Skills required for pursuing an MBA degree 

Pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a significant investment in one’s professional future. It is a transformative journey that equips individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the complex and dynamic world of business. While a bachelor’s degree provides a solid foundation, an MBA is often the key to unlocking higher earning potential and career advancement. This article will explore the importance of acquiring the right skills for pursuing an MBA, how these skills can help aspirants gain admission to top business schools (B-schools), and how they can stand out once enrolled. We’ll delve into both technical and interpersonal skills, as both are vital for success in this highly competitive arena. 

Importance of pursuing an MBA 

An MBA is not just another degree; it’s a transformative experience that provides aspirants with a broader perspective on the business world.  

Career advancement 

An MBA opens doors to lucrative career opportunities. Graduates often command higher salaries and hold leadership positions in esteemed organizations. However, earning an MBA is not just about monetary gain; it’s about gaining the knowledge and skills to make a significant impact in the business world. 

Networking opportunities 

Business schools bring together a diverse group of individuals from various backgrounds, creating valuable networking opportunities. Building connections with peers, professors, and alumni can be instrumental in one’s career journey. 

Exposure to a diverse skill set 

MBA programs expose students to a wide range of business concepts and practices, fostering a well-rounded skill set. To maximize the benefits of an MBA, aspirants must acquire and hone the right skills. 

Skills to be acquired before starting an MBA program 

Also read: Top MBA job roles in the USA 

Technical skills for MBA aspirants 

Technical skills are fundamental in business and are highly valued by business schools. Here are some essential technical skills and how to acquire them: 

• Analytical skills: Business decisions often rely on data analysis. Aspirants must develop strong analytical skills to make informed choices. To acquire this skill: Take quantitative courses in mathematics, statistics, and economics. Practice data analysis using tools like Excel or data analytics software. 
• Microsoft excel – Everyone who uses a computer has some skill in MS Excel. But to excel in a business school, you should get yourself acquainted with some advanced spreadsheet functionalities like VLOOKUP, LOOKUP, INDEX etc. You should also learn advanced excel tools like Pivot Table, Data Validation, etc. These tools and functionalities are the basis of any form of data analysis. 
• Presentation skills – Making simple presentations is not a very difficult job. But sometimes, if you want to add animations and effects to make the presentation more impressive, it can take up a lot of time. Make sure you learn how to make an effective presentation to stand out from the crowd. 
• Resume building – You should learn how to make properly formatted and should update them regularly. This skill can be easily learned through video tutorials, and this particular skill will be very useful for applying to internship positions, jobs, etc. 
• Drafting email – The professional world communicates mostly through emails. So, you should learn how to draft to the point and grammatically sound emails. Some things you should take care of while drafting emails are punctuation, sentence structure, grammatical errors, salutation, etc.  
• Basic computer skills – Other than Excel and PowerPoint, you should learn other basic computer skills to make your life in a B-school less hectic. These skills include formal report writing, VBA, efficient internet research, etc. 
• Advanced computer skills – If you already know the basic computer skills, you can dive into some advanced computer skills to stand out from the crowd. These skills include Data Analysis and Visualization, Coding with Python, Coding with Matlab, etc. 
• Case study solving – Case studies are presented to students as difficult situations in businesses, and they are asked to come up with solutions to overcome the difficulty. There are some specific approaches to solving case studies that you can learn before joining a business school. 
• Project management – Project Management is the process of achieving all the goals of a bigger project within the agreed deadline and other constraints. This topic is one of the most popular subjects among MBA students. You can learn the basics of Project Management from Coursera or from other resources available online. 

Check out: Is work experience required for MBA 

Interpersonal skills for MBA aspirants 

Interpersonal skills are equally important as technical skills in the business world. They not only help you get into a good BS school but also enable you to thrive in an MBA program. Let’s explore these skills and how to develop them: 

• Communication skills: Strong communication skills are vital for collaboration, presentations, and negotiations. To improve communication: Participate in public speaking courses or join a debate club. Practice active listening and give and receive constructive feedback. 
• Speaking / oration skills – To improve your speaking/oration skills, you need to practice interacting in a formal setting. You can also read newspapers and journals to enrich your vocabulary. If you want to pursue a life abroad after your MBA, you can learn foreign languages like French, Spanish, Mandarin, etc. 
• Teamwork and collaboration: Business is a team sport, and MBA programs often emphasize teamwork. Aspirants can enhance their teamwork skills by: Joining group projects and extracurricular activities. Learning to leverage diverse team members’ strengths. 
• Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Understanding and managing emotions is essential for leadership and effective interpersonal relationships. To develop emotional intelligence: Reflect on your emotions and how they impact decision-making. Seek feedback from peers and mentors on your emotional intelligence. 
• Conflict resolution: In a professional setting, conflicts are inevitable. Aspirants can acquire conflict resolution skills by: Participating in workshops or courses on conflict management. Learning to approach conflicts as opportunities for growth and problem-solving. 
• Leadership and management skills: Effective leadership and management are essential for career advancement. Aspirants can cultivate these skills by: Taking on leadership roles in student organizations or community projects. Seeking out mentors and leadership development programs. 

Check out: How can an online MBA help your career 

Why should you be skill rich before joining a B-School? 

It is always better to get a head-start before a race, simply because it improves your chances of winning. The same concept applies to attending B-school. If you hone your existing skills and learn some new ones before joining a B-school, it will separate you from the crowd and increase your chances of landing a well-paid job or establishing a successful business. The B-school itself will brush up on the listed skills for you, but you need to learn the basics about them beforehand.  

How to stand out in your MBA program 

Once you’re admitted to an MBA program, standing out requires continuous effort. The following strategies can help you excel in your studies and make a lasting impression: 

 Actively engage in class: Participate in class discussions, ask questions, and contribute insights. Active engagement shows your commitment to learning and networking. 

 Build relationships: Cultivate relationships with professors, classmates, and alumni. These connections can lead to mentorship, job opportunities, and a stronger support network. 

Pursue internships and extracurricular activities: Internships and extracurricular activities provide practical experience and demonstrate your commitment to personal and professional growth. 

Embrace leadership opportunities: Take on leadership roles within student organizations or on-campus projects. This showcases your leadership potential and ability to make a difference. 

Also read: Why MBA is still a winner among graduates 

Why is Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) the best university for an online MBA? 

The online MBA program offered by Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) will help you become an industry expert in your domain. MUJ’s online MBA course offers its students 13 career-focused electives in the most popular and high-paying domains including finance, marketing, HRM, Operations Management, IT & FinTech, Analytics & Data Science, BFSI, international business, and more. 

The faculty are experts in their subjects and help you in all academic and non-academic endeavours. The state-of-the-art learning management system (LMS) contains all the study material, including readings, concept videos, recorded lectures, quizzes, discussion forum, and an extensive e-library. The placement assistance by the NAAC A+ university is commendable. You will get career-oriented skill development sessions, resume building assistance, interview tips, access to the prestigious Manipal alumni, and regular industry connect webinars. 

Also read: My peers in online MBA batch 

Conclusion 

Acquiring the right mix of technical and interpersonal skills is crucial for MBA aspirants. These skills not only help in gaining admission to good BS schools but also set the foundation for success in an MBA program. Pursuing an MBA is a transformative journey that can unlock tremendous career opportunities, making it a worthy investment for those who are committed to honing their skills and making a significant impact in the world of business.