Corporate employers, recruiters and managers of SMEs, set the pace of the demand for candidates who have an MBA degree for considering an essential element to these profiles to occupy an executive position. And not only companies with commercial or productive activities value this postgraduate course. Now companies from sectors such as health, technology, renewable energy, as well as innovative startups or non-profit organizations themselves, also hire MBA graduates.
Both Business Schools and employers are unanimous about the reasons why many companies prefer candidates with a Master's in Business Administration and Management to fill middle and senior executive positions. They explain that MBAs are the most suitable candidates for their ability to think critically and strategically, face challenges and solve complicated problems in a constantly evolving environment.
Meaning of an MBA
What is an MBA? A a (Master of Business Administration) is a master's degree that addresses the study of a wide spectrum of topics related to the business world. Curricula include economy, finance, marketing, business management, human resource management, operations, strategy, digital transformation, etc In the broadest sense, an MBA means that students not only acquire knowledge and develop skills in financial management, marketing, or human resources, but also represents being in possession of a type of strategic thinking while adopting an analytical approach to each situation in different scenarios.
Let's give an example to better understand what it means to do an MBA and the business preparation that is obtained. A person who has promoted in a company and has held a position of responsibility in the area of operations, is an expert in the productive process of that company. But, a person with an MBA can provide new perspectives on good practices, optimize resources or discover how to improve the performance of processes in all activities considered key in the company.
An MBA program not only prepares students to work in a financial institution or bank, but also to occupy executive positions, managers of high responsibility. Along the same lines, an effective leader profile is also built to direct the course of a company or be an entrepreneur and create your own business thanks to the development of the spirit and vocation for entrepreneurship.
That MBA masters are among the postgraduate courses that most promote professional careers It is nothing new, nor is the variety of profiles (businessmen, managers, engineers, lawyers, architects, doctors, middle managers, etc.) who decide to study this master's degree seeking to update and improve their skills and abilities to exercise effective management. in any work environment. However, given the commitment of time and economic factors associated with studying this program in a good Business School, it is necessary to take into account the return on investment before choosing an MBA, and thus consider whether it may be convenient to consider some or other alternatives.
What are employers looking for?
Training based on the development of critical thinking
Critical thinking is not a subject in itself within the MBA curriculum. It is a skill that is developed transversally in each of the subjects studied.
The importance of critical thinking today is related to the ability to analyze and assess issues that are accepted as true. In the business world it is essential to be able to distinguish what information is valid to draw well-founded conclusions, generate alternatives and make decisions accordingly.
During the studies of an MBA master's degree, you learn to think critically through study of cases. This method requires students to evaluate different dilemmas, or complex problems, draw conclusions about a business or financial problem, and formulate what might be the best plan of action. In general, these cases on different business aspects usually reflect current problems of companies in a highly competitive market as it is today.
Preparation to solve problems
Many companies in sectors such as health or technology currently prefer to hire an MBA for their ability and professional rigor to solve problems. This is mainly because the Business Schools that organize these programs consider it essential that students know and be able to address and contextualize a problem, ask the right questions, and collect data from credible sources.
Employers know that an MBA is qualified to do more than answer questions about the actions to be carried out by the company. Some talent recruiters from large companies point out that it is «It is surprising how MBAs, faced with a new challenge, know how to plan the work of the following weeks before a new project and how well trained they are to occupy management positions.«.
In the technology and telecommunications sector, MBAs are hired to design company strategies that, in the long term, allow the brand to obtain a leading position in the market. The ability of an MBA to face challenges in turbulent environments and generate change that help the company to compete in a market, are highly valued.
On the other hand, in addition to developing hard or technical skills, such as the ability to read financial reports or forecast sales, which remain essential in any MBA curriculum, students also develop soft skills. Among the most sought-after skills in these MBA profiles are business vision, communication, negotiation, as well as the ability to maximize the talent they discover in other people.
Are all MBAs the same?
Getting an MBA from a Business School is a very important achievement. But once you get the title, you also need to compete with other similar candidates to get a job. And, here comes into play where the MBA master's degree has been completed.
Not all MBA degrees are the same. The number of universities, Business Schools and other centers that offer an MBA program is constantly increasing. For this reason, it is necessary to ensure that the chosen MBA is rigorous, contains a complete and updated study plan, as well as a team of professors who are experts in the area of knowledge they teach, both theoretically and practically. If this is not the case, it is possible that the title does not have the value that was expected and, therefore, you lose your chances of being compared with others who have the same MBA degree. It is likely that recruiters and employers do not consider as points in favor of the candidate an MBA obtained in an unknown center or that has only had a theoretical learning approach and little relationship between professors and colleagues with the real world of the company. In other words, these types of courses do not have the same weight as a Master from one of the best Business Schools in Spain or abroad.
In order not to waste time, money, or opportunities, below we highlight some of the MBAs that are in the Top 10 and that are available to study in the most important cities in Spain:
- Madrid: Studying an MBA face-to-face in Madrid is a very interesting option. In one of the most important European cities from a business and industrial point of view, to which is also added the cultural aspect that makes it even more attractive and the opportunities to grow professionally are varied and numerous. The most relevant Business Schools installed in Madrid to study an MBA are: IE, ESADE, IESE, EOI, Madrid Chamber of Commerce, ESCP, ESIC or IEN Business School of the Polytechnic University of Madrid.
- Barcelona: The first Business Schools in Spain arose in this city at the dawn of the XNUMXth century. Some of the most renowned centers are also based in Madrid. The centers to study an MBA of optimal quality in Barcelona are: IESE, ESADE, EADA, La Salle or the University of Barcelona.
- Valencia: in the third most populated city in Spain it is also possible to study a Master in Business Administration and Management. The industrial and business dynamism of the region plays a preponderant role in the quality of the programs offered. The most important Business Schools to study an MBA in Valencia are: Valencia Chamber of Business School, EDEM, Florida Universitaria, Polytechnic University or the University of Valencia.
- Bilbao: In the Basque Country, Bilbao is the city par excellence to study an MBA. The most prominent centers that offer an MBA program are: Deusto, Eseune and the University of the Basque Country.
Spain and any of the cities mentioned are magnificent places to study an MBA. The Business Schools and universities mentioned are not the only alternatives. There are other sites and centers that offer MBA programs with a lot of potential. However, in this article we have highlighted some of the most popular and demanded options, either for their international prestige or for the excellent value for money of the programs. By doing a little more research, it is possible to discover more options, weigh the pros and cons of each alternative, and choose the one that best meets your professional development expectations.