Congratulations! You have successfully earned your MBA. Whether you completed your program in the past or you’re a recent graduate, you have in your hands an important key that can unlock the doors to your dreams and aspirations.
Without even submitting your first résumé bearing those illustrious three letters or landing your first job as a result of having earned the distinction, there’s a certain amount of prestige that you get simply by holding that or any other advanced degree — especially from a top-tier school.
But beyond the societal fluff, what value does an MBA have when the job market has hit the skids and thousands upon thousands are flailing around in unemployment distress — at a rate of 9.1 percent, according to the U. S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics.
Here’s the reality. You’re facing stiff competition and your advanced degree, alone, is simply not enough. The fact that there are lots of fish in the sea you’re about to dive into or have been involuntarily dumped back into — doesn’t negate the value of your MBA. It does however force you to evaluate the bells and whistles that you bring to the table. A few attributes that can make your MBA unique and pack the most punch include passion, a well-thought-out plan and the ability to effectively present.
Passion and the level of intensity thereof is a game-changer that you are in complete control of. This makes it ultra important that your career pursuits or entrepreneurial endeavors are true to who you are. Passion emanates from your expressed interests being congruent with the core of your being or perceived life purpose. Any pursuit outside that realm dulls your shine and makes your presence — well, common.
Planning is essential in landing that job commensurate with your level of education, or starting that business that you’ve always dreamed of. It all boils down to preparation. Planning forces you to think through each and every step of the process, even building in contingencies for rejection, course changes and obstacles. Whether you’re passionately presenting yourself to a potential employer, or soliciting a bank executive for start-up money for your business, the level of your preparation makes the difference.
A “yes” to the loan or “you’re hired” for that position is more likely if you’ve effectively presented your plan to your audience. Presenting — in this case, yourself or your business idea — is an art that can be learned or sharpened if you feel a little rusty. There are various resources available from books to seminars that can help you hone the art of making a good impression. Invest the time to find a method that’s right for you — your future depends on it. –gerald a. radford
