Business professionals pursue management for a number of reasons. Some are motivated by the stability of a position that includes the important oversight of projects and employees. Some people thrive in environments needing creative problem-solving and decision-making. Still, some enjoy a position that can vary in its list of responsibilities, often times requiring a working knowledge of organizational structure and tactics that include keeping employees inspired in order for them to perform at their highest potential.
Though there may be different reasons as to why one would pursue a career in management, many careers in this field get their start with a master's degree in management. A young student who is interested in a management degree but lacks professional experience or a business education may be well-served to pursue a Master's of Science in Management (MSM). This program can be completed, in some cases, in as few as 10 months and offers a solid foundation of business theory including study within the fields of accounting, economics, finance, marketing, and statistics. Professionals with some experience desiring to take their leadership to the next level will want to consider a Master's of Business Administration (MBA). While somewhat similar to an MSM, an MBA goes beyond business theory and into the realm of practical application. Here are just a few ways that a master's degree can help a manager climb the professional ladder.
An MBA Sharpens a Manager's Skill Set
While there is no universal length of programming for an MBA, many of the nation's best online MBAs deliver a 10-12 course/30-36-credit hour program. These courses are intended to train a business professional to become problem-solvers and decision-makers within their organizations. By providing case studies and projects analyzing real-world business data, students are equipped with the tools they will need to lead teams of employees.
An MBA Helps to Develop a Manager's Network
As the old saying goes, "it's not what you know but who you know." Many incredible opportunities in business come from being connected to as many business leaders as possible. Some business schools in the country are capitalizing on this idea by assigning their students to mentor-based relationships with alumni and partnering organizations. Graduate students wanting to maximize their opportunities may want to consider a program which uses cohort groups for yet another layer of potential networking.
An MBA Makes an Organization Take Notice
The completion of a traditional or online MBA shows a manager's organization that he is serious about continuing to develop as a business leader. Besides the increased salary potential an employee with an online MBA in Management can experience, this type of degree can also prove vital when an executive is looking for someone to fill a position of upper-management.
One of the nation's very best online MBA programs in Business Management can be found at Temple University's Fox School of Business. Widely known for its robust curriculum, this degree features such well-rounded courses as Business Strategy in a Global Environment, Financial Analysis and Strategy, Marketing Management/Strategy, Operations Management, Information Technology Management, and Enterprise Management Consulting Practicum. This 48-credit hour program features three start times each year and allows students seeking an accelerated experience the chance to graduate in 20 months.
Just like global business, the world of management continues to evolve quickly. A degree in management is a great way to keep up with what is happening in business leadership and stay viable for current employment and future marketability.
