5 Important Benefits of Earning an MBA

A Masters of Business Administration (MBA) degree can help students develop into leaders with a wide range of skills including finance, economics, accounting and management. MBA students put that knowledge to work in a wide variety of industries and positions. When businesses are looking to hire capable professionals, they often look to students with skills found in MBA graduates.¹

Some pursue this degree as current leaders looking to sharpen their professional abilities. Others are budding professionals looking to start with a strong skill set. However, the skills that students can develop in an MBA program extend past business-minded ability. Self-confidence, soft skills and other benefits gained by earning an MBA can help professionals in several industries develop in their interpersonal abilities.

1. Self-Confidence

Completing an MBA program requires commitment and willingness to learn through a challenging curriculum. The academic environment can allow hard-working students to gain a sense of confidence in their abilities that goes beyond the typical standards for success. It is crucial for professionals to have confidence in their ability to succeed beyond short-term mistakes and disadvantages.

2. Soft Skills

Soft skills are some of the most adaptable skill sets across industries. These are often labeled as general abilities such as creativity, verbal and written communication and conflict negotiation. These skills can help MBA graduates navigate the world of business, but may allow them to interact well with any professional. Soft skills can help professionals in any range of careers.

3. Strategic Thinking and Self-Discipline

Many graduate students pursue their degree while employed on a part-time or full-time basis. To fulfill their degree program requirements, they must attend classes, complete their assignments and drive themselves toward earning their degree in a fine balance with their other personal and professional obligations.

Business professionals must think strategically as they work to balance personal time, professional obligations and academic life. Strategic thinking and discipline can translate into efficient working habits and allow professionals a methodical approach to overcoming complex obstacles to business goals.

4. Diverse Perspective

During an MBA program, students are encouraged to address practical business issues and challenges. With faculty and classmates from different backgrounds alongside them, MBA graduates have the opportunity to learn to look beyond their initial understanding of business practices and worldviews and develop a more diverse range of solutions inspired by students with different career goals and worldviews. During their program, students are exposed to a global perspective and diverse multicultural environments created in international business settings.

5. Networking

During an MBA program, students may work with many individuals aspiring to start or work with businesses. Knowledgeable faculty and fellow students and alumni can make for valuable connections and enable students to build a network that they can lean on during their program and throughout their career. Students get to know and collaborate with others during their program who may end up becoming their colleagues or partners. It is helpful for students to make connections with their peers who they can collaborate with during their program.

If you are ready to take the next steps toward business leadership in any industry, the Master of Business Administration from Grand Canyon University can provide a crucial foundation as a professional. To learn more about the Colangelo College of Business and our online degree program option, fill out the form on this page to speak to a university counselor.

¹ Best College Reviews. (2022, Nov. 8). Why Do Companies Want To Hire MBA Graduates? Retrieved Aug. 9, 2023.

Approved by the Assistant Vice President of GCU Marketing on Aug. 18, 2023.