Is an MBA or graduate certificate program worth it?
Published on the 22 April 2024
In an ever-evolving business landscape, the pursuit of higher education, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and other stackable graduate certificate programs, has become in demand among professionals seeking to enhance their skills and progress their careers.
These programs offer benefits not only to individuals but also to the organisations you serve.
Let's delve into why an MBA degree or a graduate certificate program is worth it in terms of driving career growth and organisational success.
What are the benefits of an MBA or graduate certificate?
Enhanced skill set
One of the primary advantages of an MBA program or graduate certificate is the acquisition of a diverse skill set that can help you to navigate complex business challenges. These programs offer comprehensive curricula covering areas such as finance, marketing, operations, strategy, and leadership.
Through coursework, case studies, and practical projects, you can develop analytical, critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision making skills that are crucial for success in today's competitive environment. Armed with this multifaceted skill set, you are better equipped to tackle real-world business problems and drive innovation within your organisation.
If you’re either in or looking to step into a leadership role, check out our guide on the nine leadership skills to master in 2024.
Strategic perspective
Programs such as the MBA Full-time, MBA Part-time (Executive) and the Graduate Certificate in Strategic Management provide you with a broader understanding of the business landscape, enabling you to develop a strategic perspective that goes beyond day-to-day operations. By studying topics such as organisational behavior, corporate strategy, and global business trends, you’ll gain insights into the interconnectedness of various business functions and the external factors that shape industry dynamics.
This strategic mindset empowers you to anticipate market trends, identify growth opportunities, and formulate effective business strategies that drive long-term success for your organisation.
Expanded network
Networking is a cornerstone of professional success, and postgraduate programs offer many opportunities for building connections with peers, faculty, alumni, and industry professionals. These programs often foster a collaborative learning environment where you’ll engage in group projects, discussions, and networking events.
For example, an elective course within the online MBAX program is the 'Strategic Consulting Project (AGSM9155)'. Using the skills and tools taught within the online MBA program, you’ll investigate a particular strategic issue in an organisation, working as a team to identify solutions and then present them back to the client.
Through these interactions, you’ll not only expand your professional network but also gain access to valuable mentorship, career advice, and job opportunities. A strong professional network can open doors to new partnerships, business ventures, and career advancement prospects, making it an asset for both individuals and organisations.
Leadership development
Leadership skills are essential for driving organisational growth and fostering a positive work culture. MBA and graduate programs place a strong emphasis on leadership development, offering courses, workshops, and experiential learning opportunities designed to cultivate effective leadership qualities.
Through activities such as team projects, simulations, and leadership seminars, you can hone your communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making skills, preparing you to lead teams and drive organisational change. Strong leadership not only enhances individual career prospects but also contributes to the overall success and competitiveness of any business environment.
Adaptability and lifelong learning
The business landscape is constantly evolving, requiring professionals to adapt to new technologies, market trends, and industry regulations. MBA and graduate programs instill a culture of lifelong learning and adaptability, equipping you with an in-depth mindset to thrive in a dynamic environment.
By fostering a habit of continuous learning, you’ll remain agile and resilient in the face of uncertainty, allowing you to embrace new challenges and seize opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Organisations benefit from having employees who are adaptable, innovative, and committed to ongoing professional development. Through the success of their leaders, organisations will be able to drive innovation and remain competitive in the marketplace.
Salary increase
Completing an MBA or graduate certificate program can significantly bolster your earning potential. These advanced educational qualifications provide not only specialised knowledge but also a broader skill set and enhanced leadership abilities that are highly valued in today's competitive job market. Employers often recognise the dedication and effort required to obtain such credentials, leading to opportunities for career advancement and higher salaries.
Graduates of MBA or graduate certificate programs typically command higher starting salaries and are positioned for quicker progression into higher-level roles within their organisations.
Additionally, the networking opportunities with industry professionals and access to exclusive job opportunities further contribute to salary growth over time.
Ultimately, investing in further education through an MBA or graduate certificate program can be a strategic move towards maximising your earning potential and long-term career success.
Still not convinced?
Don’t take our word for it, hear from our MBA Alumni on why being part of the AGSM global community has allowed them to emerge as Australia’s most successful leaders and entrepreneurs:
Alumni Spotlight
“My AGSM MBA taught me how to work with different people with different interests and understand their language. When we want banks and energy companies to collaborate, knowing how to speak those two different languages and bring them together is invaluable.”
Behyad Jafari, an alumnus of the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM) at UNSW Business School, is the CEO of the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) of Australia. He established this industry association to facilitate collaboration among companies and government agencies with diverse agendas, aiming to accelerate Australia’s transition to zero-emission vehicles.
Previously working in renewable energy, Jafari recognised the significant carbon emissions from the transport sector and the lack of coordinated efforts to address it. In 2016, he founded the EVC to unite stakeholders in tackling the challenges of transitioning to zero-emission transport.
Under Jafari's leadership, the EVC has played a pivotal role in propelling Australia forward in the electric vehicle market, doubling sales annually and aligning the country with global trends. Jafari emphasises the importance of Australia seizing the opportunity to become a leader in electric vehicle technologies and manufacturing.
Central to Jafari's approach is building bridges among diverse stakeholders, including truck manufacturers, banks, car manufacturers, and electricity companies. He emphasises the significance of understanding others' interests and finding common ground to drive impactful change.
Jafari credits his AGSM MBA (Executive) for providing him with the skills to work effectively with various stakeholders and address complex challenges. The program equipped him with the ability to communicate across different sectors and reconcile differences to achieve shared goals.
Furthermore, Jafari highlights the value of peer learning and networking through the AGSM MBA, emphasising the importance of maintaining connections and continuing to learn from diverse perspectives.
Overall, Behyad Jafari's journey exemplifies the power of leadership, collaboration, and strategic vision in driving progress towards sustainable transportation solutions.
Behyad Jafari, CEO Electric Vehicle Council
AGSM @ UNSW Business School
How to apply
For further information on how to apply for an MBA or graduate certificate program check out the AGSM ‘How to apply’ page. Here you’ll find details on entry requirements, application dates, an application checklist and the process involved.
Certain programs, such as the MBA Full-Time program, take approximately 60 participants per intake, which means competition is fierce. And to be successful, applicants need to show excellence across their entire application.
You can undertake a pre-assessment of your eligibility to apply for the MBA program by emailing your CV to admissions@agsm.edu.au, and the AGSM team will be in contact.
Want to find out more about AGSM at UNSW Business School?
If you have any questions about studying at the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM) at UNSW, contact us below. We’re here to help.