“It’s easy to open a shop. To keep it open is an art.” And this is, in essence, what an MBA teaches you- How to keep that ‘shop’ open. The only difference being that the ‘shop’ here is a full-fledged company and the ‘art’ is actually accredited as a science- the science of business administration.
An MBA is the most sought after academic program in the world; and not without reason too. It equips you with all the tools, techniques and skill-sets to run a business, and to run it well. The fact that ANYONE from ANY STREAM can do it is, in some ways, an extension of the free spirit of private enterprise. MBA programs expose students to a variety of subjects, including economics, organizational behavior, marketing, accounting, finance, strategy, operations management, international business, information technology management, government policy, and ethics. Students are taught a wide breadth of subjects in the first year and then pursue a specialized curriculum in the second year. Students can specialize in any of these subjects- finance, international business, marketing, retail, human resources, entrepreneurship and a number of others.
A full-time MBA program is normally two years long (approx. 18 months of term time) and is like any other University program where students attend classes during the day and perform group activities in the evenings. There are also Accelerated MBA Programs which basically shorten the length of the program by providing less “down time”. If however, time is at a premium, students always have the option of pursuing part-time MBA programs which extend to three years. Executive MBA programs (EMBA) are tailor-made for the working Executive who wishes to add a feather to his cap by specialising in certain courses alongside work. Recently, several institutes have been making attempts to extend the benefits of an MBA program to those who may not be able to attend classes on-campus through Distance Learning MBA Programs.
Okay. All this information can get monotonous. Cut to the brass tax. What is it that makes an MBA tick? Why is an MBA such a great career choice?
Besides the ridiculously high pay packages, an MBA gives to you what is envisioned as the aim of all education - a well-rounded, thinking personality. You learn how to use faculties of your mind which lay un- or under-utilized all this while. You learn how to deal with people, communicate with them effectively and network. Your analytical and quantitative skills are honed. You’re exposed to innovative methods of learning through case studies and group activities. You broaden your mind’s horizons by coming into contact with people from all walks of life. It changes the way you look at the world. Most importantly, it teaches you how to be a Leader.
Andrew Carnegie, the illustrious American steel tycoon, was a great Leader. He had these words engraved on his epitaph: “Here lies a man who knew how to keep around him men who were cleverer than him.” And that, in a nutshell, encapsulates the very essence of an MBA- the art of keeping around you people cleverer than yourself.. the ART of dealing with people. And he who becomes a master at this, finds that the world is his oyster. Go ahead. Make the world your oyster. An MBA degree is your first step towards that ultimate goal.
