Today’s job market is highly competitive, rewarding only those laser-focused on getting ahead. One proven way to do that is to pursue an MBA degree. This widely recognised qualification can be your stepping stone and a solid investment in both professional and personal growth. Earning an MBA can significantly enhance your career opportunities and boost your earning potential. For instance, while a new graduate with a bachelor’s degree might start at around US$69,320, MBA graduates often kick off their careers with salaries as high as US$120,000.
The knowledge gained from an MBA equips you with valuable skills in business principles, strategies, and practices, making you highly attractive to employers. Whether you’re aiming for leadership roles in finance, marketing, or operations, an MBA can pave the way for rapid career advancement. Most students feel positive about their decision to take an MBA; a recent GMAC survey revealed that nine in 10 graduates report a positive return on investment (ROI) from their graduate business education.
Where you earn your MBA can influence whether you find it a good investment or not. The following business schools have graduates that fall in the former category – that is, they agree their MBAs have set them up to thrive in a changing world.
Odette School of Business graduates have a 92% employment rate as of Fall 2022, with many holding influential positions in private and public sectors globally. Source: University of Windsor
University of Windsor
The University of Windsor’s Odette School of Business stands out for its small class sizes that lend a supportive and collaborative feel to its programs, wide range of experiential learning opportunities, location next to North America’s busiest international border crossing, and remarkable graduate outcomes.
The full force of this combination is clear in its two programs that provide personalised preparation for a successful career in business: the MBA and MBA with a Professional Accounting Specialization (MBA-PAS). MBA classes have a maximum of 50 students, allowing for personalised instruction and networking opportunities with students and professors from diverse backgrounds and rich career experiences.
Beyond the classroom, students get even more exposure to new industries and corporate contacts through integrated real-world corporate projects. The 16-month program emphasizes experiential learning: students get to work on real business challenges alongside the leaders of a diverse range of prominent corporate partners, including the Ontario Securities Commission, Windsor Regional Hospital, Saint John Sea Dogs, and City of Windsor.
The MBA-PAS is a unique program where students complete four of the six required modules in the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP) within an MBA degree. It starts with accounting courses in-person during semester one before moving online for the remainder of the program. Those with a Canadian CPA designation may qualify for advanced standing in the MBA-PAS program, allowing online completion of the six required courses in just three semesters.
What sets both programs apart is how hands-on, personalised, and impactful they are. Small class sizes let expert faculty – leading researchers who have published 252 peer-reviewed articles in prestigious journals over the past five years – provide guidance tailored to the needs and goals of students. Such direct advice and insight have helped graduates here achieve greater success than their peers elsewhere. Both the Odette MBA and MBA-PAS have employment rates of 91% within six months of graduation (2023 Graduate Survey), with MBA graduates reporting an average starting salary of $92,221 Canadian dollars. Learn more about Odette School of Business.
The nationally-ranked MBA programme at UC Davis combines excellent teaching, innovative faculty research, and collaborative leadership training to develop agile leaders. Source: UC Davis
UC Davis
UC Davis is recognised by the US News & World Report for its MBA programme, which focuses more on Business Analytics and Administration, Accounting, and Technology Management. Meanwhile, the programme’s Integrated Management Project and Articulation and Critical Thinking (IMPACT) curriculum exposes students to globalisation, responsible business ethics, and sustainability. The emphasis on real-world application starts as early as in the first year, allowing students to develop independent research abilities and hone presentation skills quicker than their peers elsewhere.
Take the MBA online, and students still receive a top-ranked education. Recently, the Online MBA ranked #7 in North America and #13 globally in the QS Online MBA Rankings 2024. “The rankings recognised the highly selective nature of our programme, its diverse population, the completion rate, and the overall class experience,” says Dean H. Rao Unnava. “These highlights compare favourably to our Poets & Quants online MBA ranking that found our faculty, classroom experience, and residential experiences to be rated highly by our students.”
Location-wise, UC Davis sits at the centre of Davis in Northern California’s Central Valley, home to some of the most beautiful places in the world — all of which are just a day trip away. Destinations such as the San Francisco Bay Area, Lake Tahoe, and the Napa Valley are within a two-hour drive. The university even offers Campus Recreation classes in white water rafting, rock climbing, snowshoeing and skiing; transportation and equipment included.
For over 100 years, Gies College of Business has crafted innovative programmes, cutting-edge curricula, and experiential learning opportunities to empower students to turn big ideas into meaningful actions. Source: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign/ Facebook
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
If you want to take your career to the next level, Gies College of Business at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is the place to be. The school is where big ideas can become a reality; collaborative thinking among students and faculty solves today’s business problems; and students inspire one another to dream big and make a difference in business and society.
For over 100 years, the college has designed innovative programmes, leading-edge curriculum, and experiential learning opportunities to empower and prepare students to turn big ideas into meaningful actions. The college offers a unique online MBA programme allowing you to control your learning journey. With four focus area specialisations and over 18 electives, you can tailor your education to fit your specific career goals at your own pace.
The curriculum combines theory, current trends, and practical applications, using real-world examples that resonate with your experiences. This hands-on approach helps you truly grasp the concepts and brings your ideas to life.
What’s more, the college establishes connections with leaders across various industries and cultures, opening doors to unexpected growth opportunities. Whether you’re making a career shift or looking to advance, the programme has a transformative impact. In fact, 65% of students reported receiving promotions or new job offers during their studies, while 95% applied what they learned directly to their work. Just goes to show that at Gies College of Business, you can enhance your professional growth and change your life.
Terry College of Business offers a challenging curriculum, exceptional faculty, and a close-knit alumni network, ensuring students are ready to become leaders in their professions and communities. Source: University of Georgia/Facebook
University of Georgia
Founded in 1912, the C. Herman and Mary Virginia Terry College of Business has a long-standing tradition of delivering top-notch business education. With various MBA programmes, Terry prepares students for the career they envision, standing out in the competitive landscape of business education.
So, what sets a Georgia MBA apart? For starters, Terry’s programmes not only get students in the door but also keep them engaged. Whether you’re aiming to change careers, excel in your current role, or step into leadership, there’s an MBA option tailored to meet those goals.
Among the offerings are the Full-Time MBA, Executive MBA, Professional MBA, and Online MBA. The Full-Time MBA curriculum is designed to equip graduates with essential business skills. You will kick off your journey with a core set of classes, then choose from nine concentration options and three areas of focus, including Strategy, FinTech, and Social Innovation. This allows you to tailor your education to your career aspirations.
Financial support and dedicated career services are integral to the Full-Time MBA experience. This focus on student success is reflected in the Financial Times ranking the programme #1 globally for Value for Money. Terry invests in students’ futures, providing personalised career development, strong connections with top employers, and a flexible curriculum that enhances your skill sets.
For those juggling work and personal commitments, the Online MBA offers a business education that fits into your busy lives. With fully online courses, you can advance your career on your own schedule while benefiting from the same high standards of excellence as the Professional MBA.
*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International
