If you want to understand the value of an MBA for your career progression and why the efforts exerted now will provide a strong long-term ROI, this webinar recording is for you.

In this webinar, Sia Admissions founder, Susan Berishaj, discusses ways an MBA can increase candidates’ professional value, including:

  • The importance of gaining a greater awareness of the global market
  • Refining management and communication skills to lead in a modern business landscape successfully
  • Leverage an impact-minded global network
  • Gain access to coveted employers and increased job opportunities

Susan is the founder of Sia Admissions, a boutique NYC-based admission coaching firm. She has worked with young, ambitious professionals who seek admission to top MBA programs for the past seven years.

What are the benefits of an MBA program?

A diversity of nationalities and experiences

Susan started off by listing some of the benefits of the MBA. She said one of the things she values most in an MBA program is the environment. Class participants typically have more than five years of professional experience, which enriches the program and provides a unique diversity of perspectives. You are going to learn a lot from your professors and course materials, but also from your classmates.

A global network

Most business schools have alumni networks that span all geographic locations. At some point, your life may take you to another part of the world where you can rely on your network to support you and help you open a few doors.

High salaries

Post-MBA salaries have been increasing and there is no sign of the growth slowing soon. Of course, one does not pursue an MBA for a short-term career goal or a salary bump, Susan says, adding that an MBA is a long-term investment.

Who is the MBA for?

Professionals who pursue an MBA degree typically fall into three categories:

  • Seeking growth within their industry

If you like your job and believe the MBA will bring innovation to your workplace, then start evaluating how an MBA can support you in that next step in your career so that you move up the leadership ladder and gain the experiences that you want. 

  • Seeking to transition into another function, sector or geography

Business schools can typically help you transition into two categories. For example, they can help you transition sector + geography or function + geography, but not all three.  

  • Seeking to start a new venture

If you have a startup or want to found one, an MBA can help. However, Susan cautioned that if you present entrepreneurship as your goal, you need to have had previous exposure to the startup space. In most cases, without that history, schools are not inclined to offer admission.  

Why do you want an MBA?

Know what you know

Susan points out that you have to clearly articulate why you are pursuing an MBA. There is very little room for exploration in an MBA program. In other words, you need to understand yourself. If you want to launch a successful career with an MBA, you need to know what you are good at and what you can learn to become better. It’s therefore vital to identify your skills and connect them to your future goals.

Know what you don’t know

The other part of knowing yourself is knowing what you don’t know. You need to find out what kind of skills you are going to have in order to achieve your goal. Once you know what skills to develop, then you have to look at how the institution will help you.

Watch the full webinar for a deeper dive into the topics Susan discussed and the subsequent Q&A session. You can also take advantage of a 30-minute complimentary consultation to discuss your profile and how Sia Admissions can assist with your admissions applications.