There are many advantages to earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA). A higher credential opens the door to many opportunities, whether it’s to climb the company ladder, expand a business venture, or pursue new positions or careers. MBA programs come with their challenges, however. They feature an intense courseload delivering new information that can be difficult to take in – especially when pursuing grad school alongside a full-time job.
When you enroll in an MBA program, you want to make the most of it. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota provides a hybrid MBA program with on-campus components that provide opportunities for networking, in-person connections, and more. Here, we share MBA tips to help you maximize your opportunities, avoid burnout, and balance your coursework with other responsibilities.
Focus on Your Goals
The first key to success in your MBA program is to stay focused on your goals. With your ultimate endpoint in mind, you’ll have an easier time staying motivated as challenges arise. Stress, burnout, and uncertainty are the top reasons why students drop out of grad school, so staying goal-oriented is crucial to your degree completion.
Knowing your goals will also help you tailor your coursework toward the topic that matters most to you. Instead of setting a broad goal like “increased earning potential,” consider if you are interested in any specializations, such as finance, business analytics, or project management.
Once you have defined your goals, you can select electives or specializations that will help you achieve them. If you are interested in working in cybersecurity, completing an MBA with a cybersecurity specialization can help you learn relevant skills. Not only will this keep you motivated, but it will also bring you closer to achieving your goal.
Get Into a Student Mindset
If you already have career experience, you may have some opinions about what works and what doesn’t. This is a positive thing, as any success is something to be proud of, and your previous lessons will help you think critically about your coursework.
However, you should not allow your prior experience to keep you from experimenting with new ideas. Don’t hold too tightly to what you already know. Instead, approach course topics with an open mind and a willingness to explore different theories and techniques – even ones that you’re initially skeptical of. You may just learn something that will help you improve your problem-solving or work habits. Even if you ultimately decide that something isn’t for you, you’ll have gained a valuable lesson and practiced critical thinking skills. These will also be valuable in your future workplace.
Develop Soft Skills
While college and business “hard skills” are important, so are “soft skills.” These can also be thought of as people skills. They include kindness, empathy, communication, active listening, and other abilities that help you make positive impressions and work well on a team.
MBA programs will teach you the hard skills you’ll need, such as data analysis, business theory, and other relevant concepts. Soft skills, however, aren’t typically the focus of assigned coursework. Instead, you’ll need to train them deliberately. Fortunately, they can be practiced by:
- Participating in class discussions
- Asking professors questions
- Requesting feedback from teachers and peers
- Engaging in group projects
- Seeking opportunities to make connections
- Volunteering for events and campus initiatives
- Joining student organizations
These skills will boost your success in school by making it easier to share resources, ask questions, and take feedback. They will also help you in the business world by making you a more effective and respected teammate or leader – so make sure you prioritize them.
Make Industry Connections
You enrolled in grad school to improve your opportunities. If you’ve participated in the business world, you already know that education is only half of the formula. When it comes to seeking better positions or promotions, networking is the name of the game. Knowing the right person in the right place can help you take your career to new heights.
MBA programs are the perfect place to make industry connections. Your classmates and peers are all individuals with similar goals to yours and entering the same field. School friends can become valuable relationships after graduation. In addition, teachers and speakers are often experienced businesspeople themselves. Don’t neglect the opportunity to learn from the experts and build relationships with respected leaders in your field.
Networking opportunities don’t end in the classroom, either. Graduate schools often host career fairs, workshops, conferences, and other industry events. These are great opportunities to learn more about your options after graduation. They’re also a chance to make connections with individuals who can help you along your preferred career path.
Take Advantage of School Resources
Graduate school is demanding, but on-campus facilities provide useful resources to help students make the transition smoothly. Whether you’re relearning study skills, preparing for an exam, or ramping up for your internship, take advantage of these resources. They are there to be used and can help you practice skills and pursue opportunities that might not be available otherwise. You’ll also demonstrate your initiative, make connections, strengthen your resume, and make yourself stand out in the job market. Common resources for graduate students include:
- Career services
- Alumni and networking events
- On-campus recruiting
- Academic advisors
- Tutoring and study groups
- Writing centers
- Libraries and databases
If you aren’t sure what is available at your school, ask your professor, advisor, or enrollment team. They can help you understand what resources are offered and how you can utilize them to their full benefit.
Enroll in a Hybrid Program
We’ve covered several ways to gain more benefits from your MBA program, but what about your work-school balance? Doing all this may sound overwhelming alongside your full-time job, family responsibilities, and other obligations.
This is why Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota recommends hybrid programs, or programs that are delivered as a blend of in-person and online classes. Our hybrid MBA program meets once a week on campus in the evenings for class sessions or meetings. This provides students with access to hands-on learning and networking opportunities that are essential to success in the business world.
Other components are delivered online. These allow students to save time and money by avoiding a daily commute. In addition, online coursework has the flexibility to be completed when and where the student chooses. This makes it easy to fit around work and life, letting you learn at your own pace without interfering with other commitments.
Plan With Your Boss
If you plan on working full-time while pursuing an MBA, make sure you communicate plans clearly with your supervisor or manager. In some companies, this will demonstrate your initiative – especially if your goal is promotion. It will also get your boss on your side. This support can be a valuable resource when balancing work and school.
Once classes begin, you and your boss can then discuss time management. You may be able to secure accommodations or adjust your schedule to make schoolwork more manageable. Some companies may even provide employer-funded tuition reimbursement. However, the scheduling arrangements alone will make a big difference in your life during grad school. Make sure the communication continues while classes do, too. You’ll have the chance to share what you’ve learned and show your professional growth.
The Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota Difference
Are you ready to earn your MBA and enhance your career opportunities? If so, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is the perfect place to begin. We are a private, nonprofit Lasallian Catholic university committed to faith-based academic excellence. In every classroom, whether online or on-campus, we deliver a relationship-driven, person-centered education that encourages intense inquiry. This quality of learning prepares students with the tools they will need for success in the competitive business world.
Our MBA programs are available in two forms: a hybrid online/on-campus model and a fully online model. Online students can complete their programs faster, and they can still make in-person connections and use campus resources if they live close to campus. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers both.
Our hybrid MBA program offers more customization options than any other program in Minnesota. You can choose the path that aligns with your goals, pursuing your degree in any area of business. Whether your aspirations are in accounting, artificial intelligence, human resources, or organizational leadership, we can help you achieve them. For more information, check out the admissions requirements for our MBA programs.
Learn More MBA Tips at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Continue your career journey with a Master’s in Business Administration degree from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Our hybrid MBA program features on-campus classes at our Minneapolis campus, allowing students to make connections and utilize campus resources. For more MBA tips or to find out more about our degree program, request information or visit us on campus today.
