MBA program: why is it needed?

MBA is an abbreviation of English Master of Business Administration. In Russian, this phrase is often translated as Master of Business Administration, a little less often - as "master of economic management" or "master of business administration." Actually, the MBA program is designed to prepare such masters - specialists in business management.

Universities teach lawyers and economists, programmers and doctors. And where are they taught to leaders? Directors, chiefs, managers of secondary andhigher level? Nowhere. In the university you can get a diploma of an accountant, but not a diploma of a director. Becoming a boss, a person has to learn to lead people, manage the work process - often from scratch and at the cost of many mistakes. Avoid these errors and allows the MBA program.

The MBA program was designed to fill the shortage of qualified managers, versed in all the intricacies of managementstaff and doing business. That is, if you work in a subordinate position and do not plan career growth, the MBA program is not for you. It is needed by those who have already received a leadership position or are serious about it.

The MBA program is Not an alternative to higher education, but an important addition to it. The MBA degree will not replace a higher education diplomaeducation, but only become an additional confirmation of your professionalism. To get a Master of Business Administration, you need to first get a profile higher education (economic, legal, technical - not important), solid work experience and move up the career ladder. Only then does it really make sense to get an MBA.

The degree of MBA can be obtained in special educational institution - business school. Such schools are often created at universities. Different schools have different levels of prestige. Such well-known world publications as the Financial Times, US News and Business Week annually publish the ratings of the world's top business schools. Business schools that allow you to obtain an MBA degree are also in many large cities of the CIS. To avoid fraud, make sure that the school you choose is accredited - for example, AMBA, AACSB or EQUIS.

Different MBA programs are designed for students with different goals and level of knowledge and experience. So, the Mini MBA is a kind of "emergency"The program, during which participants are taught the most important issues of business organization. And the Executive MBA is designed for experienced senior executives. The MBA program can be full-time (with a break from the main job), combined with the main work (part time) and distance (distance learning). Depending on the chosen program and the level of your preparation, the training process can take from two to five years.

However, both program participants and employers requiring employees to have an MBA degree often forget that MBA program is not a panacea. It is intended for a specific circlepeople, for middle and senior managers, others simply do not need it. Unfortunately, the priority of the "crust" before knowledge and experience is firmly entrenched in the minds of many businessmen. The degree of Master of Business Administration is required even for those whose work is completely unrelated to business management. Because the MBA is fashionable and prestigious.

So, You may need an MBA if you:

• plan to take a managerial position or have already taken it, but you think that you will not be hampered by additional knowledge for successful business


• work in a company focused on cooperation with foreign partners and customers - after all, the MBA program is more "sharpened" for Western management style

Deciding to get an MBA, clearly define the purpose. Why do you need this degree? What knowledge and skills do you plan to get? How do you plan to use them in the future work, so that they do not become a "dead weight" for you? Having formulated the goal, choose a trustworthy business school and the appropriate form of training. And remember - without perseverance and self-discipline you will never become a qualified leader.