Should you get an MBA?
In a way, only you can answer that question.
Earning an MBA is a powerful way to take your career to the next level, and comes with many benefits, including higher earning potential, new employment opportunities, and in many cases, signing bonuses of more than $30,000.
That said, everyone’s career path is different and the right time for one person to enroll in an MBA program may not necessarily be the right time for another. Ultimately, it comes down to what your career goals are, how flexible your schedule is, and whether the time is right.
In this blog post, we’ll cover:
- Is an MBA worth it?
- How long does an MBA take to complete?
- How do I know if the time is right for an MBA?
Is an MBA Worth It?
If you are on the fence about whether earning an MBA is the right path for you, you may be asking yourself this question: Will it be worth it?
Here’s the short answer: Yes. Getting an MBA is worth it.
However, to get the most out of the experience and the best results from earning your MBA, you should have goals in mind for this degree. Are you going for a specific promotion? Seeking management opportunities? Looking to start your own business?
Knowing your goals and how you would use the tools and skills you’ll learn with an MBA is important to keep in mind throughout your journey. Earning a graduate degree is an exciting and worthwhile venture, but it requires a serious commitment of your time, energy, and resources. As the saying goes, you need to “begin with the end in mind.”
It’s important you understand what you’ll learn while completing your MBA and how it’ll help you in your personal and professional journey, including:
- Hard skills: sales, accounting, marketing, data analytics, economics, etc.
- Soft skills: leadership, communication, organization, conflict resolution, management, etc.
To get a better idea of what you’ll learn and how you can apply this knowledge in your career, check out our blog post: What Can You Do With an MBA? The Next Step in Your Journey.
How Long Does it Take to Get an MBA?
Typically, most MBA programs take two years to complete, but some part-time MBA programs may take up to four years. There are even accelerated programs that can be completed in one year or less.
The time it takes to complete an MBA depends on which program you enroll in, which format you choose, your personal schedule, and how many classes you plan to take each semester.
For example, if you have the time and flexibility each semester to take more classes, you’ll be able to graduate sooner. If you want to earn a dual degree (such as MSW/MBA or MSN/MBA) it might take you longer to complete the program.
The important thing to remember is that most schools understand that you’re a working professional with other responsibilities, so they’ll work with you to build a plan and schedule that works best for you
3 Signs That it Might Be a Good Time to Get an MBA
How can you know whether earning an MBA is the right path for you? Here are a few ways to tell:
1. You Know Your “Why”
Earning an MBA will be a challenge, not only in the coursework but also in balancing your studies with your own schedule.
As we outlined in the first section of this blog post, you must have a clear intention behind the degree. You need to know your “why.” Whether it’s a raise, promotion, management opportunities, exploring new career paths, or a deeper calling, knowing your why can be a motivator and confirmation you are on the right path.
While you’re thinking about your intention behind the degree, don’t underestimate the value of what this would mean to you personally. The sense of satisfaction, pride, and accomplishment that would come from earning your MBA might be difficult to quantify, but that doesn’t make them any less valuable.
2. You’re Ready for the Commitment
Earning an MBA takes time and energy. Be sure that you’re at the right point in your life to tackle this exciting challenge.
What is your work schedule like? What other commitments and responsibilities do you have that require your time and attention? Do you feel confident that you’ll be able to commit several hours each week to your coursework?
Remember, schools will work with you to help build a plan and timeline that’s right for you. If you have other commitments, you can start at a slower pace—and many people do. You can also determine whether taking classes online or in person is the right choice for you as you explore potential MBA programs.
The important thing to remember is that nobody does it alone. The best MBA programs have built-in support systems with your instructors and classmates that can help you feel part of a community of learners and leaders. And if you have friends and family supporting you along the way—even better!
3. You Can Afford It
Earning an MBA is not a cost but an investment.
Earning an MBA increases your chances of landing your dream job and increases your earning potential. In fact, the average starting salary for an MBA-holder is $125,000.
Even after understanding the ROI of an MBA, you’ll also be glad to know that there are many forms of financial aid, tuition reimbursement, military discounts, and grants available to graduate students.
To get a better understanding of which forms of financial aid you may qualify for, it’s best to meet with an experienced graduate school admissions counselor who can walk you through the process and build a path for you.
The Affordable Online MBA Program at Southern
At Southern Adventist University, we believe that the world needs more business leaders who bring principles like compassion, sustainability, ethics, and servant leadership to the workplace. We call this “missional business,” and it’s the core concept around which our MBA program is built.
The MBA program is offered online and the 8-week mini-session course structure offers optimal flexibility and balance so that you can earn your degree without sacrificing your career and personal life.
If you’re called to an MBA program, let us help make it a reality. 
