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Why 2023 Is The Right Time To Get An MBA

Find out why an MBA qualification can be your answer to the uncertain job market and economic instability

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Fri Oct 28 2022

BusinessBecause
With rumors that the US is at risk of recession, choosing to spend tens of thousands on graduate management education right now may be daunting. However, with returns such as a sought-after skill set, large salary bumps, and a qualification that endures, now could be as good a time as ever to get your MBA.

BusinessBecause sat down with Brian Mitchell, associate dean of MBA programs, and Liz Chilla, senior director of the Career Management Center (CMC), at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, to discuss the Emory MBA curriculum and career center, and how the qualification could future-proof you against economic instability by keeping you competitive in the job market. 


Refresh your skills and knowledge to meet employers' needs

The skill set that employers look for is constantly evolving, there are many demands and expertise businesses need that were unheard of 10 years ago. 

"Nowadays—regardless of industry—employers are looking for data and data analytics, data science, a consistent language throughout. Whether you're in marketing or finance, it's important to become fluent in the language of data science and data analytics," Brian says.

The reliance on data to run businesses is undoubtedly one of the most significant changes that companies across sectors have seen. For this reason, Goizueta has incorporated courses such as Data & Decision Analytics into its curriculum.

"We inject data into all of our functional areas. We teach marketing as a science. So it's very analytically focused."

Goizueta's small class sizes, with a 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio, aims to connect students closely with the faculty, and to offer a hands-on experience in the classroom. This allows for students to develop effective communication through feedback—Brian explains—a skill highly valued by employers and an attribute Goizueta prioritizes.

"More and more employers are looking for excellent communication skills from MBA students. And that has become a critical differentiator that our students bring to the marketplace, especially in a world where we rely so much on on-screen interactions, texts, and emails, where you can lose nuance," Brian explains. 

Goizueta is passionate about developing emotionally attuned leaders. Brian explains the three components the school uses to infuse leadership into MBA students.

First, through the curriculum and classroom experience by teaching the principles and theories related to leadership. Second is experiential learning, such as the Leaders’ Reaction Course where students learn team-based problem solving and decision making as they navigate a US Army training course, and Goizueta Advanced Leadership Academy, a semester-long deep dive into the students' team contribution and leadership styles that includes a capstone trip to the British Virgin Islands where burgeoning leadership skills are tested by sailing open water. 

Finally, MBA students take the reflective component, in which faculty build opportunities for students to reflect, get feedback, give feedback and learn to grow.  

"When we put those together, it comes out with a leadership delivery for our students that is second to none," says Brian.


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Stay resilient against economic and job market uncertainty

Gaining an MBA in times of such global uncertainty and economic downturn can be a positive, practical step in your career. Brian says that there are a few reasons for this. 

First, he says, an MBA is a qualification that strengthens someone's career story. He argues that it helps to protect you in volatile economic times, as people with specialized training in leadership and management will more easily find work. 

Another positive, he says, is that by going to school, you're coming out of a struggling workforce and strengthening your skills while the economy evens out. 

Brian's final point is that an MBA can teach you leadership skills that will help lead the world out of troubling times. 

He says: "The biggest point of what you get from an MBA is the type of leadership and management training that will lead us out of these economically uncertain times, by building and creating stable and thriving organizations."

Liz adds: "The value proposition of bringing an MBA into the organization is that [MBA graduates] have these strong and significant detailed and strategic decision-making skills.”

Dr. Emily Bianchi, Associate Professor of Organization & Management at Emory University's Goizueta Business School, discussed this topic on the Goizueta podcast recently. Her research shows that while unemployment rates for young adults jump in a recession, people who graduated in worse economic times reported greater job satisfaction than people who graduated in better economic times.


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Proven career outcomes and ROI

Gaining an MBA degree is often seen as synonymous with large salary bumps and promotions. While the job market is uncertain, those with a skillset in leadership, management, and knowledge of data are desirable to companies. 

Goizueta's Full-Time MBA is consistently ranked in the top 10 for career outcomes. In fact, 98% of the class of 2022 accepted job offers within three months of graduation with a $165,000 median starting salary, a $30,000 increase over the class of 2021. 

Liz and the career team aim to set up Goizueta MBA students for success with a development process that hones their resumes and interviewing skills to meets employers' needs. 

"Being able to demonstrate a readiness to do the skills of that job right away is particularly important," Liz explains. "Making sure that there's a demonstration of analytical ability, strong communication skills, and leadership—all within the interview process­—is crucial."

The career management center at Goizueta helps with the preparation process throughout the Two-Year MBA program, including one-on-one coaching and through a required course in professional development, that helps students prep for the rigorous application and interview process. 

"The recruiting process and finding a job is not just a focus at the end of the MBA, but the entire time," Liz explains. To facilitate this, the school’s employer relations team brings a stream of employers on to campus for meetings, presentations and student interviews.

Ultimately, while Brian, Liz, and Emily emphasize how an MBA qualification can lead to immediate career benefits—like salary bumps and promotions—the durability the degree can offer during unstable times is a great strength. 

"This is a place that teaches about ethical, empathetic, principled leadership in a way that the world needs more than ever,” Brian concludes. “Yes, you are going to get a great job. The salary numbers are impressive, but [doing an MBA is] also about what kind of leader you want to be." 

Student Reviews

Emory University Goizueta Business School

Student

Verified

31/10/2023

On Campus

Excellent institution with valuable resources

In general, Emory University is an excellent institution with valuable resources. The majority of the professors I encountered were outstanding and displayed a genuine concern for their students. Furthermore, Atlanta provides a plethora of opportunities and experiences.

Student

Verified

31/10/2023

On Campus

Pleasant weather, campus and professors

Emory enjoys pleasant weather for the most part, with warmth and mild conditions. The only drawback is the spring season, particularly due to the heavy pollen presence. Everything becomes coated in layers of pollen, which can be problematic for allergy sufferers. Fortunately, this pollen season is relatively short-lived. During the spring and fall, the weather can be quite unpredictable, swinging from scorching heat to chilly temperatures. You'll often find students relaxing or studying outdoors on campus with Professors ever ready to attend to students personally.

Student

Verified

30/10/2023

On Campus

Outstanding academics

At Emory, the academics are outstanding! It takes a lot of effort and commitment, but the results are well worth it. Teachers are very approachable and like answering inquiries from students. Nobody ever turning away a student that I know of. The campus is beautiful and tidy at Emory, with many places to relax and study.

Student

Verified

24/10/2023

On Campus

Academic performance surpassed my expectations

Emory University's academic performance surpassed my expectations. Achieving good grades often requires substantial effort, and the academic rigor varies depending on your chosen major. Nevertheless, I encountered highly knowledgeable professors, well-equipped to teach their respective courses. Emory offers a wide range of subject areas to choose from, providing students with diverse academic opportunities.

Student

Verified

24/10/2023

On Campus

Outstanding institution with stunning aesthetics

Emory University is an outstanding institution! The campus boasts stunning aesthetics, the individuals are friendly, and there is an abundance of activities available in the surrounding areas of Atlanta, Georgia. Undoubtedly, my most cherished aspect of Emory was its people. I forged numerous friendships and encountered individuals from diverse backgrounds. Academically, Emory provides a manageable experience. The majority of my professors were excellent, although, as is the case with any university, there may be certain classes or professors that one may not enjoy. Nevertheless, conducting some inquiries and perusing online reviews should provide a fairly accurate insight into what to anticipate in each class.

Student

Verified

23/10/2023

On Campus

Professors skilled in interactive discussions

I take great pleasure in the small class sizes and the professors' skill in creating interactive discussions. The professors demonstrate a strong enthusiasm for their subjects, consistently making the course content fascinating. Moreover, I am captivated by the beautiful campus, and its location is equally appealing.

Student

Verified

23/10/2023

On Campus

Exceptional faculty members

Emory University takes pride in its exceptional faculty members who are highly educated and committed to utilizing innovative and successful teaching techniques.It is widely recognized for its extensive research endeavors, offering students a wide-ranging knowledge foundation that can be readily applied to a variety of academic disciplines.

Student

Verified

25/02/2023

On Campus

Review of Emory university

The Professors are awesome and you get a lot of opportunities to get involved both on and off Campus. The campus is very lovely. The community of people are welcoming, super nice, and entertaining. The dining halls have popular music from throughout the decade playing and the overall atmosphere is super relaxing and enjoyable.

Konya

Verified

3/11/2022

On Campus

Batch'20

Emory is an amazing campus and a school with a nice social scene. I always wanted to see what it was like living in the states and this made it happen. Loving making new friends, acquaintances and some for life bonds as well as learning new subject every week. Emory is a great choice.

Jamie

Verified

26/05/2024

On Campus

Professors are always enthusiastic

Emory University is simply outstanding. They have excellent academic programmes with a vast selection of engaging courses. The instructors are extremely informed and enthusiastic about their subject matter. Additionally, the student support services are excellent. They have advisors that help you at every stage and offer resources for career counselling, mental health support, and tutoring. Emory genuinely cares about your prosperity and welfare. This university is fascinating and forward-thinking at the same time!

Linda

Verified

26/05/2024

On Campus

Lending a helping hand

The instructors at Emory University are redefining what it means to be helpful. They support us academically and serve as supporters, mentors, and confidants in addition to being educators. They are always there to provide advice and support, whether it is by remaining after class to address unanswered questions or by getting together for coffee on the weekends to talk about our professional goals. Their commitment to our achievement goes well beyond the school day, demonstrating time and again that students at Memory are people with dreams, not just a name. It's all possibilities when you have instructors like these.

Paige

Verified

26/05/2024

On Campus

Exceptional mentorship

Emory University is a refuge for both intellectual prowess and individual development. These instructors motivate students in addition to instructing. They go above and above to make sure every student succeeds, offering anything from spontaneous office hours to late-night emails that explain difficult subjects. Their commitment to us doesn't stop in the classroom; they support and encourage us as we overcome both academic and personal obstacles. In addition to being competent, Emory's faculty members have a personal stake in our success, both within and outside the classroom. Emory stands out for the kind of help he provides.