Choosing an MBA: why broad is often better

If an MBA is on your radar, you’ve no doubt discovered that the range of available programs is extensive. Interestingly – and despite the fact that MBA programs were born from widespread demand for broad business and leadership skills, applicable to any industry – there’s been a recent increase in the number of specialist MBAs coming onto the market.

So what kind of MBA qualification should you pursue? While there’s certainly a place for specialist business masters degrees, many argue that in the context of today’s fast-paced commercial environment, a broad MBA qualification has never been more valuable.

Here are five reasons to keep a broad MBA program at the top of your shortlist.

1. Meet the demands of disruption

Thanks to the rapid acceleration of technology, the business landscape has literally transformed in the past 20 years.

From Uber to Airbnb to WeWork, technological innovation continues to disrupt business models that, until the birth of the digital era, appeared unshakeable.

With the pace of change showing no signs of slowing down, a broad MBA equips you with a valuable ‘big picture’ perspective, as well as the essential ability to identify and take advantage of new and emerging opportunities.

2. Rise to the challenge of a competitive employment market

In an environment where top roles are hotly contested, a broad MBA can position you for success. A broad MBA is a powerful signal to prospective employers that you have the essential strategic, analytical and financial skills required for effective leadership – irrespective of industry – and that you have the mindset to apply these skills to complex business challenges and settings.

3. Develop a highly flexible set of skills

An agile and flexible skill set is essential for effective business leadership in the digital era. A broad MBA program, such as Victoria University (VU) Online’s Master of Business Administration, offers deep insights into best business, people and financial management practice, equipping you with a comprehensive skill set that can be adapted to virtually any industry or leadership role.

A broad MBA delivers enhanced business acumen through its focus on wide-ranging skills such as financial analysis, marketing management, HR management and organisational change management.

A broad MBA is a powerful signal to prospective employers that you have the essential strategic, analytical and financial skills required for effective leadership – irrespective of industry.

4. Oversee those with more specialised knowledge

Because of its general focus, a broad MBA provides you with the ability to manage and lead others with more specialised knowledge. MBAs were originally designed to elevate those who had specialised skills to general management positions, and a broad MBA remains true to this intent by providing the know-how to successfully lead people and organisations of all stripes.

5. Focus on what matters in business – small or large

A broad MBA builds core competencies across generalist areas. From strategic management to HR to managing innovation and entrepreneurship, subjects in a broad course such as VU Online’s Master of Business Administration are focused on developing business acumen and the ability to provide strategic, high-value leadership.

From strategic management to HR to managing innovation and entrepreneurship, the VU Online MBA is focused on developing business acumen and the ability to provide strategic, high-value leadership.

VU Online’s MBA also recognises that many of its graduates go on to establish or run small businesses, where a solid grounding in a broad range of disciplines is especially crucial.

Interested in a broad MBA with a firm focus on the skills required of today’s business leader? Find out more about enrolling in VU Online’s MBA course, or get in touch with our Enrolment team today on 1300 682 051.