Aspiring graduate students may need help to choose an MBA concentration that will help them reach their long-term goals. Whether you want to move up within your current field/function or switch to something completely different, you must select an MBA specialty with the right skills and qualifications.
Start by determining what your career ambitions are. For example, if you are looking for a high salary, consider an MBA concentration such as General Management.
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Look at the Salary Potential
A key consideration in selecting a specialized MBA concentration is salary potential. While salary data largely relies on job-posting websites, focusing your studies toward a specific area of business will likely boost your starting salaries.
For instance, if you dream of running your own company, joining online MBA classes with an entrepreneurship concentration can help you build your entrepreneurial skills and launch your first business venture. Similarly, if you want to become a senior product manager, an MBA specialization in supply chain management could give you the skills needed to manage the process of creating, producing, and transporting goods.
A career in a healthcare organization can also yield higher-than-average salaries, as the demand for such managers is high. In addition, an MBA focusing on business analytics can help you analyze data and make informed business decisions to enhance your profitability.
Look to the Future
Choosing an MBA concentration or specialization at La Salle University is one of the most important decisions you will make during your graduate studies. It’s a way to focus your learning experience on your area of interest, giving you a competitive edge as you apply for business roles.
To help narrow your options, look at the job market and what kinds of careers are in demand. For example, if you want to move up the ladder in the healthcare industry, consider a concentration in healthcare informatics. This focuses on the skills needed to analyze data and convey information to other company members.
An online MBA in supply chain management may also prove lucrative, preparing you for roles such as logistics analyst, senior product manager, and operations director.
Consider Your Strengths
Identifying your strengths can help you follow the path to success. During job interviews, it’s essential to emphasize your skills. Showing humility and acknowledging your weaknesses is also crucial, demonstrating you’re a well-rounded professional.
Start by asking close friends and family what they think your top strengths are. You can also use professional assessments to help you figure out your unique work strengths.
Once you know your strengths, look at your past experiences and see where your strengths can shine. If there are areas where your strength isn’t apparent, consider ways to compensate for it or turn it into a positive. Doing this lets you focus on your true passions while following the path to success.
Explore a Niche
A business that wants to stand out must have a niche market. This makes it easier to find customers and ensures that the company can make money.
One way to find a niche is to look at existing businesses in your industry and see what they are doing. You should also check out online communities to see what people say about them. If the companies seem to succeed, that’s a good sign that they serve a need.
Another way to find a niche is to look for opportunities that still need to be tapped. For instance, consider what people are struggling with to start a fitness business and how your skills can help them.
Think Strategically
A specialized MBA concentration is an ideal way to align your education with the skills that employers value. But it would help if you thought strategically at the beginning of your program to pick a pathway supporting your career goals.
For example, if you want to work in IT, an MBA focusing on information technology management can help you develop the technical skills needed for this field. Likewise, an MBA with an entrepreneurship concentration can help you develop the skills to launch and manage your business.
As you explore the options available, consider what you enjoy and are good at. These strengths are an asset and can be used to drive your career. For example, if you are good at math, an MBA with a finance concentration may be an excellent fit for you.
