GETTING AN MBA DEGREE

Have you ever asked the following questions in your life?

1.     Do I need to get an MBA degree?

2.     Do I want to get an MBA degree?

3.     What are the steps I need to take to be in Graduate School?

4.     What are the pros and cons of taking the MBA program?

5.     What are the tools I need in Graduate School?

As this writing, I am currently an MBA Graduate Student at one of the State Universities in the Philippines. Before we can enter one, we need to take the entrance exam and pass.

The slots are limited in a State University since the tuition fees are either lower, or even free of charge for some.

There are also private universities that are offering the MBA Program that you can choose.

I happen to remember our university professor told us in day one that in graduate school, we must be prepared and ready. Heart, mind, body, and soul are really needed in this degree. She was not joking.

Let us start answering the questions.

1.     DO I NEED TO GET AN MBA?

Some employees are required to take their MBA program to get the promotion that is offered by their company.

Others believe that additional education will prepare them to be future leaders and managers of organizations.

At some point, people who aspire to get this program normally are aiming for career growth and development.

2.     DO I WANT TO GET AN MBA DEGREE?

This will determine if you are willing to go and get it a try.

Wanting something is different from needing something.

If you want to take it, chances are, that you will give all your effort in ensuring that you can finish the program.

Some people have enrolled in the program and later decided to quit due to several personal reasons.

3.     WHAT ARE THE STEPS I NEED TO TAKE TO BE IN GRADUATE SCHOOL?

Should you decide to take it. Plan out your study schedules. Most of the people who are taking MBAs are employees or have a business of their own.

MBA classes in universities usually fall on a Saturday or a Sunday. You have to expect to allot time during your weekdays for review and research purposes.

You may call the University where you want to get your Masters’s degree. Gather all the requirements and take the exams.

Ensure to take the entrance exams seriously. Expect an essay type open-ended question.  

After passing the exam, just enroll and you are on your way to your MBA journey.

4.     WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS IN TAKING THE MBA PROGRAM?

Let us visit the Pros:

 

A.     Refresh and study advanced subjects.

When you check out the subject offerings, you will find out that the majority of the subjects that were offered were just the same subjects during college. It is for you to find out the degree of difficulty these subjects are.

B.     It can be a tool for promotion.

Let us all face the reality that everyone loves the term promotion. Getting an MBA as an extension of your name may not be a guarantee that you will really be promoted but, you can use this to either find more opportunities for yourself inside or outside your organization.

You may opt-out to open your business too and be a champion in your own craft because you have the knowledge that will give you the edge over competitors.

C.     Can join the academe if you prefer to shift to teach university students.

In the Philippines and other countries, all college and university professors are required to have an MBA degree to be able to teach in college and universities.

If you wish to join the circle of educators, you may do so by applying in after your degree is finished.

D.    Experience in Research

The main core of all subjects in graduate school is research. All subjects require research papers during the term.

This will enhance your research skills. that is useful.

E.     Professional and Personal Growth

The graduate school will not only shape your intellectual mind to ask things around you but also prepare you for your professional and personal growth. Expect to be confident to face people from many walks of life during your journey.

            The cons:

A.   Expensive.

If you think your only problem will be your tuition fee, you are in for a surprise.

Better start saving every month. The degree requires research and you will need a lot of resources that will cost you money.

B.    Time Consuming.

Classes are scheduled every weekend. This will change your regular schedule.

Prepare psychologically. Chances are you will have less time for your family and more time for studies.

C.     5-Year Rule.

The five-year rule is applicable in the Philippines. This means that you are only allowed to be in graduate school for five years. Any period beyond it will require you to re-enroll all subjects.

The five-year residency is inclusive of the thesis program.

5.     WHAT ARE THE TOOLS I NEED IN GRADUATE SCHOOL?

You need to invest in the following:

A.   A LAPTOP

Make sure your laptop will be properly working.

Do not settle for less. Get a laptop that has the following specifications:

- 4GB RAM minimum, 8GB RAM better.

- SSD Memory of at least 265GB or more.

- Core i5 or i7, for the processor or any AMD equivalent

And ensure to get a reliable one that will save you the headache of repeating your research paper due to system crashes.

B.   THE USUAL SCHOOL STUFF

Papers, pen, notebooks are still used in this generation unless of course, you can afford to get a tablet to take down some notes or using a notebook app on your laptop.

C.   A PRINTER (Optional)

Getting one may save you in the long-run. There are moments when you will need a printer. It is wise to get an economical printer.

This usually is essential if you have finished your paper that needs to be submitted the next day. Only a few internet cafes are open during the night when you need to print.

If you prefer to get the MBA program, welcome to the club. The best advice we can give you is to enjoy the experience you will gain in joining.