Do employers value an MBA?
The quick answer is yes.
An MBA on your resume helps you stand out and shows employers that, in addition to your other attributes, you have knowledge, leadership skills, and an interest in making an impact. Add a specialty into the mix, like finance, business analytics, or entrepreneurship, and you are telling your potential future employer, “I’m ready to go today.”
But why do employers want an MBA? According to Forbes, “For employers, hiring MBAs means bringing in well-rounded people who are generally ambitious, analytical, data-driven, and people-focused. The general management background gives MBAs a strong foundation for building and leading within organizations.”1
The benefits of MBA degree to a company mean you can hit the ground running. Instead of requiring years of experience to get up to speed, MBA graduates can get started now.
Do employers look at MBA grades?
There are a number of qualities employers look at when reviewing your qualifications. They will check your school to make sure you are graduating from an institution accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
They will review your area of expertise (like finance or entrepreneurship). They will review your resumé to see what types of experience or internships you may have had. And yes, they will review your GPA.
While not necessarily a deal-breaker, for some large companies with more formal hiring processes, grades do matter. Some companies have a minimum GPA requirement for applicants to pass the first round in hiring, including Royal Dutch Shell (3.5), USAA (3.2), and GE (3.0).2 However, for most companies, an MBA credential from an accredited school is enough to satisfy their hiring requirements.
If grades aren't the be-all and end-all, do companies care where you get your MBA? According to David Fritzinger, Chief Information Officer at Nystrom, absolutely:
“One hundred percent. When I’m looking at an MBA degree, it needs to be from a school that’s accredited and recognized.”
Sarah Woods, Chief Operating Officer at DockYard, Inc., agrees:
“This is something that's taken into consideration. The rigor of the program is paramount to the value placed on the degree earned there.”
