Why an MBA? (sponsored content from Kaplan Test Prep & Admis

This is a question almost every business school admissions office will ask you. But you should have an answer long before you even start filling out the application. Knowing why you want your MBA--and exactly how you plan to use it--will not only help you craft a focused and compelling application, it will also help you decide which programs are the best fit for you. The Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC), owners and administrators of the GMAT,* offers this advice:

Especially in this competitive market, MBA applicants who have solid career goals tend to do best in the admissions process; they are also most likely to be happy with the outcomes of their degree.

You don't need to map out your entire life plan before you start the B-school admissions process, but you should have a good idea of why you want to get your degree. It's important that you establish why business school is the right choice for you, that you realize it's hard work, and that you are prepared to make a serious commitment of both time and money. Evaluate how an MBA will impact your career, both short- and long-term, when making your decision on this important investment.

Where can an MBA take you?

Knowing what you can do with an MBA will give you a leg up on figuring out why exactly you want to go to business school. The annual GMAC Corporate Recruiters Survey reports that more of their respondents are looking to hire MBAs this year than last--70 percent in 2008 vs. 64 percent in 2007. Consulting and financial services typically account for about 50 percent of the jobs offered to business school graduates, but an MBA is becoming an attractive accessory in a wide variety of fields. In fact, many MBA programs actively recruit prospective students from less "traditional" fields, such as media, entertainment, health care and public service. There has also been an increase in the hiring of MBAs in pharmaceuticals, biotech, IT and creative roles in recent years, and entrepreneurship has become the immediate choice of about 5 percent of graduates.Political and social trends as well as developments in technology also contribute to an MBA's career options. MBASchools.com lists 10 unique MBA careers made possible by recent changes in the business world, including:

Business Relationship Manager: The liaison between a company's technology and the people who use it. MBA focus: information technology.
Sustainability Officer: For those interested in socially responsible business practices. Many MBA programs are offering a new focus--"green"--to serve this need.
Business Continuity Director: Getting a company back to business-as-usual after a natural disaster, terrorist event, or supply interruption. MBA focus: Information technology or finance.

Do you want the MBA advantage?

Any business or institution needs strong managers, and getting your MBA gives you the well-rounded background in management and business skills that can be applied throughout your career, whichever path you choose. According to Top MBA research, more than three-quarters of employers agree that job candidates who hold graduate business degrees demonstrate higher abilities in strategy and innovation management, knowledge of general business functions, and system skills than other people at the same job level.

If you decide you want the MBA advantage, Kaplan's GMAT programs will help you get started. More people get into business school with a Kaplan GMAT course than any other major course.† Whether you're looking for the personal attention of Private Tutoring, the structure of a Classroom Course, the high-impact prep of our Advanced Course, or the flexibility of an Online Course, we've got you covered. We have an option to suit every schedule and learning style, and we back our programs with the Kaplan Higher Score Guarantee--you'll score higher on the GMAT or you'll get your money back.‡

*GMAT is a registered trademark of the Graduate Management Admission Council. Kaplan materials do not contain actual GMAT items and are neither endorsed by nor affiliated in any way with GMAC.

† People refers to adults who took the GMAT and a course to prepare for it, were accepted into Business School and participated in the survey. The Harris Interactive® online study for Kaplan conducted between December 6th and 21st, 2007 among 196 US adults who applied to and were admitted into Business School, of whom 181 took the GMAT and a course to prepare for it.

‡ Conditions and restrictions apply. For complete guarantee eligibility requirements, visit kaptest.com/hsg. The Higher Score Guarantee applies only to Kaplan courses taken and completed within the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom and France.