselves at a disadvantage, and may even have to take additional introductory level courses to get up to speed. That’s not to say that it’s impossible to get a MBA without some lower-level mathematics or business experience, it’s just an additional factor to consider and prospective students should carefully read the list of course requirements before enrolling.

What are your goals?

 

If you seek a career in a financial or capital management role, then a traditional MBA program with a specialization in that area is probably your best bet. However, if you want to learn skills that are transferable across a wide spectrum of roles and industries, a degree in leadership, or a specialization in leadership, may be a better fit. Some leadership programs allow specialization in a particular type of organization, such as a nonprofit or healthcare, but many programs take a more inclusive approach and provide knowledge that applies to nearly any situation.

Where are you in your career?

 

Hiring managers are often split down the middle on which degree they prefer candidates to hold, but in general, they agree that if you have some career experience and simply want to move into managerial roles, a leadership or management degree is a useful credential. The exception is those who wish to hold financial or capital management leadership positions, as they need the advanced technical knowledge supplied by MBA programs. Again, carefully evaluate the course requirements for the programs you’re considering and determine if the course content is relevant to your career goals.

Going back to school to earn any advanced degree is an investment in time and money, and while choosing to further your education is never a waste, choosing the right program is a better use of your time and money. Consider your existing knowledge and career goals when comparing programs and you’ll make the decision that’s most beneficial to you.


About the Author:  Alexis Lane, 28, has chosen to continue her education in every aspect. She currently holds a BA in Business Management, a Real Estate License in the state of Florida and is presently working on her IT security degree.


04 September 2012

Specialized Degrees: MBA and MHA


If you work in healthcare administration – or want to work in the field – chances are that you’ve noticed that the management level, higher-paying jobs generally require an advanced degree of some sort. Employers like hospitals, healthcare systems and biomedical or pharmaceutical companies prefer employees who have a solid background in the fundamentals of managing the people and processes specific to healthcare.

The problem stems from, however, the multiple options for getting an advanced degree in healthcare management, especially when it comes to choosing between a MBA with a concentration in healthcare administration or management, or a Master of Healthcare Administration degree. Both options are attractive to employers and will give you extensive knowledge of the field, but which one is right for you depends on your own specific career goals and interests.

The Difference Between a Concentration and a Degree

Depending on the schools that you are considering, you’ll have several options. One common option is the MBA healthcare management concentration. In a program like this, you’ll study basics that apply to all businesses to build a foundation of knowledge, and for your electives, take several courses that relate to healthcare. You’ll graduate with the skills and knowledge necessary to manage and lead in a healthcare facility, but it will be focused more on the business aspects of healthcare – finance, budgeting, marketing, etc.

Degree programs that lead to a Master of Healthcare Administration, on the other hand, are completely devoted to healthcare. You will take courses in the business of healthcare, but also in subjects such as ethics, law, issues and trends, as well as the leadership and organization found within healthcare environments.

Which is Right for Me?

Choosing between a MBA with a concentration or an MHA degree largely depends on your experience and career goals. MHA programs often appeal to those who have a degree in another healthcare related field and some experience working in a healthcare environment. For example, a nurse who wishes to move into a management role might seek a MHA degree to gain the necessary organizational management and business skills.

MBA programs often appeal to those who wish to move into a healthcare administration career from another field or want to grow within their existing role. For example, someone who works in the accounting or finance department might seek the MBA to get more knowledge and experience within that role, and an understanding of how to apply that knowledge in a healthcare setting.

However, the choice is really yours to make. Some experts argue that when you have an undergraduate degree in healthcare administration or a related field, seeking the MHA is redundant, and you will be better served to seek a MBA with a concentration in healthcare administration or management, such as that offered by Scranton University online. However, if you have a degree in another field and some experience working in healthcare, the MBA in Healthcare Administration will enhance your knowledge and experience and better prepare you for a leadership role in healthcare, but also give you a business background that applies to any industry.

Career Options

While either advanced degree can open up opportunities in healthcare management careers, there are some differences. In general, those who hold a MHA tend to work in administrative positions overseeing personnel, or managing service and quality. If you hold a MBA with a concentration, you may have more opportunities in specialized areas of healthcare management; for example, you might work in hospital finance or marketing, depending on your undergraduate degree and experience.

However, in either case, earning an advanced degree does increase your earning power. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare administrators who hold advanced degrees generally earn well over $70,000 per year, and some more elite positions pay over six figures, making the investment in your education very worthwhile.

When trying to decide which type of degree to pursue, review job postings and descriptions for the type of jobs that you are interested in, and choose the degree program that best fits the requirements for your career goals. Expect to be challenged and inspired in either program, and build the knowledge and skills you need for a long and satisfying career in the healthcare field.

About the Author:  Jill McDonald is working toward an MBA in healthcare management.  She previously worked in public relations.

01 September 2012

Nonconventional Uses of an MBA: NASA and the CIA

--> If you have ever wondered what it might be like to work for an entity such as NASA or the CIA then you might find it is time well spent in investigating how to apply your mba towards a non-traditional career focus upon graduation.
 
While many students who are in advanced educational classes to obtain their organizational leadership degree or other specialized mba degree fully intend on applying their new skills in a corporate setting upon graduation, not all students fall into this category. Some students are obtaining an advanced degree in business to make a difference in the world of academia, nonprofit or even the government either nationally, internationally or intergalactically. As with more non-traditional hiring entities such as the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation), the CIA and NASA recognize the value in the skill set of mba candidates, more jobs are becoming available for students who are seeking out alternatives to corporate careers.

What You Can Expect with Non-Corporate Careers

 

Because much of your educational curriculum and most likely many of your internship and practicum opportunities will focus on applying your new knowledge in a business setting, it can be harder to visualize how you might apply an mba degree online or an organizational leadership program, for instance, in a non-traditional setting. But here it is important to realize that while a nonprofit organization might have a different focus than a Wall Street firm, the basic path to get there usually remains very much the same.

A nonprofit corporation may use program success as a benchmark of success, while a Wall Street firm uses profitability, but both organizations still need executives and employees who can balance the books, create marketing materials, manage employees and perform many other basic business-focused skills in order for the organization to succeed in its goals. The same holds true for governmental entities such as the space program, intelligence agencies and advocacy groups.

The Impact on Your Bottom Line

 

A potential pitfall to watch out for if you decide to pursue a career beyond a corporate life is salary. Because often students who choose to work for nonprofit organizations, academic institutions or the government do so out of personal ideology or passion rather than an eye towards earning potential, it can be more difficult to juggle the expense of paying back a student loan and getting established financially after graduation should you choose this route. However, there are ways to make it work.

Some students work in a corporate setting for a few years to earn up enough money to pay off their loans and then they transition to a more personally desirable field. Some students take advantage of loan forgiveness programs at their academic institution, if such are available, for students who choose to work in the service or government sectors after graduation. Still other students just choose to take the hit because the payoff in job satisfaction is worth it. What is most important is just to be aware of how your career choice could impact your financial health before you make that choice.

The Hiring Process

 

The hiring process will likely also be different if you choose to target your career search towards a government, academic or nonprofit or service entity. You may have to do more networking in order to reach the decision makers at your chosen employer. There may also be additional special prerequisites or extra training or education you need to complete before you can qualify for the career that interests you. You may not find as many resources at your university’s career placement center for alternative career paths, which also means you may have to start your job search earlier than your corporate-minded peers. You may also consider joining specialty organizations or associations prior to graduation as a student member. These organizations may be able to assist you in meeting prospective employers in your chosen field.

There are many interesting ways to apply the advanced education and skills you gain as you study towards earning your mba degree. The important thing to remember is that, while it may take a bit more research and effort to find the open doors in nontraditional fields, the payoff will be worth it when you land a job you intrinsically know you will love.

This article was written by Lola Montrose, who is a MBA student at an online university. Montrose has government aspirations with her own degree; it’s been her lifelong dream. Lola lives in Washington D.C. and on the weekends, you can typically find her writing at IKEA’s café.