What is a Global MBA?

A Global MBA provides graduate education including skill sets aimed toward managing small- to large-organizations in an increasingly globalized world. The programs provide prospective organizational leaders utility toward developing diverse, overarching business management knowledge. Earning an exceptional business education is esteemed and profitable. Kurt Badenhausen (2013), a Forbes Business Columnist writes about some of the top international business schools and their return on investments whereas students earned a median paycheck of $84,000.

Global MBA vs. Traditional MBA

Global programs distinguish from traditional graduate business programs. While traditional graduate education in business imparts collaboration with international elements, a Global MBA further emphasizes global international knowledge, some programs requiring study abroad. The international component is not to focus specifically on collaboration but ability to function highly in these areas as is void in a traditional program. The differences continue; some examples are program length, cost, diversity, and job perspectives to name a few (The Rise of the International MBA). The global program provides 1-year programs in most cases. This saves money, increases return on investment, and provides opportunities not immediately available to those who complete traditional MBA programs.

Aside from the fact companies maintain businesses in different locales across the globe, the world market calls for individuals who are able to understand business structures abroad. Courtney Rubin, an Inc. contributing editor and former London contributor to People magazine, writes that with a weakened U.S. economy and repositioning of high-end work, 57 percent of companies have moved their headquarters abroad. The global programs provide studies focused on addressing these trends. All of these programs, as the traditional programs, include foundation courses on marketing, business environment, accounting, managerial finance, systems management, operations management, and research. The divergence exists at the international piece where all the world businesses are becoming increasing dependent on each other.

Probable students to an MBA program decide exclusive of their program concentration adjoining dynamics—such as, part-time, full-time, online campus, traditional campus, and costs—the best option to reach objectives. One consideration to this decision is availability. Will you be able to do a full-time or part-time program? Are you going to be able to travel abroad? Many working individuals, sometime inclusive of family obligations, might have limited time to devote.

Additionally, recent proliferation of online, accredited institutions provides some additional flexibility. There are several global programs offered through online institutions. The interested party should review program details to determine if these types of environments are going to be the best path on the journey to gaining international knowledge, albeit many traditional schools trending toward distance courses as well.

Then, the decision remains. Is the program going to be the most effective in terms of movement toward additional opportunities; and, is the payoff fair? The individual considering their existing obligations and resources might best answer the aforementioned questions. How one determines these in ability to or willingness to invest in a Global MBA program is personal and could be a forward-thinking step in the right direction.