The popularity of the MBA with employers is that it is a recognised 'currency' in the human resources marketplace. Employers know the value of the qualification and what they should be able to expect from an MBA, irrespective as to whether they studied in North America, Europe or elsewhere. They also recognise the commitment shown by MBAs in investing heavily in their careers. Such candidates are likely to be dynamic self-starters who will be an asset to any organisation.
Many organisations have a structured programme for developing key staff. This may include an in-company or consortial MBA programme and in some cases it might even include sending employees to business school in order to complete a one or two-year MBA study. In most cases they look to other modes of study. It is significant, that in the UK, over 50% of all part-time and distance learning students are fully sponsored by their employers. A further 30% receive an element of support from their employer. This is because the organisation has much to gain from MBA sponsorship. It benefits from the newly acquired expertise, from the enthusiasm of its sponsored personnel and from retention of key personnel. Sponsored employees are unlikely to leave the organisation during the period of study.
When it comes to full-time programmes employers tend to be selective regarding the school. They often have an actual, or mental, list of schools, which they find acceptable for recruiting purposes. Simply having an MBA is not a passport to a lucrative and successful career in itself. For those fortunate enough to obtain a place at a good school there is the security of knowing that recruiters look for similar qualities in their candidates as the business school itself. So acceptance into a good school is a reliable indication to the recruiter that he/she is dealing with a quality graduate. But not all schools fall into this category.
An MBA from a good school will certainly open many doors, but one from the wrong school may have the opposite effect. But even in the cases of good schools, possession of an MBA cannot, in itself, guarantee career progression. Only successful utilisation of newly acquired MBA skills and expertise can achieve this end. Research undertaken by the Association of MBAs clearly demonstrates that MBAs do exactly this. The MBA offers the ambitious manager a wider range of career opportunities and the chance of both increased responsibilities and a higher salary.