Advantages of Studying an MBA in the US

Have you decided that you want to stay in the US to get your MBA? Are you still debating whether or not you should study abroad? Either way, this article is for you.

From great networking opportunities and quality of business schools, to name just a couple, there are a multitude of benefits to pursuing your MBA degree in the US.

Making connections in the US

Top US business schools have arguably the most established networks and connections with domestic and international businesses in the world. When seeking post-graduation jobs, it is these connections that often prove vital to your success. Many MBA programs (especially the traditional two-year programs most associated with US business schools) also provide the opportunity of an internship during your MBA. These internships can lead to full-time job offers.

Business schools hold regular networking events, where you’ll get the opportunity to meet with local companies and form connections. Crucial for when you are negotiating the job market. This doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to find a job in the US if you do study abroad, but these key connections can make it easier for those who have studied domestically.

Quality of business schools in the US

Another thing to keep in mind is the quality of business schools in the US. Rankings are a good benchmark to use when looking at the quality of different business schools. The QS Global MBA Rankings 2018 ranked Harvard Business School as the top MBA program in the world for example. Out of the top 25 ranked MBA programs, 13 of them were business schools found in the US, highlighting the strength in depth of US business schools.

While rankings aren’t the only thing that should be considered when choosing a school, they are a good indicator of quality. Other factors you should consider when researching business schools are employment rate upon graduation, salary levels and return on investment (ROI) of graduates, and more. In addition to the Global MBA Rankings, QS also releases a report each year that identifies trends in international MBA salaries and recruitment. Data from the 2018 Jobs & Salary Trends Report found that the US is currently the most generous when it comes to MBA salary levels, US$98,900 being the average salary for someone with an MBA.

Understanding the school system

If you grew up in the US education system, the transition to studying an MBA in the US could be easier than if you were to study abroad. Being comfortable in your learning environment is key, and it can be the simple things that make a real difference. Are you the sort of person who wants to study abroad, or are you a homebody who feels more comfortable being close to friends, family and things you are familiar with? Studying abroad can make it difficult to maintain a balance between school, family and work, especially if you are planning to keep your job while completing an MBA program. Time differences abroad, along with limited time for travel, on top of the workload associated with an MBA are just a few factors that could affect your work and social life.   

If you do make the decision to study abroad there will be people and resources available to help you transition smoothly, it may just be outside of your current comfort zone. For example, while most MBA courses will still be taught in English, and have a similar format to MBA programs in the US, the way research is conducted and papers are written in foreign countries can be different. These differences can be pretty significant when attending school in a foreign country, especially where English isn’t the native language. There will be an adjustment period for you to fully understand what the school is looking for in its work, and how to meet those expectations.

Weigh the pros and cons

Deciding the perfect location for your studies is a huge decision. Whether you decide to stay at home or venture further afield, it is crucial to ensure that the choice you make is the right one for you. Before making a dchoice that will undoubtedly change your life, it’s always important to weigh the pros and cons and determine what will be better for you in the long run. This article isn’t meant to deter you from studying abroad, there are many benefits in doing so. Rather, it should highlight the perks of staying in the US to get your MBA.