- Obtaining an MBA can help you qualify for leadership positions and set you up for success as an entrepreneur.
- If you are working as an engineer, getting an MBA can be a stepping stone to a business role.
- Learning how to get an MBA can help you decide if this degree is right for you.
Table of Contents
If you have spent most of your career working as an engineer, earning an MBA might not be at the top of your mind. However, obtaining an MBA can help you acquire new professional skills and open doors to career advancement opportunities.
Keep in mind, though, that earning a graduate degree requires time and effort, and you’ll also have more financial obligations. That is why it is crucial to understand what an MBA is, how to obtain one, the benefits of an MBA as an engineer and how to get accepted into an MBA program.
What Is an MBA?
An MBA is a Master of Business Administration, a popular graduate degree that prepares students for leadership and entrepreneurial roles. MBA core curricula include a range of courses like accounting, economics, innovation, operations, finance, data science and business ethics.
These programs also offer a range of concentrations, including entrepreneurship, strategy, marketing and consulting. Some institutions provide more specialized programs like sustainability and international management. Choosing the right concentration and school can help you expand your network and qualify for a specific career path.
Why Obtain an MBA?
Consider obtaining an MBA if you are looking to advance your career and gain insights into key areas of business and leadership. This is especially important if you want to move from a technical or management role into leadership. For example, executive positions require knowledge of the global marketplace, finance and operations. You may not gain experience in these areas in a specialized or technical role.
Benefits of Getting an MBA as an Engineer
As an engineer, you are at the forefront of technological progress. However, you may be less familiar with the principles that guide business decisions. By combining your technical expertise with business knowledge, you can prepare yourself for leadership roles. This combination will enable you to influence your organization’s strategic direction and decisions.
Earning an MBA offers several key benefits, including higher earning potential and a competitive edge. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a mechanical engineer was $105,220 in 2023. This is well above the average salary of full-time workers, which was $59,436 in the second quarter of 2024. However, professionals who graduated with an MBA in 2023 earned an average base salary (plus bonus) of $128,997, according to U.S. News.
Here are a few additional benefits of getting an MBA as an engineer:
- More career opportunities
- Learning in-demand leadership skills
- Professional networking opportunities
Robert F. Smith’s Journey to Earning an MBA as an Engineer
A great way to learn about the benefits of earning an MBA as an engineer is to hear from someone who has gone through the process and found success. Early in his career, Robert F. Smith worked as an engineer for companies like Goodyear Tire and Rubber and Kraft General Foods. In 1994, Smith obtained an MBA from Columbia Business School. After that, he went on to work in mergers and acquisitions for Goldman Sachs and later established Vista Equity Partners (Vista).
In the interview below, Smith speaks with Harold L. Martin Sr., Ph.D., Chancellor of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. During their discussion, Smith shared the motivation behind his decision to earn his MBA from Columbia Business School after working as an engineer.
How to Get an MBA
If you feel that obtaining an MBA is the right step in your professional development process, take the necessary steps to gain acceptance into the best school for you. Here is a brief overview of the steps required to earn an MBA:
1. Complete Initial Requirements
Since an MBA is a graduate degree, having an undergraduate degree is a prerequisite for acceptance. If you have not completed your bachelor’s degree, this is the best place to start. It is also worth noting that some programs have GPA requirements.
If you have a degree but a lower GPA, you may need to do extra work to strengthen your application. Some suggested steps might include joining a pre-MBA program, writing a powerful personal statement or earning high marks on your GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) or GRE (Graduate Record Examination).
2. Prepare for the GMAT/GRE
The GMAT and GRE are standardized tests commonly required for admission to graduate programs. Since doing well on your GMAT or GRE can help you get into a top MBA program, a large part of your application preparation should focus on earning a high score. Before you decide which one to take, research the schools you are interested in applying to. Every MBA program is different, including when it comes to which exams they accept for admission.
3. Choose an MBA Program
Since you will have many MBA programs with unique core curricula and concentrations to choose from, you need to learn about the different MBA programs offered. You should consider many different factors when choosing an MBA program, including:
- Affordability
- Location
- Available concentrations
- Flexible delivery options
- Successful alumni
- Career support
Other factors to consider when deciding where to study are distinguished faculty members, availability of scholarships or grants, campus life and the reputation of the school in your desired industry.
4. Complete the Application Process
Completing the application process is the next step in the MBA acceptance process. Be sure to follow the instructions closely and make your personal statement, essays and other aspects of your application stand out. Authenticity should also be a key consideration when filling out your application.
5. Consider Tuition and Other Expenses
Once you have been accepted into an MBA program, analyze tuition costs and other expenses you will incur as a student. These include housing, transportation, technology and balancing work with your course load. Some programs offer part-time delivery options, which may help spread tuition payments over time. This will also give you time to earn money while you are a student. Be sure to look for scholarships, grants and other programs designed to help students like you succeed.
6. Work Hard and Make Connections
Hard work will always pay off, so be sure to choose a program and delivery option that best suits your lifestyle. Another important aspect of MBA programs is creating a powerful professional network. Take the opportunity to get to know classmates, faculty and alumni while you are completing the program, as these are the people who will help you succeed post-graduation.
Learn more about Smith and professional development by following him on LinkedIn.
