According to recent survey results of companies that hire MBA graduates, 2013 showed significant increases in MBA graduate hiring, and the trend is expected to continue. Although newly minted MBA graduates undoubtedly find this news exciting, the real opportunity to gain a competitive advantage exists with current MBA students. They belong to the group that gets to ask, discover, and benefit from the answer to the question “what will a future employer expect me to know with my IT MBA?” Although the question’s answer changes slightly with the dynamic business landscape, employers expect these business professionals to possess the knowledge and leadership skills to apply technical solutions to business problems.
Preparation by Education and Training
Some of the most popular types of MBA degree programs are ones that allow students to specialize in areas that interest them. Those who take part in IT MBA degree programs learn about common information systems issues that pertain to the business environment in addition to advanced business related topics. A few of the typical IT related courses taught during an IT MBA degree program include systems analysis, information security, and IT project management courses. IT MBA degree programs assume that students have already learned solid business fundamentals and offer students advanced instruction in finance, management, and marketing. These degree programs are designed to encourage graduate level students to exercise critical thinking to apply technical problem solving skills to a variety of business scenarios.
Opportunities for Demonstrated Experience
Interactive case study workshops and internships are the two main ways that universities allow their students to demonstrate the theoretical concepts learned during classroom study and gain work experience that is particularly valued by today’s employers. The interactive case study workshops present business problems often from real sources, and students must collaborate in teams to present the best technical solution for peer and instructor evaluation. Internships allow gifted students the possibility of working for real companies in their corporate office environment; students who show particular promise during company internships are sometimes offered positions within the company after graduation. While the case study workshops are usually available to all students, internships generally are very competitive to obtain. These opportunities enhance the skills and resumes of IT MBA students who already have extensive work experience, and those who are relatively inexperienced greatly benefit from internship programs.
Specialized Knowledge Areas Bring Professional Strengths
Companies that hired MBA graduates in 2013 were especially attracted to candidates who specialized in areas like IT, accounting, or management. Because there is a shortage of skilled IT professionals, students who choose an MBA degree program with a specialization in IT bring valued professional strengths to their organizations. In particular, students who have skills in system design, information security, and project management can lead teams of technical subject matter experts while keeping their focus on the larger business strategic goals.
Conclusion
Although recent IT MBA graduates always have the chance to update their skills with additional training and certifications, it is the current IT MBA student that has the chance to best position themselves for a great career. These students take advantage of interactive course work that prepares them for real world challenges. They also compete for internships that provide relevant experience in the corporate environment where they desire to work. Whether a recent IT MBA graduate or a current student, one can expect employers to look for candidates that have the potential to move into the senior management and executive ranks.
