Graduate students interested in management careers can develop essential leadership skills through an online Master of Business Administration (MBA) program. A quality MBA program will include not only coursework designed to educate students about the principles and theories of business administration but also ample opportunities to gain valuable hands-on experience in business leadership. Graduates complete MBA in Management programs with expanded resumes, including the leadership skills that result from internships and projects designed to challenge students’ business skills.
Practical Experience
The experience students gain in an MBA in Management program includes practical leadership skills. Degree coursework requires students to collaborate with one another on projects and assignments to demonstrate their collective understanding of the course material. As students work together in teams, they must collectively organize resources, delegate tasks and manage their time to accomplish their shared goals. All of these competencies are valuable skills for companies and organizations looking to hire MBA graduates.
An online MBA program further develops practical leadership skills such as creating a shared vision and conflict resolution. Interpersonal relationships are a key component of the business world, and graduate students learn firsthand how to navigate the complex issues that arise when teams of people work together. MBA students also sharpen their written and oral communication skills by leading teams and working with other students on a regular basis.
Develop a Character of Leadership
In addition to the nuts-and-bolts skills available in an MBA program, students will also have opportunities to develop their character as leaders and to increase their emotional intelligence. Knowing how to analyze data and organize a project’s details will only take a leader so far. MBA students can also improve in social areas like empathy, objectivity, patience and decision-making.
Graduate students can increase their emotional intelligence through meaningful interactions with their professors and classmates. Self-reflection and evaluation exercises can also lead MBA students to maximize their experiences in graduate school. As students learn to better understand themselves and the people they work with, they will be able to lead others to do the same. In this way, graduate students will be setting a precedent for professional development that can follow them throughout their careers and will mark their growth mindsets as leaders.
For Management MBA students to set themselves up for success, they must take advantage of the opportunities in their degree program to develop leadership skills. Companies need leaders who can inspire and manage teams to meet quantifiable objectives while growing personally. Long-term success depends on leaders who have both practical experience, advanced education and strong character.
Learn more about the Southeastern Oklahoma State University online MBA program.
Sources:
http://fortune.com/2015/06/09/lessons-business-school/