MBA, what’s next?

While the Master of Business Administration (MBA) prepares you for the business world, it does not prepare you for change.

With advancements in theory and technology always shifting the way businesses operate, resting on your laurels and sticking with the tools you learnt years ago could leave you behind the times.

Nowadays, it is not just about being qualified – it is about being sharp, ahead of the game and maximising your value to organisations.

So, what should you study after an MBA to stay ahead of the curve?

Staying up to date

According to RentPay General Manager Shane Lavagna-Slater, if you want to get the most out of your MBA, your knowledge needs to be regularly refreshed.

“A fundamental principle of an MBA is to be current and across emerging trends both from an academic and practical perspective,” he said.

Much like keeping physically healthy, studying for an MBA is not a one-and-done scenario – it is a matter of consistency.

“An MBA is not a one-off investment – it requires continual updating of knowledge and skills to remain relevant, up to date and valuable.” 

Through maintained studies, he said you could remain at the head of the pack, even when technology threw new advancements at you.

“A good example is the advent and recent widespread use of artificial intelligence,” Dr Lavagna-Slater said.

“If you completed your MBA five years ago and didn’t stay current with industry trends and developments, you’d be behind on the application, advantages and risks associated with your industry and organisation.

“Further targeted studies are required to refine your skills and stay ahead of the curve.”

Adding value to organisations

By staying the sharpest knife in the drawer, Dr Lavagna-Slater said you could help carve out your company’s path to success.

“Lifelong learners tend to add more value to their organisations and in their positions than those who don’t,” he said.

“Constantly updating the frameworks, principles and research underpinning an executive’s decision-making is an extremely valuable competitive advantage.”

Whether you are looking for a new position or aiming for your business to stand out against its peers, staying on top of the latest learning will always give you and your company an edge.

Where can I go for post-MBA studies?

“Post an MBA qualification, there are a range of professional qualifications and certifications a graduate can pursue,” Dr Lavagna-Slater said.

“MBA graduates should consider the institution, the speakers and content, and ensure it tops up their knowledge base, as well as keep them informed of upcoming trends, research and thinking.

“This will add the most value to the existing foundation created by the MBA program.”

A notable option is AIM WA’s MBA Elevate Program, which is designed specifically to enhance the learnings of MBA graduates.

Through such post-MBA programs, graduates can confidently take to the business world knowing they have the most advanced tools in their arsenal.