Nowadays, students recognize the value of completing advanced degrees more than ever before. The Master of Business Administration degree is one such advanced degree that provides access to numerous great opportunities.
You are eligible to enter an MBA program if you have either a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) as an undergraduate degree or a Bachelor of Science (BS) with a business specialization. The period between the completion of BBA or BS degree bachelor’s degree and the commencement of the MBA is of utmost importance.
The way you utilize this time, and, either consciously or not, whether you let a considerable amount of time go by, will have a determining impact on your stride. Various reports highlight that the average full-time MBA student at a top business school in the U.S. has about five years of post-undergraduate work experience.
We’ll look at what you should, and shouldn’t, think about as an undergraduate transitioning into your MBA.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- First, take a break between degrees if you feel burned out to ensure mental readiness for the rigorous MBA program.
- Actively develop leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, as these are crucial for post-MBA success.
- Gain work experience to boost your resume and meet the average requirement.
1. It’s Okay to Take a Break
Academic burnout is a common problem among students who pursue advanced degrees. After all, some people even experience burnout after a 4-year bachelor’s degree program. It’s worth evaluating your mental state before moving from a bachelor’s program to an MBA program.
If you feel worn out, it’s better to take a break than start a harder program that will only wear you out more. Taking a break can also help you pick an MBA concentration if you haven’t already done so. The last thing you want to do is slack during your MBA classes because you feel tired and overworked.
Taking time off before starting an MBA program won’t negatively impact the admissions process. They’ll still see that you earned a bachelor’s degree and qualify for the terminal degree courses. Not everyone needs a break, but it’s important to take a self-inventory and make sure you’re ready.
2. Consider the Financial Implications
Naturally, earning an advanced degree, like an MBA, can cost a lot of money in some cases. Of course, many people consider this cost worthwhile, as it can increase your earning potential. However, it’s worth pausing and thinking about how much you can spend before entering an MBA program.
Many college students expect to incur some debt, and they consider it somewhat of an investment. That said, it’s tough to justify going straight into an MBA program if you didn’t work while earning your bachelor’s degree. In that case, you’d be incurring more debt before getting the chance to enter the workforce.
This is doable for many people, but it’s worth evaluating your situation before pulling the trigger. For many, it helps to work an entry-level job while pursuing an MBA to keep a steady income. This can make life quite busy, but it can also set you up for a great start to your career.
3. Speak With People in Relevant Fields
What do you plan to do with your MBA? It’s hard to get the most out of your MBA journey if you don’t have an idea of what your career will look like. That’s why it’s worth speaking to people who work in your desired field before starting your MBA journey.
This can include past graduates from your desired MBA program, as well as people who have your desired job title. Today, this is easier than ever, as you can contact people through LinkedIn and many social media platforms. They can help you understand what to expect and get a grasp of what the curriculum will be like.
In the same way, they may guide you to get the most out of the program. Such conversations can help you in your post-graduate classes as well as in your future career. Personal experience is invaluable, and learning from someone else’s experience may help to build your perspective.
4. Build Some Soft Skills
The difference between “hard skills” and “soft skills” can be difficult to understand early in your academic career. By the time you qualify for an MBA program, you’ll most likely have developed several hard skills. That includes processing data, analyzing information, and using technical programs.
However, soft skills are just as important, especially for MBA students looking to enter the workforce soon. You can excel in an MBA program if you develop soft leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. One great way to acquire such skills is to collaborate with fellow students and work on group projects.
Think about how close you are to your dream job when you enroll in an MBA program. It’s better to have a strong basis of relevant soft skills before entering the program. That way, you can build upon them during your MBA journey and make yourself a perfect professional candidate.
5. Start Your Resume
Some people understandably rush to start an MBA program right after earning a bachelor’s degree. That’s especially true for those eager to start their career as soon as possible. However, doing so may backfire, that is, if you even qualify for an MBA program at all.
Some MBA programs require candidates to get some work experience before enrolling in classes. Some schools even require MBA candidates to have at least 2 years of work experience. Not all schools require this, but it’s worth considering taking a break and working before enrolling in MBA courses.
Doing so can help you build your resume and make yourself a great candidate for jobs after completing the MBA program. It’s also a great opportunity to network with people in the field and create strong connections. You never know who will help you land your dream job one day and what you will learn from them.
You Can Never Be Too Prepared
Everyone has a unique journey in life, and the path each MBA student takes to their dream job highlights this well. Whether you take a break for your mental health or to build your resume, doing so can set you up for success. This period can give you the chance to build soft skills, pad your resume, and collaborate with peers and industry veterans.
However, some people prefer to go straight into an MBA program after graduating with a bachelor’s degree. Not all colleges allow this, but it’s a viable option for eager students. No matter what your path is, it’s important to prioritize self-care and prevent burnout.
Ans: Probably. Most top full-time MBA programs strongly prefer candidates with an average of ≈ 3-5 years of post-undergraduate work experience.
Ans: Yes. It is highly beneficial to have a target concentration.
Ans: The duration is personal, but even a year can provide time to gain experience, save money, and recharge. For career changers, a longer break (3-5 years) can be essential for a strong resume.
Ans: The MBA curriculum relies heavily on case studies, group projects, and presentations, so making soft skills as critical as technical hard skills.
