Think you have mad skills? What about mad MBA skills? Graduate with an MBA and you'll be the proud owner of a set of skills that put you in high demand in the workplace.
Plenty of people ask, “Why should I get an MBA?” There’s an argument to be made that on-the-job training gives you all the skills you need. But those skills can take years to acquire. Earning your MBA gives you the opportunity to quickly learn those same skills (and many more).
According to The Princeton Review/Entrepreneur, “Executive business skills don't always emerge neatly from on-the-job experience—and in the rapidly changing world of contemporary entrepreneurship, knowing the latest leadership strategies and business practices is imperative to succeed.”1
The article goes on to define a set of skills an MBA program teaches you that will improve your overall performance:
- Interpersonal—How you work and collaborate with others.
- Strategic—Your ability to understand the steps necessary for success.
- Entrepreneurial—How you evaluate markets, set goals, and think creatively.
- Communication—The way you convey strategy to the people around you.
- Leadership—Your ability to inspire a team and your co-workers.
What employers look for in MBA graduates
Acquiring the top skills for MBA graduates is important to increase your knowledge base. Equally important is acquiring a skillset so you get noticed during your job search. Employers are looking for a combination of MBA hard skills and soft that allow you to hit the ground running from day one.
7 in 10 graduates
Graduate Management Admission Council. “The Soft Skills That MBA Programs Help To Build.” March 2020
Simply stated, and oft repeated, when employers look to hire, they’re looking for graduates with certain skills, and MBA programs are loading you up with courses, activities, and organizations that give you those skills in spades.2 Find out more in the Iowa MBA Employer Guide.
What does an MBA teach you?
Visit any business school’s website and you should be able to find their curriculum. We took a look at the University of Iowa’s MBA curriculum to get a snapshot of their MBA skills list—the skills learned in the classroom:
- Marketing Management
- Management in Organizations
- Operations and Supply Chain
- Foundations in Strategy
- Data and Decisions
- Managerial Economics
- Accounting
- Business Analytics
- Marketing
- Entrepreneurship
If you're still asking, “What do you even learn in business school?" We have answers…and lists
The list above only tells part of the story. More than just hard skills for business, an MBA gives you a host of soft skills to help you make an impact wherever your career takes you. Indeed.com notes that soft skills are “personal habits and traits that shape how you work, on your own and with others.”3
At the University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business, for example, you'll learn soft skills not necessarily included in the listed curriculum—like integrity, creativity, effective communication, open-mindedness, teamwork, problem solving, critical thinking, and empathy.
While the lists above are far from complete, they provide a sample of what you can expect from your education, and the beginnings of a soft and hard skills list for a resume.
In the end, how you define hard skills versus soft skills is less important. What will count is having those skills on your resume and in your toolbox—skills that carry you through a successful career in business. Mad skills, indeed, and the true benefits of an MBA.
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Still have questions?
Q: How can I leverage my MBA skills in a job interview?
A: To effectively leverage your MBA skills in a job interview, consider the following:
- Highlight your leadership experience through specific examples.
- Discuss analytical skills by showcasing data-driven decision-making.
- Emphasize teamwork and collaboration by sharing successful group projects.
- Demonstrate your problem-solving skills with real-world scenarios.
- Articulate how your MBA education prepared you to tackle industry challenges.
Q: What industries value MBA skills the most?
A: MBA skills are highly valued in various industries, including:
- Finance: For roles in investment banking, asset management, and corporate finance.
- Consulting: Where strategic thinking and problem-solving are crucial.
- Technology: For project management and innovation roles.
- Healthcare: In management positions that require operational efficiency.
- Marketing: For roles that demand strong analytical and creative skills.
Q: What networking strategies should I use as an MBA graduate?
A: As an MBA graduate, consider these networking strategies:
- Join alumni associations to reconnect with former classmates.
- Attend industry conferences to meet professionals in your field.
- Utilize LinkedIn to connect with industry leaders and potential employers.
- Participate in local business meetups to expand your network.
- Engage in mentorship programs to learn from experienced professionals.
Q: How can I showcase my MBA skills on my resume?
A: To effectively showcase your MBA skills on your resume, follow these tips:
- Use action verbs to describe your accomplishments in previous roles.
- Include specific metrics to quantify your impact, such as revenue growth.
- Highlight relevant coursework and projects that align with job requirements.
- Incorporate keywords from the job description to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
- Tailor your resume for each position to emphasize the most relevant skills.
Q: What are the best ways to continue developing my skills after an MBA?
A: To continue developing your skills after earning an MBA:
- Enroll in professional development courses or certifications. Iowa offers a great roster of relevant professional certificates.
- Read industry-related books and articles to stay informed.
- Join professional organizations to access resources and networking.
- Attend workshops, seminars, and webinars to enhance specific skill sets.
- Seek mentorship opportunities for guidance and insight.
Q: How can I use my MBA to transition into a new career?
A: Moving into a new career with your MBA can be accomplished by:
- Identifying transferable skills relevant to your new field.
- Networking with professionals in your target industry for insights.
- Tailoring your resume to highlight applicable experiences.
- Consider internships or volunteer roles to gain relevant experience.
- Taking additional courses to fill any knowledge gaps in your new area.
- Utilizing a Career Services team for career coaching, resume assistance, and more.
Check out this quick take on some career options for MBA graduates.
Q: What soft skills are enhanced by an MBA program?
A: An MBA program enhances several soft skills, including:
- Leadership: Learning to inspire and motivate teams effectively.
- Communication: Developing strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and managing your emotions and those of others.
- Negotiation: Gaining the ability to navigate complex discussions successfully.
- Adaptability: Learning to adjust to changing environments and challenges.
Q: What are some common misconceptions about MBA skills?
A: Common misconceptions about MBA skills include:
- That an MBA guarantees a high salary without effort.
- That all MBA graduates are equally qualified for management roles.
- That the degree is solely about business theory, ignoring practical skills.
- That soft skills are less important than technical knowledge.
- That MBA programs do not prepare students for real-world challenges.
- That all MBA programs are essentially the same.
Sources
- “Why Get an BMA? Practical, Applicable Skills.” The Princeton Review/Entrepreneur.
- “The Soft Skills That MBA Programs Help To Build.” Graduate Management Admission Council, March 2020.
- Jamie Birt. “Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills: What’s the Difference?” Indeed, January 2025.