We are regularly approached by prospective MBA students for guidance on how to get the best MBA qualification. The received wisdom is that an MBA is best suited to candidates who already have between 3-5 years in the work force. However, now there is a new approach with an Early MBA being taught in Schools. We asked Katherine Downes of the Early MBA programme in the UAE to tell us why MBA skills are relevant for students still at school.
Why Are MBA Skills Relevant As A Teenager?
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a Masters degree aimed to teach valuable business, management and leadership expertise. This internationally recognised degree teaches individuals how to apply refined communication, negotiation and networking skills in the workplace. Why would a course like this be relevant teenagers? As Katherine Downes, Co-ordinator for the Early MBA programme, UAE explains in our guest blog, there are lots of benefits.
1. Practical Skills
Studying an MBA will give you insight into a range of areas including:
- Business
- Finance
- Management
- Accounting
- Marketing
This is not an exhaustive list, but having the ability to transfer these skills to your chosen profession or field of study will be invaluable to your classmates, colleagues and employers. You will have the advantage of decision making, negotiation, communication and presenting, all the while understanding key business and finance terms.
2. Confidence
Learning the art of negotiation and networking will equip you with the confidence you need to expertly navigate a variety of scenarios. Communication is one of the most important elements of any job, and learning the ways in which to do so effectively, will allow you to succeed and quickly progress. This is noted as one of the highest non-financial benefits of the MBA programme. Significant not only to your career, this will also trickle into other aspects of your life including social situations and personal relationships.
3. Career Prospects
Through completing an MBA, you will have achieved a credible degree that resonates with many business owners, or allows you to create your own business with information and resources to succeed. This will result in a higher average income and you will have an increased number of job prospects. Popular career choice proceeding the degree include:
- Entrepreneur
- Finance
- Operations
- Management
- IT
- Human Resources
- Marketing
4. Networking Opportunities
Connecting with fellow students, teachers and industry experts, you will also have access to a wider network of like-minded individuals. You will also be able to connect with fellow alumni, who will have their own connections and experience to enrich your career and future decisions.
Networking can be seen as intimidating and ineffective, but it often results in for careers and personal aspirations. Don’t underestimate the power of speaking to a range of people.
How do I study an MBA?
At Leadearly, we provide short courses for teenagers, in person, to ensure our participants get the most out of the programme. We cater to a young adults to provide an experience that will allow them to develop skills outside of a school environment. We have a team of expert professionals on hand to teach you invaluable life lessons.
Look out for the Early Leaders Programme taking place as an after school activity throughout Term 1 (January – March 2020) at top schools across Dubai. The programmes are open to students from nearby schools so do look at the website for details: www.leadearly.ae/current-courses. There is also an immersive programme during the February mid term break. For more info, visit www.leadearly.ae/apply. Facebook and Instagram @leadearlyprogrammes.