How to Select an MBA Stream That Is Right for You

What Is an MBA?

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a degree that teaches the fundamentals of business, from marketing to finance. For those who want to study business and management, an MBA is a good choice. 

When you get an MBA degree online, you’ll develop the leadership and professional skills you need. You’ll also learn about business from a more holistic view that many people don’t have.

Upper-level business opportunities will also require an MBA degree. In fact, 59% of CEOs with a graduate degree had an MBA specifically. While it’s not always a requirement for a job, it can give you a leg up on the competition.

There are all kinds of things to specialize in today, so you’re sure to find an area you’re interested in. The different MBA streams you can focus on are:

• General Management
• Marketing & Communications
• HR Management
• Consulting
• Finance
• Entrepreneurship
• Operations Management
• Technology Management

Contrary to what you might think, an MBA is not just for professionals who are passionate and focused on business. It’s also beneficial to those who want to pursue a wide variety of careers. 

MBAs can be helpful in fields of government, human resources, marketing, and information technology. This is because the skills taught from MBA programs are useful in these areas, which are also leadership- and communication-oriented.

A Short Evolution of MBAs

The first MBA degree was established in 1908 by Harvard Business School as employers were seeking a more scientific approach to management. As such, MBA degrees were designed to be programs that further improve professional business skills needed in the workforce. 

Over time, the traditional MBA degree has evolved to expand from this. Nowadays, you’re able to get your MBA degree online through a range of courses and programs. The evolution worked to meet the demands for growing working professionals and an ever-growing social and economic world.

Why and How to Earn an MBA

Having an MBA degree is the first step to advancing your professional career. As more employers are seeing the value of an MBA, it’s a great way to get your foot in the door. Plus, it can help you increase your networking opportunities and gain management experience.

When you have an MBA degree, you see benefits like higher base salaries, more job opportunities, and more networking opportunities.

Alumni from MBA programs also find jobs quickly after graduation. For example, students who took the IU program in Germany have a 94 degree success rate in finding employment within six months of graduation. Since the program’s teaching methods use more hands-on approaches, students are well-regarded by employers.

“I enjoyed my time in Germany so much that I decided to stay long-term. Since December 2018, I’ve been in the role of Inside Sales Engineer with Fife Tidland GmbH, a multinational company providing solutions for web-handling.” – Halim L

Earning an MBA degree is fairly straightforward, which is part of why they’re so appealing. The programs are usually one or two years long and the requirements involve the following:

• An application fee
• A bachelor’s degree
• Work experience 
• A high enough GPA
• Necessary paperwork (resume, reference letters, etc.)
• The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) or the GRE (Graduate Record Examination)

Once you have all that, you can apply to business schools. And if you’re lacking any of the qualifications, the website will often inform you if the school allows any exceptions. 

Why Study at IU in Germany?

Looking for a reputable and accessible campus? The one-year MBA program offered at IU in Germany is the program for you. Both online as well as in-person, the MBA program can help prepare you for the global job market.

By using a hands-on approach, the professors at the International University of Applied Sciences provide real-life scenarios to learn from. The experience-oriented program is great if you’re looking to impress future employers with practical knowledge.

Here are five reasons to study at IU Germany for your MBA:

1. Flexibility

Established in 1998, IU is a private, state-recognized university in Erfurt, Germany. It’s also the largest university in Germany with over 75,000 students enrolled as of 2021. 

IU also has a virtual campus for their online programs and courses alongside face-to-face learning. But if you prefer to learn in person, the picturesque campus provides low-cost education and living for students.

2. Dual degree with London South Bank University

Hoping to increase your international career opportunities? The IU MBA program allows you to get a UK dual degree with LSBU. The institution stands out for its international connections and is known for providing career opportunities in more than 130 countries. 

And since the UK is the sixth-highest payer for MBA degree graduates in the world, this is a great way to get connections there.

3. Topical MBA streams

The IU MBA program offers four concentration fields so you can get the most out of your experience. Here are the options from which you can choose for your MBA specialization:

• Design Thinking – Develop products and business models
• Business Analysis – Work to solve problems with techniques in analysis
• Digital Marketing – Focus on the digital world and its marketing opportunities
• Digital Transformation – Drive transformative digital strategies through the digital world

4. Good networking connections

IU graduates make strong professional connections during their studies, which is crucial to your own advancements. If your goal is to work for a large company, it’s possible with IU since alumni have found careers at companies like:

• Facebook
• Nestlé
• Panasonic
• Allianz
• BNP Paribas Real Estate
• Hyatt

5. Exposure to German culture

For those who want to study abroad or potentially move to Germany, there are other benefits of the IU program as well. Some perks include:

• 18-month post study work visa
• Free German language courses
• Exposure to German corporate world and global network
• Higher chance for PR

MBA Career Outlook

When you have an MBA, your job prospects can be better in both quantity and quality. With experiences through an MBA stream, you’re more likely to get the career you want.

And as more businesses around the world are looking to hire MBA graduates, now is the perfect time to go back to school or to continue your education.

Salary Opportunities Globally

For MBA graduates, potential salaries are higher in many industries. Those who study business are more likely to earn more, meaning your degree can pay for itself in the years to come.

A 2021 survey conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council shows just how valuable your opportunities can be. In the report, they found that 9 in 10 recruiters actively seek out those who have MBA degrees. Plus, this is predicted to increase, as global demand for graduates and potential employees is expected to grow by 37 percent.

Salaries are on the rise as well, climbing to a median U.S. base salary of $115,000 in 2021. So, if you’re wondering if your MBA degree is worth it, then you can be confident it will be in today’s landscape.

Accelerate your career with our leading online MBA Program. Check the PGDM course preview here.

Ready to Kickstart Your Management and Business Administration Journey?

Enroll in the one-year Executive Certificate Program in General Management at International University of Applied Sciences in Germany to prepare yourself for the global job market with a hands-on approach and international orientation.

If you are looking to build a successful career in business management, strategy, administration, and networking ‒ you have found the right program. With IU's flexible on-campus study option, you’ll get an opportunity to live in Berlin or Bad Honnef while earning your accredited degree.