The prestigious Master of Business Administration degree (MBA) is coveted by many because most people who obtain it succeed in their chosen field. An MBA can be an obvious choice for people with business majors.
But what if you skipped college and went straight to a career or pursued a degree in a non-business course? Your dream of getting an MBA may seem like just a dream.
However, you don’t have to be disheartened since there are avenues you can explore to earn an MBA without a degree. Read on to learn more about getting an MBA degree without a degree, application tips, and requirements.
Can you get an MBA Without Undergraduate Degree or Business-Specific Work Experience?
The short answer is yes. While having a business degree or experience can help you get into an MBA program, it’s not required. Most schools are more concerned about your real-world experience, skills, motivation, and attitude more than your prior education.
All you need to get an MBA without undergraduate degree is to emphasize your skills in your statement of purpose to demonstrate your suitability for the program.
In fact, many business schools look favorably upon non-business degree applicants because they bring diversity to classroom discussions. MBA programs have more diverse student populations than any other graduate program.
Whether you have a degree or work experience in medicine, law, music, political science, arts, or engineering, there is no reason to hold back on pursuing an MBA degree.
Still, students who want to do an MBA without degree or business experience have concerns about their ability to succeed in the program. If you’re willing to commit to rigorous study and have a passion for business, you’re a viable candidate for the graduate course. Most of your classmates will not have an undergraduate degree in business, so you won’t be out of place.
Why get an MBA if you don’t have a Bachelor’s in Business?
If you’re wondering, “Do I really need an MBA?” Well, there is a reason why applications for MBA programs are higher than most programs. While some people succeed in business without pursuing an MBA, statistics show that the business program gives people an advantage.
It can help you land a promotion, a better job, or give you the skills you need to start your own business. It can also significantly increase your earning power compared to workers with a bachelor degree.
If you aren’t a business undergraduate major, an MBA can help you transform your career. Even if you don’t end up in business-related fields, an MBA can broaden your skill set and give you an advantage when applying for a management position. Industries that non-business undergraduates can benefit from an MBA include
- Healthcare
- Marketing
- Human resources
- Technology
- Finance
- Engineering
Some of the business-related jobs you can get with an MBA include:
- Project manager
- Operations manager
- Sales executive
- Consultant
- Marketing manager
- Data analyst
- IT director
- Entrepreneur
- CFO
- Team manager
Top Tips for Getting an MBA Without Degree or Business-Specific Work Experience
1. Research Requirements
As a prospective MBA student, start by reviewing the admissions requirements. Some programs don’t list the prerequisites for MBA programs, while others offer preparatory courses for students admitted to MBA without a degree.
You can save a lot of time by researching MBA programs in which you meet the requirements. Also, review the program accreditation status, update your resume, and get recommendation letters and references.
2. Use the Help of a Professional Writer
If you need help writing your MBA admission essay, statement of purpose, or even a complex assignment, you can get reliable help from MBA experts at dissertation writing services like FastEssay to get your project written immediately.
This company links graduate students with academic experts who write high-quality academic papers on any topic based on your personalized instructions. That way, you can complete your application process faster and more efficiently.
3. Study for GMAT
Although the GMAT and GRE are optional in some institutions, scoring well on the standardized exams can boost your application. If you are taking the GMAT, there are many strategies you can use to prepare efficiently.
Have a study strategy and schedule to help you prepare for the test. You can also take online GMAT mock tests, practice dissertation writing, and complete online courses to boost your readiness for the exam.
4. Talk to Current MBA Students and Alumni
If you have doubts about taking an MBA without a degree or want to learn about graduate life and outcomes, talk to alumni and current students. You can email students in your desired program with questions or arrange a meeting on campus. Alumni can tell you about trusted faculty advisors, potential outcomes, and tips for navigating your MBA journey.
5. Consider Online MBA Programs
Pursuing an online MBA without undergraduate degree allows you to continue working rather than going back to school full-time. Flexibility is important in maintaining a healthy work-life balance so that you don’t feel overwhelmed. It also helps you to become more productive at work as you apply concepts learned in class.
6. Read Up on Business, Critical Thinking, and Leadership
As an MBA applicant without a business undergraduate degree or experience, the more well-rounded your application is, the stronger it will appear. Therefore, read a lot on key areas such as business and leadership. Also, boost your critical thinking skills by handling practical GMAT tests. You’ll become a stronger candidate and a good MBA student.
7. Apply When you’re Ready
The MBA application process is quite tasking and has a strict deadline. That’s why you should only apply when you’re ready. Rushed applications aren’t the strongest. You’re better off waiting until you can submit a robust and complete application.
Typical Requirements for Getting an MBA Without a Degree
Although MBA programs welcome students from different educational backgrounds, you’ll have to complete prerequisite coursework, standard test, MBA essay, and skill assessment. MBA admission requirements vary by the school you apply to, but most include the following:
- Application form
- Academic transcripts
- Resume
- GMAT or GRE scores
- Admission essay and/or statement of purpose
- Recommendation letters
GMAT is an important test you must pass to enter an MBA program. It measures critical thinking and writing skills, data literacy, problem-solving, real-world problem analysis, integrated reasoning, and reading comprehension.
If you want to do an MBA without a business degree, you want to focus your application on how your career experience has prepared you for the challenge. MBA admissions officers like to see career progression, so look for examples of life and work experiences that demonstrate career progression.
An MBA is achievable regardless of your professional or academic background
You don’t have to feel disadvantaged to business undergrads when applying for an MBA. Most business schools don’t require business specific work experience or degrees. In fact, the level of course difficulty is almost the same for all students. If you’re ready for the challenge, make your MBA dream a reality by applying ASAP.
Also read: The Benefits of Studying a Distance Learning MBA While You Work
