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The MBA (Master of Business Administration) degree is internationally
recognised and is seen as a passport to a successful management career.

The MBA is the world's most popular postgraduate degree. Around 90 000
MBAs graduate in the US each year. The UK, with over 10 000 graduates
annually, produces the highest number of MBAs outside North America.

The first MBA programme was established in the USA in the early 1900s and
was introduced into Europe in the 1960s with the founding of IESE in Spain.
London Business School and Manchester Business School followed shortly
after.

In the USA, full-time programmes are generally two years in length, whilst
in Europe, full-time study can take anything from 10 months to two years
to complete. The majority of European MBAs take twelve months to
complete.

Thousands of universities and colleges around the world offer the MBA
today. Increased globalisation and changing lifestyles, has led to schools
offering more flexible ways of learning either via distance learning or
part-time study.

Whether it's a part-time, modular, distance learning, in-company or
consortial MBA you have in mind-the right programme is out there. Many
employers now offer the MBA as part of an internal career development
programme and have developed strong alliances with business schools and
management colleges in order to develop and retain top talent.

With so many programmes to choose from, there is a huge diversity in
quality. Helping you to make an informed choice is one of our key roles
here at the Association.

What will an MBA do for me?
STUDYING FOR AN MBA / HOW I BENEFIT FROM AN MBA

The MBA opens doors and provides the modern manager with the tools
needed to identify new business opportunities and threats.
Options for the MBA-qualified manager have never been greater-provided
that your qualification is from a reputable institution.

The MBA is a postgraduate and post-experience degree for managers with
several years' work experience. It provides skills and knowledge relevant
for managers in both public and private sectors.

MBA students may have technical degrees, liberal arts or traditional
professional qualifications. They may be looking to move into a
management role, and acquire the relevant skills. Some want to broaden
their international business understanding; others are seeking a change of
career. The MBA widens horizons and provides an overview of business.
Across Europe, the average age of the student on a full-time programme is
27 years, and 34 years for those studying part-time or distance learning.
They will have a significant number of years work experience as middle
managers. Not all MBA students have first degrees but they will have
proven academic and management ability. Non-graduates are common on
part-time and distance learning programmes where up to 25% may be
non-graduates,
In 2000 1300 members of the Association of MBAs were asked why they
took an MBA. Most gave several reasons. In order of priority these were:

To obtain a business qualification 82%
To improve job opportunities 79%
For Intellectual stimulation 70%
To increase salary 67%
To obtain general skills 64%
To change career direction 61%
To increase self-confidence 52%

The length and quality of your experience, together with your personal
motivation and preferences will determine the schools you apply to.

Competition is strong for entry into the best schools and employers are
equally keen to attract the best graduates.

IS the MBA right for me?
The MBA benefits managers who need to think and work strategically. A
focus on decision-making and analysis and the opportunity to share ideas
and experiences with others will prepare you for a senior managerial role.

MBAs are often seeking a more general managerial role in their current
industry. The MBA provides a portfolio of managerial tools and techniques
as well as the 'softer' skills needed to succeed as a manager.
Entrepreneurial spirit, dedication, commitment and professionalism are
words often attributed to MBA graduates.

In investment banking and consultancy, the MBA is often a 'must-have'. In
other areas it simply opens new doors and creates new opportunities.
Whilst the MBA doesn't offer an automatic passport to promotion, it will
help you maximise your chances of career success. Many MBA graduates
want to move from a corporate environment into a smaller company. The
real entrepreneurs often set up their own business or decide to go it
alone.

Studying for an MBA will mean a large personal and financial investment, so
you need to choose the right programme for you.
The rewards for graduates from leading MBA programmes are good in both
the short and longer term. Findings from the Association's latest Salary and
Career Survey show that salaries for graduates from accredited
programmes have risen consistently over the past decade. Despite the fact
that earnings generally increase upon graduation, career advancement is
still one of the main reasons that people choose to study for an MBA.

Our most recent survey of our members found that:
the average MBA salary was £66,500
70% were either board directors or senior managers
1 in 4 expected to run their own business in the future
MBAs are employed mainly in general management, marketing, corporate
strategy and IT
Around 25% of graduates are female.
MBA graduates are upwardly mobile. Many graduates remain with their
current employer if they are sponsored; others will soon move on. Greater
confidence in your own abilities leads to higher productivity at work. The
MBA is about long term development and professionalism as opposed to
short-term gain.