Have you completed your MBA and are now wondering what to do next?
If so, you may be considering pursuing a course after your MBA abroad.
There are many different courses available after the MBA, it can be challenging for you to decide which course is right for your career.
You may also be wondering about the benefits of studying abroad, and the factors to consider when choosing the course after MBA.
In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of courses available after an MBA abroad, the benefits of studying abroad, and the factors to consider when choosing a course. We will also provide tips on how to choose the right course for you.
We promise you by the end of this blog post, you will have a better understanding of the different options available to you after your MBA, and you will be able to make an informed decision about the best course for you.
What is an MBA?
An MBA, or Masters of Business Administration is a postgraduate degree focused on business administration.
It is one of the most popular graduate degrees in the world and is offered by many business schools and universities around the globe.
An MBA program covers a wide range of topics such as accounting, finance, marketing, organizational behaviour, economics, and management. The goal of this program is to prepare you for careers in business leadership.
MBA graduates are always in high demand in a variety of industries, including technology, consulting, finance, and healthcare.
You can pursue careers in a variety of roles such as investment banker, management consultant, and marketing manager.
Why pursue courses after an MBA?
Pursuing courses after your MBA (Masters of Business Administration) can be a fruitful decision for several reasons:
- Specialization: An MBA may give you an overview of business administration, but it may not give you the in-depth knowledge you may require in the field of your specialization, be it finance, marketing, or supply chain management.
By taking a course after your MBA, you can specialize in a specific area of interest such as finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, etc. The specialization can give you a competitive edge and the knowledge you require to succeed in your chosen field.
- Stay updated: The business world is constantly evolving with the latest technologies, trends like AI, and regulations. Taking additional courses will help you develop the skill set required to meet with the latest industry developments and trends.
- Career advancement: Taking courses after your MBA can help you gain the expertise required to qualify for senior-level positions and various leadership roles in the industry.
- To change careers: Are you thinking of switching your career to another field? Taking specialized courses after your MBA can help you to switch your career to your desired field.
For example- if you have done your MBA in marketing but want to switch your career to finance, you can take courses related to finance and accounting to develop the skills and knowledge you require to compete in the job market.
- Entrepreneurship: If you are interested in starting your own business, taking courses after your MBA in areas like entrepreneurship, innovation, or startups, etc. can provide you with the knowledge and tools necessary to start your own business.
- Personal growth: Education is not all about career advancement, it is for personal growth as well. Learning new things can help you stay competitive and updated with the latest trends and technologies in the business world.
No matter what your reasons are for pursuing courses after an MBA, there are many different options available to you.
You can choose to take courses at a university, or you can take online courses. You can also choose between short-term courses or long-term courses.
And speaking of choices between an online course or taking a course at a university, let’s explore the great advantages of studying abroad!
Benefits of studying abroad
Studying abroad offers a wide range of benefits that can greatly enrich your personal, academic, and professional life. Here are some of the benefits:
- Academic enrichment: Studying abroad will open many opportunities for you to learn about different cultures and perspectives, and to develop skills and knowledge.
- Personal growth: Studying abroad will contribute to your personal growth, it will help you to become independent and self-reliant. It can also help you to develop your communication and problem-solving skills.
- Career opportunities: Studying abroad can open many career opportunities for you and will give you a competitive edge in the market. Employers value candidates with international experience and who are able to think outside the box.
- Experience new cultures: Studying abroad gives you an opportunity to experience different cultures and languages around the world. You can learn about the country’s history, language, and customs. You meet with new people and build new connections.
- Travel opportunities: Studying abroad gives you the chance to explore neighbouring regions and travel to nearby countries.
If you are considering studying abroad, we encourage you to do your research and choose a program that is right for you.
There are many different programs available, so you are sure to find one that meets your needs and goals.
Popular courses after MBA abroad
There are many popular courses after MBA abroad, that are high in demand in the job market, can lead to high-paying jobs, and are offered by many top universities around the world.
Here are some of the popular courses after an MBA abroad:
- Business Analytics
- Data Science
- Artificial intelligence
- Machine learning
- Digital Marketing
- Supply chain management
- International Business
- Algorithms
- Finance
- Human resources
- Fintech
In addition to these master’s degrees, there are also many other popular courses that you can take after an MBA abroad. Here are they:
Doctors of Business Administration (DBA)
A Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is a professional doctorate in business administration. It is the highest degree that you can earn in a business.
Who pursues DBA? A DBA is typically pursued by students who want to become researchers or professors or hold senior-level positions in business.
DBA graduates are in high demand in various industries, including academia, business, and government. You can make your careers as professors, researchers, consultants, and executives.
Here are some of the benefits of doing Doctor of Business Administration (DBA):
- Do you know DBA graduates typically earn more money than other degrees? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average wage for business analysts, which includes many DBA graduates, was $91,010 in 2023.
- It can help you to advance your career and upgrade to senior-level positions with greater responsibility and leadership.
- It can also help you to change your career if you are interested in pursuing a different career path.
- It prepares you to conduct original research in the field of business. DBA graduates can use their research skills to solve complex business problems in the private sector.
- It also prepares you to teach at the university level. If this is your goal, you can make your career as a lecturer and professor.
The following are some top colleges or universities for DBA programs, according to various rankings and surveys:
- University of Florida
- University of Dallas
- Harvard Business School
- Columbia Business School
- Washington University in St. Louis
- Drexel University
There are other top universities for DBA programs which are highly competitive, and selective. Graduating from these universities will give you rigorous coursework and research opportunities.
Financial Risk Management (FRM)
It is a professional designation offered by the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP). This program is mainly designed to train and certify financial risk professionals in the areas of market risk, credit risk, operational risk, and liquidity risk.
There are two parts to this program, the first part of the exam covers the foundations of financial risk management, while the second part covers more advanced topics of financial risk management.
It is a sign of expertise in financial risk management and is recognized by employers around the world.
After completing this course you can work in industries like banking, investment banking, insurance, and consulting.
Here are some of the benefits of this course:
- FRM certificants typically earn more money than those without the designation. According to GARP, the median annual salary for FRM certificants is $128,000.
- It can help you to advance your career and upgrade to senior-level positions with greater responsibility and leadership.
- It can also help you to change your career if you are interested in pursuing a different career path.
- The demand for FRM certificates is expected to grow in the coming years. This is due to the increasing importance of risk management in the financial industry.
- The FRM designation is recognized by employers around the world. This means that you will have more job opportunities if you are FRM-certified.
Postgraduate diploma in computer applications
If you want to get the basic knowledge of computer applications, programming languages, software, and other related avenues then this course is perfect for you to pursue after your MBA.
PhD in management
It is a doctoral degree that will prepare you for academic, research or consulting careers. This program typically takes three to five years to complete and includes a combination of coursework and research work.
Coursework in a PhD in management program typically covers a wide range of topics, including business strategy, finance, marketing, organizational behaviour, and research methods.
You will also get an opportunity to conduct research under the supervision of a faculty advisor.
Here are some of the top universities for PhD in Management
- University of Surrey
- Technical University of Munich
- University of California, Berkeley
Certified Information System Auditor (CISA)
It is a professional designation offered by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA).
CISA certification is designed to train and certify information systems auditors in the areas of information systems auditing, control, and security.
The CISA certification is a globally recognized certification that is highly valued by employers.
As a CISA certified you can work in a variety of industries, including information technology, finance, healthcare, and government.
Here are some benefits of CISA:
- According to ISACA, the median annual salary for CISA certificants is $120,000. So, as a CISA-certified individual, you can earn more than those without certification.
- It can help you to advance your career and upgrade to senior-level positions with greater responsibility and leadership.
- It can also help you to change your career if you are interested in pursuing a different career path.
- CISA ensures job security as the demand for CISA certificates is expected to grow in the coming years.
This is due to the increasing importance of information systems auditing and security in the digital age.
- The CISA certification is recognized by employers around the world. This means that you will have more job opportunities if you are CISA-certified.
There are many different colleges and universities that offer programs that can prepare you for the CISA certification exam.
Here are some of the top colleges and universities for your CISA preparation:
- Carnegie Mellon University
- DePaul University
- ISACA University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- New York University
- Purdue University
- Stanford University
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
You can pursue this course either after your graduation or MBA. This program is made up of three levels covering a wide range of topics in financial analysis, portfolio management, and ethics, so you have to clear each level properly to finish your course just like a game.
The CFA designation is one of the most respected and recognized financial credentials in the world. CFA certificants typically work in a variety of industries, including investment banking, asset management, and corporate finance.
Here are some of the benefits of this course:
- The CFA certification is proof for employers that you have the relevant knowledge and skillset to analyze financial data and make sound investment decisions.
- It also shows employers that you are committed to your professional development and you can handle multiple responsibilities as well.
- It gives you access to a global network of financial professionals, which will help you find job opportunities, learn about the new developments in this field, and get advice from other professionals.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
It is another well-known course after your MBA. It is a professional designation offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI).
This certification is designed to train and certify project managers in the areas of project management, leadership, and communication.
You will have to clear a test that measures your knowledge in several areas like initiating, controlling, and monitoring.
You must have 3 years of experience in project leadership and a 4-year degree for this course.
Factors to consider when choosing a course
Choosing a course is an important decision that can greatly impact your educational and career journey. To make an informed choice, consider the following factors:
- Career goals and interests: Consider the long-term career goals that you want to achieve in the next two to three years. Try to find out the kind of job or industry you want to work in. Ensure that the course you choose aligns with your goals and provides the necessary knowledge and skills.
- Personal interest and passion: Your interest and passion must be a top priority. Choose a course that aligns with what you genuinely enjoy and are passionate about. This will make your studies more enjoyable and fulfilling.
- Skills: Choose a course that leverages your existing skill set and allows you to develop new ones. This will make your academic journey more rewarding.
- Course Content and Curriculum: Always check the content and curriculum of the course you are choosing for your career. Make sure that it covers all the necessary subjects and topics that interest you. Also, check if is it well-structured and comprehensive or not. Read the course description and syllabi properly.
- Cost: Consider the cost of tuition, as well as any other expenses like textbooks, materials, and living costs ( if you are doing the course on campus). Look for any scholarships or any other financial aid available or not.
- Reputation of the institution: Is the institution well-respected in its field? Does it have a good track record of preparing students for successful careers?
- Length of the program: How long will the program take to complete? Do you have the time to commit to it?
- Location: Where is the program located? Is it convenient for you to get to and from?
In the end, selecting a course should be a carefully considered decision that factors in your passions, professional objectives, and the pragmatic aspects of your education.
It’s advisable to invest ample time in researching and consulting with academic advisors or mentors to make the optimal decision for your future.
Conclusion
In summary, after earning an MBA, there are exciting paths to explore. Specialized courses, studying abroad, and certifications offer valuable opportunities.
The choices you make should match your interests, career goals, and what works practically for you.
Both post-MBA courses and studying abroad come with many advantages, like personal growth and career opportunities.
When choosing a course, think about what you love, where you want to go in your career, and what you’re good at.
Also, consider the course content, cost, the reputation of the school, and how long it takes. Get advice from experts to make a smart choice.
Remember, learning is a lifelong journey, so pick the path that’s right for you!
