Global leaders like Apple CEO Tim Cook and Mastercard CEO Michael Miebach are tenacious forward-thinkers who have clearly identified their roles in business. They also understand the MBA leadership link, with both using MBAs as a stepping stone to success.
They aren’t alone in their skill set. Figures show that nearly 40 per cent of Fortune 500 CEOs and 22 per cent of ASX200 leaders have an MBA.
If you want to know more about developing the leadership skills and edge to succeed in business, as well as provide direction at a senior level, completing an MBA in leadership can help you achieve your goals.
Ashok Alexander is the director of the Sydney-based agency Operacy Staffing, which sources remote staff for businesses. He says completing his MBA helped to further his career.
Originally working in the field of engineering, Alexander wanted to expand into management. He completed an MBA and strengthened his skill set in strategic planning, presenting and understanding his approach to business.
“For those professionals who already have industry experience, an MBA will allow them to apply the newly learned skills to their job immediately. In my experience, undertaking an MBA in leadership and management provides a good overview across various elements of business.”
He adds: “Take, for example, someone with an engineering background like myself, or someone from the technology industry who is moving more into management. They have a technical focus but when you move into general business or management, you need to have all areas equally valued, whether it’s HR or accounts. That is the strength of the MBA, it gives you that understanding.”
Pursuing an MBA offers students several advantages, including a comprehensive understanding of different industries and roles. It also provides a platform to enhance their management and leadership skills.
There are now 75,000 Australians working in management and CEO roles. However, as our professional landscape continues to diversify – largely due to technological advancements, the global pandemic and hybrid work environments – the nation continues to experience a lack of managers who are equipped to deal with the changes.
In this climate, it’s more important than ever to invest in upskilling. Enrolling in an online MBA program can improve career prospects with leadership careers, including enviable C-suite positions (CEO, COO, CIO, CFO).
Alexander says these postgraduate leadership programs can identify a person’s leadership style.
“It doesn’t matter if someone comes from a background of marketing, HR, engineering, or any other sector, an MBA broadens the horizon. Say, for example, that someone is a good technical person but micromanages staff. Studying an MBA allows you to focus on those areas where you lack experience. The MBA mindset allows a person to have an overall picture of all aspects of business and understand how everything fits together and how to interact successfully within that system and establish leadership style.”
Which raises the questions: What type of leader are you? What type of leader can you become?
There is a range of leadership styles to explore, including:
Completing an MBA can help you realise your unique leadership style and potential.
Establishing your position in the professional world takes work. There will always be leadership challenges.
Undertaking an MBA with leadership units will help you rise to these challenges by providing a strong background in:
As an industry and recruitment expert, Alexander says completing an MBA in leadership and management prepares you for future business challenges.
“An MBA can be a stepping stone in your career. A person can use it to see the bigger picture and build on it to develop a greater, bigger understanding.”
Choosing an MBA is no simple feat. It is crucial to examine the different programs available and determine which aligns with your goals. Fortunately, MBA Discovery university partners provide varying electives and core units to suit individual needs:
Take your career to the next level and invest in your future by enrolling in an MBA today. Speak to our Student Enrolment Advisors about study options with our partner universities and the outcomes of postgraduate study.
Whether you’re ready to enrol, or just have a quick question, simply fill out the enquiry form below to speak directly to the university’s enrolment team. They will be able to guide you through:
