How an MBA can change your life

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is one of the most popular and sought-after degrees available today. As the world moves to an increasingly corporate and service-based economy, companies have an ever-growing need for business savvy and certain sets of technical skills.

The Masters in Business Administration (MBA) first emerged in 1908. It expanded greatly after World War II when new management science techniques added to the art of running a business.  During the 60s and 70s, mathematical and statistical tools continued to be added to curricula as regression analysis was applied to financial and business problems; stock and option pricing models were developed in leading business schools; and computer technology became widespread.

MBA benefits extend beyond just improving your qualifications on your resume. There are several ways that an MBA can improve your career:

Better pay is one incentive to get your MBA. An employer may be willing to pay more because they recognize the effort taken to improve your skills and knowledge. An employee with an MBA can move the company ahead in the right direction and many employers value this advantage and are willing to compensate those employees well.

Another advantage would be that you are hired above other candidates. Competition for jobs means that having an MBA tips the scale in your favour and may get you the job.

Career growth & Business Knowledge. You learn about business strategies and concepts, not just on paper, but the training and internship required in an MBA course, teaches you how to use these skills in practical life and in day to day business operations. The business knowledge and contacts that you make while studying for your MBA can kick start a new career. It can also help you to explore your career options if you are uncertain about which direction to take.

Improving your skills. The chance to learn something new can provide a fresh perspective and improve your brain power as you practice concentration skills and analytic reasoning. You will find you can take what you learn and improve many areas of your life besides your career.

Leadership Abilities. An MBA degree involves rigorous training, assignments, reports, presentations, and group projects, all of which give you the necessary abilities to handle real-life business situations. This helps to set you apart from those who do not have such expertise and can make you a leader in your chosen field.

Networking would be another advantage because the alliances that you form with your classmates and the network that you create is deemed as one of the most important and valuable things that an MBA program can give you. MBA graduates have often felt that the associations formed during the MBA course are resources that are invaluable and can be drawn upon for years after the MBA degree has been achieved.

A Masters in Business Administration degree (MBA) is a degree that can move your career to the next level, it is designed to widen the horizons of business professionals. Anyone thinking of applying for an MBA program could benefit greatly from learning more about the program beforehand, and finding out what an MBA is all about as well as what MBA institutions are looking for in applicants.

Getting ahead in your career

Finding a job is tough. Finding a good job is even tougher. When you've found that perfect job, it's important to then find opportunities to move up the workplace ladder. No matter where you are on the corporate chain of command, it's all about getting ahead. To do so, it never hurts to evaluate your career strategies from time to time, particularly as they relate to workplace rules and ethics. You spend at least a third of your life working. You might as well make those hours pleasant and enriching--for you.

Don't wait for your boss to notice you: take matters into your own hands and put yourself out there.

Here are our 9 ways to get noticed, get on and get your talents recognized:

Understand your boss:  Understand the way your boss works so that you're both on the same wavelength and you're in a better position to meet his expectations and win him over.You need to identify his managerial style and adapt to it. DO NOT Suck up to your boss. Trying to be best buddies is not the way to go.

Speak up in meetings: Make yourself seen and heard, put your ideas and qualities forward. Don't just sit there listening and trying to look intelligent, show you've got a contribution to make and show you're capable of speaking in front of others.

Look the part: Go to work well-rested and presentable. Never show up looking like you just rolled out of bed. Show that you care about the company image & showing that you care about your appearance is also a mark of respect towards your colleagues.

Increase our skills base - Studying for something like an MBA will most definitely improve your chances of promotion. The QS World MBA Tour - Africa is scheduled to take place early 2012, its free to attend, and offers a showcases all the major MBA players in Africa. Well worth a visit to decide if this path is for you. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for event dates.

Get organised: Demonstrate that you're professional and responsive. Quick and efficient are the keywords to bear in mind.

Keep a level head: Highlight your resistance to stress and pressure, and to demonstrate your management potential. If you show that you’re able to handle challenging tasks, you’ll become a more valuable employee, and a more valuable employee gets more perks.

Communicate: Communicate with and inform others, showing your superiors that they can trust you. Being open with people shows you're good-natured and responsible.

Share your ideas: Promote your sense of initiative and your abilities. Show your boss that you're a teamplayer rather than just an amazing individual! Help your team make progress and improve the way the company is run.

Get involved: Get to know people at work & start to fit in. Establishing good relationships with your colleagues is also a good way of keeping up to speed with what's going on. The more people you develop positive relationships with (both up and down the hierarchy), the better off you’ll be.

So, earn a gold star on the job and start your way up the ladder. You already know the way.