Every year lakhs of people enroll in MBA i.e. Master of Business Administration. Everyone has their own reason – some want to reach heights in career, some want to learn new skills, while some think about changing career.
But Patrick Mullane, Executive Director of Harvard Business School Online, says that the decision of MBA should be taken thoughtfully. He warned that if you want to do MBA only because you do not understand anything else or just because your friends are doing it, then this can be the wrong reason.
So if you are thinking of doing MBA, then stop for a while and think – “What will I gain by doing MBA?”
To help you find the answer to this question, here are 5 great reasons to do MBA, that too in an easy and conversational way.
1. To become a good leader
If you want to become a leader in life, then MBA can be the right path for you. A leader should not only know how to give orders to his team, he should also have understanding, sensitivity and the ability to think ahead.
The important skills you learn in MBA are:
- Emotional Intelligence – that is, understanding the feelings of others
- Communication skills – presenting your point effectively
- Team building – motivating people, increasing their confidence
- Financial knowledge – understanding money matters
- Decision making – taking the right decision after thinking carefully
In today’s time when companies have to face new challenges every day – like global economy, technology, market fluctuations – a leader should be able to think from every angle. And MBA develops this thinking.
2. Career growth and salary boost are needed
It is clear – when you learn new skills, you get new and better job opportunities. And this is what MBA does.
According to experts and reports:
- In 2021, about 97% of companies hired MBA graduates.
- After doing MBA, an average salary increase of 50% has been seen. For example – if earlier you were earning $80,000, then after MBA there is a possibility of getting up to $120,000.
These are just numbers, the real thing is that doing MBA increases your professional value. Big companies like Amazon, Google, McKinsey always look for talent who have leadership, strategic thinking and problem solving skills.
3. Have to understand the big picture of the business
Suppose you are working in an industry – like marketing, engineering or IT. You are an expert in your work, but when it comes to the big picture of the business – like how the company makes money, how different departments work, or how strategy is made – then maybe you are a little behind.
An MBA gives you the opportunity to understand:
- Business fundamentals like accounting, finance, marketing
- How different functions connect
- Analyse real-world situations through case studies
Simi Mohsin, an MBA graduate from Harvard, explained how after her MBA, the same company looked at her in a new light – because now she was not just advising, but had a strategic perspective.
4. Want to change career? MBA is the best opportunity
If you want to move to a new industry – from tech to consulting, or from banking to social entrepreneurship – an MBA is a great reset button.
An MBA gives you:
- A new network – classmates, professors, alumni
- Access to new companies through campus placements
- Skills and knowledge to help with industry shifts
Many people think they have to stick to one industry, but when you study different subjects and talk to people during an MBA, your thinking may change.
5. Bring change in the world through business
Many young people today do MBA not just to earn money, but to bring change in society. Whether you want to start a startup, work on the environment, or bring innovation in healthcare – an MBA gives you that knowledge and platform.
An MBA gives you:
- Two years of time to think and understand yourself
- A community that comes from different backgrounds and brings new ideas
- A network that can support your vision
But should you do an MBA now?
Some important questions to ask are:
1. Are you financially prepared?
An MBA can be expensive – tuition, living expenses, and post-employment costs can run into lakhs. So, first find out:
- Can you afford a loan?
- Will your potential salary justify the investment?
- What is the return on investment in your chosen industry?
2. Are you academically prepared?
If you feel there is a gap in your studies, don’t worry. You can first take some basic courses like HBS Online’s CORe program.
- Read business news
- Talk to MBA graduates
- Understand basic accounting and economics
The final decision – is an MBA right for you?
Ultimately, the decision is yours. If your reasons are valid – like becoming a leader, changing careers, or making a difference in society – and you are financially and mentally prepared, an MBA can be the best career decision you can make.
MBA is not just a degree – it’s a journey where you discover yourself, understand the world and prepare for something big.
