10 tips for women considering an MBA degree
If you are thinking about studying for an MBA, you are not alone. Here are 10 tips for women considering an MBA degree.
With over 100,000 women taking their GMAT in the last year with their sole focus on graduate management education, an MBA can provide tremendous benefits, helping to increase your earning potential, boost your career opportunities, and strengthen your network.
Before you make up your mind up, here are 10 useful tips for women who are considering an MBA degree.
1) Define your career goals
If you have decided it’s time for a career change, many young professional women decide that business school is the perfect route for success.
MBA courses tend to last for two years, which will teach you the ins and outs of how to run a successful business. Defining your career goals from the beginning will give you something to work towards and boost productivity. If you’re looking to accelerate your career much faster, taking the shortest MBA program can be a great option for you.
2) Consider a quantitative course
If you do not have a quantitative background like an undergraduate degree in engineering, math, or business, you should consider taking some extra coursework now. Some of the suggested classes that can help include:
- Finance
- Statistics
- Calculus
The course provider you pick doesn’t matter, so whether you decide to take an online class, attend a community college, or study a college course, there are numerous quantitative courses available which can prepare you for an MBA degree.
3) Attend MBA networking events
Many MBA alumni regard the network they accumulated throughout their MBA degree as one of the most valuable aspects. Whether you choose to study for your MBA online or in person, you should never underestimate the value of networking.
Engaging with professionals and building your contact list can increase your chances of employment once you graduate. There are numerous MBA networking events that you can attend to help make your mind up on whether the course is right for you.
Some of the main benefits of networking include:
- Getting fresh ideas
- Seeing different perspectives
- Gaining knowledge
- Getting career support and advice
- Strengthening business connections
4) Make use of resources
Unfortunately, women are still seen as unrepresented in MBA degrees when compared to their male counterparts. Thankfully, non-profit organizations such as the Forte Foundation, alongside business schools host frequent events, programs, and mentorship opportunities to reach out to more women to consider joining an MBA program.
If you’re serious about embarking on an MBA, taking advantage of these initiatives and meeting with MBA officers can be a great way to find out more about the course.
5) Believe in yourself
As you begin to engage with other MBA candidates, you may feel disheartened at your chances of being accepted into a business school. Instead of thinking negatively, try and remain positive and believe in your abilities.
Focusing on your strengths, talents, and unique attributes will boost your productivity and determination to succeed. Believing in yourself can help:
- Build confidence
- Inspire yourself to take action
- Form a positive attitude
- Let negative thoughts fade away
- Increase your chances of winning and succeeding
6) Apply sooner rather than later
The earlier in life you apply for an MBA course, the less responsibilities you will likely have. If you decide to study later in your career, there may be other obstacles in the way such as family obligations which will take up a large chunk of your time.
As a woman, you may aspire to have children, so it’s best to gain your credentials while you have fewer responsibilities.
If you’re passionate about advancing your career while juggling family commitments, there is the option to study for your MBA online. Not only will you not have to face the dreaded daily commute to classes, you can create your own learning schedule. There are many positives that online learning can bring, such as:
- Access to expertise
- Reduced costs
- Increased instructor – student time
- Flexibility
There are institutions like Kettering University Online that can give you more information on what you will study during your MBA. You can find out more here about what the course entails and weigh up whether you can commit the time to your degree alongside other commitments.
7) Have a supportive partner
If you live with your partner, it’s important that they share the same enthusiasm about your MBA. Being supported from the beginning of your degree will help you stay focused with your coursework.
A lot of your free time will go out the window if you study for an MBA, so having a supportive partner by your side can make all the difference.
8) Learn self-discipline
While there are numerous benefits that you can gain from an MBA, if you choose to go down the online route, it’s up to you on how much you get out of the course. As you will be putting a lot of money into your degree, it’s only natural that you will want to get excellent value for money, so learning the importance of self-discipline is key.
Time management skills are also important to have during your MBA degree. There are several time management tips that can help, such as:
- Avoid multi-tasking
- Create a learning schedule
- Overcome procrastination
- Find a quiet zone to study
9) Be proactive
From the moment you start your MBA course, you should be looking at every opportunity available to broaden your skillset and knowledge.
Whether you pick an online provider or study at a business school, don’t be afraid to speak up if there is something you hope to get out of your course that is not available. From designing a new class to organizing a conference trip, putting yourself out there will look great for your resume.
10) Look after yourself
As women, many of us go above and beyond to show that we’re just as capable as men. If you’re studying for your MBA, it’s important that you don’t work yourself into the ground.
Looking after your mental and physical health should be top of your list, so whether it’s by getting plenty of sleep, following a balanced diet, or running a hot bath, all three can help reduce stress levels. Other ways to reduce stress include:
- Keep positive
- Factor in regular exercise
- Practice relaxation techniques
If you are serious about embarking on an MBA degree, you may be hesitant to start the application process. However, there are hundreds of thousands of women across the world who study and obtain an MBA each year, helping to elevate their careers and go on to become leading powerheads in the business world.
Photo by Avel Chuklanov
