How to Make the Most of Your MBA: 7 Expert Tips to Succeed During and After Graduate School

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Four business administration professionals are standing together. One is facing away from the camera and holds his hand out to a smiling woman who shakes his hand. A man and a woman stand on either side of her and are smiling. They are all dressed in blazers and professional attire. They are standing in an office building surrounded by glass walls and windows.

You’re considering an MBA, but you want to ensure you get the most out of the experience. More than just a piece of paper, you want to graduate with skills that will transform your career path. How do you do that?

If you’re reading this, it means you’re on the right track! Making the most of your MBA isn’t difficult, but it does require dedication and a clear vision of why you’ve chosen this path. Keep the following seven expert tips in mind, and you’ll be ready to secure the career of your dreams.

Key Takeaways:

When you approach your MBA with intention and purpose, you make it a worthwhile investment.
Setting goals, managing your time wisely, and networking are all key ways to make the most of your program.
While working full-time as an MBA student can be challenging, it’s also an excellent way to apply what you learn.

The Importance of Intention During Your MBA Journey

The first step is deciding to approach your MBA with intention. An MBA is about more than the degree itself. It’s an opportunity to specialize, to network with other professionals, and to apply what you learn in class to real-world business situations.

To get the most out of your MBA, you want to go into your program with a plan. You may not have everything figured out when you enroll. That’s okay. Your success depends less on knowing your dream job or company right out of the gate. Instead, what matters is making decisions throughout your MBA program that align with your interests and career goals.

7 Tips to Help You Make the Most of Your MBA

You’re approaching your education with a clear purpose in mind. How do you turn that purpose into action and make the most of your MBA? We’ve gathered seven tips to get you started:

Set Clear Goals Before You Start
Build and Nurture Your Network
Take Advantage of Career Services Early
Apply Classroom Learning in Real-Time
Keep Track of the Skills You Learn
Take Advantage of University Resources and Tools
Manage Your Time and Energy Wisely

1. Set Clear Goals Before You Start

Making the most of your MBA begins before classes even start. After reflecting on your educational and career priorities, consider making a list of actionable steps toward meeting these goals.

Alternatively, explore any specializations or certificates offered in conjunction with your MBA and determine which ones appeal to you. For instance, the University of Cincinnati Lindner College of Business’s online MBA has 12 different specializations or certificates you can seamlessly add to your MBA curriculum. So, not only can you graduate with a well-rounded MBA that positions you as a general business expert, but you can also pair that foundation with a specialization that highlights your unique career interests. Whether it’s marketing, investment management, artificial intelligence, or another field, choosing a concentration ensures you leave graduate school with both broad expertise and a focused edge in your chosen area.

Regardless of what this looks like for you, determine what you want out of your MBA so that you can achieve it.

2. Build and Nurture Your Network

One way to fully utilize your time in an MBA program is by building your professional network. Through group projects and assignments, you’ll learn what your peers do in their jobs and how they plan to use their degrees. Whether you work in the same field or wildly different industries, you’ll gain a broader understanding of business as a whole.

You’ll also join an extensive, supportive alumni network upon graduating.

3. Take Advantage of Career Services Early

Many MBA students don’t explore their college’s resources until right before graduation—don’t let that be you! Taking advantage of career services early ensures you’re prepared to land your dream job. While these vary by institution, some free services they offer may include career coaching, resume and cover letter assistance, and even mock interview prep.

4. Apply Classroom Learning in Real-Time

You’ll get the most out of your MBA if you set measurable goals for applying what you learn. For example, you might learn about a leadership model in class and then implement it in a team meeting. Draw from lectures, assignments, and readings—and then find a way to test it in the real world!

Even if you don’t yet work in your desired industry, this is the best way to not only retain what you learn but also find which frameworks work best for you.

5. Keep Track of the Skills You Learn

What’s the point of earning your master’s if you can’t demonstrate what you’ve learned? A way to avoid this problem is to keep track of tangible skills you’ve learned through your coursework.

Compiling your course notes, project samples, and case study summaries can help you articulate everything you’ve mastered. Your MBA course syllabi are also a great starting point—even if you can only come up with one takeaway per class, that’s over twenty new skills you’ve developed by graduation!

6. Take Advantage of University Resources and Tools

If your school offers career services, they probably offer additional resources and tools as well. For example, your college may offer free access to LinkedIn Learning, where you can take numerous career-oriented courses and build new professional skills. Having access to university research, library materials, and academic journals can also benefit you in many professional roles.

Regardless of what resources you have at your disposal, make sure to familiarize yourself with them and use them!

7. Manage Your Time and Energy Wisely

As the famous saying goes, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” Perhaps the biggest secret to MBA success is finding balance. This might mean keeping a daily planner where you organize your work schedule, class assignments, and personal commitments.

However, it could also mean taking time for self-care and refilling your cup. By knowing when you need to scale back to prioritize your education, you’ll avoid burnout and graduate ready to take on your future.

Want to Make the Most of Your MBA? Let UC Support You in Your Career

Pursuing an MBA can seem like an insurmountable challenge—but it doesn’t have to be. And when you consider all the benefits of earning your MBA, the effort is well worth the reward.

At the University of Cincinnati, we’re committed to your growth. Our online Master of Business Administration is flexible and customizable to your goals. Best of all, UC offers a wide range of resources designed to help you make the most out of your MBA experience.

Still have questions? UC’s dedicated online staff has answers. When you get in touch with your Enrollment Services Advisor, you’re taking the first step in your MBA journey—and a new phase of your career!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I make the most out of my MBA?

To make the most of your MBA, make sure to take advantage of university resources, build a professional network, and apply what you learn in class in the real workplace. Beyond these goals, the biggest way to capitalize on your MBA is to commit to life-long learning.

Does an MBA actually increase your earning potential?

Yes! People with bachelor’s degrees earn a median annual salary of $60,000. By comparison, the average starting salary for an MBA graduate is $120,000, demonstrating a significant difference in earning potential.

What is the best career after an MBA?

MBA grads thrive in a variety of careers, whether they’re leading a corporation or starting their own business. With an MBA, your career options include chief executive, product manager, financial analyst, sales or marketing manager, and much more.

Is networking more important than grades in an MBA program?

Networking and earning good grades are both of equal importance. While you don’t want to slack off on your coursework, you’ll get the most out of your MBA if you also build strong professional connections.

Should I work while getting my MBA?

While this depends on your ability to balance work and school, many students benefit greatly from working while earning their MBA. According to one graduate of UC’s MBA program, “Not only did it help with the course material, but it also gave me real-time opportunities to apply knowledge and test theories.”