The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in drastic changes being made to most businesses and it seems highly unlikely that things will ever go back to the way they were. The economy has suffered relentless blows, unemployment has skyrocketed and the feelings of uncertainty still loom.
Understandably, all of these recent challenges could plant a seed of doubt in anyone’s mind about whether now is the right time to study for an MBA. We believe there’s never been a better time to grow your business knowledge and skills and here’s why:
There is a global demand for proven strong leaders
The coronavirus pandemic propelled many companies into crisis talks overnight and there is no easy route through a crisis!
Having the ability and strength to make risk assessed decisions quickly, deliver clear and concise communication and continue empowering a team throughout uncertainty is a unique and specialised skill set.
Studying for an MBA will create opportunities to develop and practise these skills to become a strong and effective leader.
Management skills need to be flexible
The pandemic left behind a trail of economic destruction. Reacting to sudden change must remain at the forefront of every business plan and regularly risk assessed.
The world is evolving at a pace like never before. Gone are the days of signing up to a role with a specified job description and sticking to that meticulously for years, if not decades.
An MBA is a great place to understand and prepare for changes to a business environment under the guidance of professors who have experienced countless periods of change in their professional careers.
In this day and age, it’s becoming increasingly unlikely that people will stay in one role for their entire work span. Being able to focus and react quickly within situations of change will only improve future opportunities.
Leadership has become increasingly reactive
Traditionally, it’s been suggested that a proactive leader is more effective than a reactive leader. However, businesses have faced many challenges in recent times, where they’ve had no option but to react quickly. Reactive management works well for short phases of change, but it’s important to understand the drawbacks to this management method. Quick adjustments can result in poor quality, policies being overlooked and inexperienced staff taking on tasks beyond their capabilities. Mastering reactive management effectively will make you somewhat of a unicorn to future employers!
Whilst the economy regroups, take time to upskill
It’s estimated that the economy won’t fully recover from the global pandemic until 2025! Companies still don’t know the full picture of how the pandemic has impacted their trading. Consumer habits have diversified, there’s constant talk of more national lockdowns and border closures, plus there’s a spotlight on protecting employee mental health and wellbeing.
Within this recovery period, many businesses will undoubtedly re-evaluate and restructure. As they do, there’ll be a surge in demand for modern-day transferable leadership skills in particular.
An MBA network may hold the key to your best opportunity
As an MBA student, you’ll gain access to an instant network of peers, professors and university connections. Building a network in business has countless advantages. They can help you to understand things from a different perspective, offer you skills that you may lack and even provide business opportunities through either themselves or their extensive network.
As part of an MBA student body and alumni post graduating, your connections will become an eclectic mix of experience and different cultural backgrounds. This will help to obtain a detailed overview of the world when it comes to business. The details can be the difference between success and failure.
Entrepreneurial skills are in high demand for leadership
Studying for an MBA can both prepare you for life as an entrepreneur, or provide an opportunity to develop entrepreneurial skills to utilise in a leadership role. Many students choose an MBA because they want to become entrepreneurs and learn how to start and grow a business.
The majority of MBA professors will have either started or been a fundamental part of starting a business, during your studies they’ll reference their experiences to turn business theory into real-life examples.
Studying for an MBA will teach you effective communication, business planning and negotiation skills. Whether you’re negotiating for yourself, or on behalf of a business, entrepreneurial skills will be practised regularly as your business career grows. If you’re good at it, you’ll be highly sought after.
It’s perfectly acceptable to study for an MBA mid-career as a mature student
Recruitment for an MBA programme is different from most others. Active work history and life experience are encouraged in preparation for MBA studies. Although not essential, most institutions recommend 7 or more years of experience, to get the most out of the programme and opportunity for personal growth.
It’s common to see people in their 30’s and 40’s studying for an MBA. A group of mixed ages, experiences and background brings an added richness to the course content and helps students to develop essential people skills and emotional intelligence. These skills are in high demand for leadership roles.
You can study for an MBA flexibly online
You no longer need to attend a university campus to gain an MBA. Online MBA programmes are now held with the same regard as those studied whilst taught at an institution. In fact, in some cases, they’d be valued higher as online degrees demand comprehensive tech skills and encourage candidates to become creative with technology.
SSBR offers a flexible and practical MBA programme, taught by our faculty who are currently active in business and share their experiences in managing uncontrollable external threats, such as a pandemic. Not only will you gain valuable knowledge and skills to succeed in a leadership role, but you’ll have exclusive access to brilliant business minds and their extensive networks.
Choose to specialise in one of the three following areas:
- Strategic Management
- Digital Marketing
- Logistics & Supply Chain Management
To gain a professional advantage in your chosen field.
Find out more about SSBR’s online MBA programme here or contact one of our admissions team who’d be happy to talk you through the full course details.
Email: info@ssbr-edu.ch
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Facebook: @swissschoolofbusinessresearch
