Do you want to grow as a manager as well as a leader? Are you willing to apply for an MBA?
Well, follow me.
I’m Laura Perazzolo, and as part of the Marketing & Recruitment Master Programs team I’ll be glad to share my experience and advice with you in order to help you make the right choice that can help you evolve into a #growingleader and achieve your professional goals.
The importance of professional goals
The reference to choices and goals is not an arbitrary one. A recent GMAC survey involving more than 12,000 respondents identified three profiles, each with their own motivations and ambitions.
The Career Enhancers (34% of the survey sample) want to use their graduate training to improve their career prospects and rise to managerial positions as quickly as possible; the Career Switchers (38%) who are already working in a company but are keen to change their current role; and finally, there are the Aspiring Entrepreneurs (28%).
This last category of potential MBA students has seen the biggest increase – almost 10% – since 2010. By contrast, the Career Switchers group has fallen by the same percentage.
The MBA is still the master programme of choice for students
The GMAC survey also showed that, despite the increase in other specialist courses, the MBA is still the master programme of choice for students.
More than 1 in 2 (52%) students are choosing this type of graduate degree option over others, and a further 26% believe the MBA is a valid alternative to other master degrees.
This statistic has dropped slightly compared to 2010, which is partly due to the inclusion of younger generations in the statistical survey.
The master degree seen from a demographic and geographic perspective
Demographics also play a part in the differences identified in the GMAC survey with regard to the motivations of the different cohorts. The reasons given by the Millennials (i.e. students born after 1980), representing 88% of the survey sample, primarily relate to an increase in professional opportunities and the development of specific KSAs.
On the other hand, Generation X (born between the ‘60s and the ‘80s) and the Baby Boomers (born between the ‘50s and ’60s) are more interested in studying for master degrees to gain professional credentials and remain competitive in an increasingly challenging job market.
Another interesting fact concerns geographical preference: 52% of the people interviewed would opt to study for their master degree outside of their country of origin, mostly in the USA, although this number has fallen in recent years (66% as opposed to 73%) with emerging economies such as Canada, Hong Kong and Singapore also topping the countries of choice.
Italy features among the list of countries considered to be the most interesting in terms of studying for a master with the aim of developing a brilliant international career.
Selection for MIP
We have analysed what drives a student to decide to enrol on a master degree programme, particularly an MBA. So how do students make sure they submit a high quality application and increase their chances of being accepted into the Business School of their dreams?
The introductory video contains advice for putting together a successful application. In particular, I would like to highlight the importance of the following three points:
- A solid academic and professional background: Complete your application form carefully, highlighting any educational and working experiences which could help you to stand out against the other candidates.
- An effective motivational interview: The interview is an opportunity for you not only to highlight your strengths and skills, but also to identify your limits. Watchword: Be yourself!
- Keep an eye on your email: In order to be able to guarantee the best possible learning experience to students, MIP classes have restricted entry. The outcome of your application will be sent to you directly to your email address after a maximum of 10 days.
To find out more, I recommend you read the information material on the website of the MIP Politecnico di Milano and subscribe to our blog #growingleader. Here you will find useful information which will help you to prepare properly for the selection process and discover all the opportunities and experiences available to our students.
We will be happy to answer any of your questions. Leave a comment and good luck with your application!
