5 Ways to Start Preparing for Business School

If you’ve been thinking about returning to college to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, your time may be now.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects faster than average growth in the management occupations sector between 2023 and 2033, projecting an increase of approximately 1.2 million new jobs each year.¹

A Master of Business Administration could help prepare you with the skills and knowledge to explore new career vistas—a compelling reason to earn this degree. If you’re ready for an MBA online program, here are five ways to start preparing for business school:

1. Establish your career goals.
   As you blaze your path to a business administration degree, channel your dreams and ambitions into specific career goals. Monitor job boards to stay current on advertised positions. Talk to leaders and mentors within your company and profession. Consider interviewing and shadowing an executive in the type of job you will seek once you have your MBA degree in hand. Do some research. The BLS website and its Occupational Outlook Handbook are excellent sources for data and insights into professions, earning potential, and career options. If you’re already enrolled in an online university, use the abundant career services resources that are available.

   Another great option is to explore your career further with the help of Walden University’s Personalized Career Opportunity Report (PCOR). After answering a few questions about your goals, Interests, and priorities, this tool will create a personalized report highlighting potential careers that are aligned with your objectives and passions. You’ll also receive corresponding industry insights into salaries and growth potential of those career choices and the degree you’ll need to pursue them.

2. Select an accredited university.
   Match your aspirations to an online MBA program that meets professional standards. The best business schools will offer accredited programs, such as those accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). A degree from an ACBSP-accredited program can help prepare you to compete in the global marketplace. Also choose a business school that offers the degree and specialization you seek. (More on that next.) And as a working professional for whom time is the most precious commodity, you’ll want to select an online graduate degree program with a flexible and accessible learning platform. You supply the laptop, the internet connection, and the “classroom”—your kitchen table, a coffee shop, or that comfortable couch.
3. Choose your MBA degree focus. 
   Now that you’ve set your career goals and selected a top MBA program, it’s time to chart your academic course. Find the best fit for your future by exploring specializations in areas such as healthcare management and human resource management.  Walden University also offers a self-designed specialization for those who wish to customize their degree program.

4. Set your time frame.
   How long does it take to get an MBA? Time to completion can depend on many factors—including prior credits earned and individual progress—but some universities offer completion options that help students proceed at a pace that’s right for them. For example, Walden University’s MBA program has two completion options: the standard course-based experience and the Tempo Learning^® competency-based format. With Tempo Learning®, students can learn and advance on their own schedule, speeding up or slowing down as needed.

   For personalized information, Walden University’s education planning tool can guide you through the many options available to learners at all levels and provide you with all the information you need to make decisions about the timeframe for earning your degree and more. Just complete a three-minute quiz that assesses your needs and wants, and then let the tool build out an individualized plan.

5. Prepare for admission.
   You’ll need to round up a few items before getting started with your online education. At Walden, you can begin the admission process with an unofficial transcript, though an official transcript is required once you’re admitted. You’ll also be asked to provide a résumé showing your work and educational history. An Enrollment Specialist will guide you through the process of applying for your online graduate degree program, and once admitted you’ll receive information about ways to help fund your education, which could include grants and loans, scholarships, and tuition-reduction opportunities, all depending on eligibility. You’ll be ready to enroll in your first course before you know it.

These five steps can help turn ideas into action and dreams into reality. The late Ruth Handler, co-founder of toy manufacturer Mattel Inc., once said, “We didn’t know how to run a business, but we had dreams and talent.” Imagine what you can achieve when you combine your dreams and talents with an MBA degree. The wide world of business administration awaits you.

Walden University is an accredited institution offering a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program online. Expand your career options and earn your degree in a convenient, flexible format that fits your busy life.

¹Source: www.bls.gov/ooh/management

Walden’s BS in Business Administration, Master of Business Administration (MBA), Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), and PhD in Management programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, www.hlcommission.org.