How To Get A Business Management Degree?
Business management degrees are in high demand but how do you go about getting one?
Business Management degrees are one of the pillars of a good career. In 2020 alone, around 840,000 students graduated from business schools, while professionals earned around $100k per year– which might sound like a difficult feat to some but it’s a common thing among business graduates.
Besides that, there are around 11.2 million people in the U.S. alone, who are actively working in the current economic force in the nation– this also might sound exciting, but business graduates go through a complex journey before getting there.
However, it all begins with the search for a business management degree, and that’s why it’s important to learn how to get your business management degree. This includes the business college admission application and the journey through getting the business degree and picking the right major. Moreover, it’ll also include other intricacies like what you’ll need for admission to a business school.
Therefore, we’re going to talk about the best types of business management schools to pick for your degree, the things you’ll need, and a few important tips you’ll need along the way. So, let’s begin.
Importance of Understanding the Business Management Degree Application
Business Management is a vast field and administrates a variety of aspects within a business. Business graduates aren’t experts in all the facets of a business. Instead, each business graduate specializes in a specific area of the business and its management.
And, even though a business college degree is one of the most flexible certifications you can acquire, it’s better if you’re skilled in one particular area. For instance, being a seasoned expert in the human resource area of business management is a lot better than having a surface-level understanding of each aspect.
Thus, you’re going to go through various phases before you attend your first class. Including:
- Picking the right type of business degree and school
- Preparation for business degree college application
- Writing an outstanding application essay
- Preparation for a face-to-face interview
- What to do after.
So, it’s not just about getting into the business school but rather keeping the same spirit throughout. Remember, tunnel vision is important to any degree, and it’s even more vital in the business management field. Therefore, let’s keep digging to help you through the process.
3 Types Of Business Degree Schools
There are various types of business schools, and you can pick the one that suits you the most. For instance, someone working part/full-time will seldom be able to attend a full-time university. Whereas someone who can afford a free weekend might attend an online or vocational business school.
But what is the difference between all of them and how to get a business management degree that suits you? Some might think they are one and the same, but the difference can be drastic. So, to help you understand, here are 3 main types of business degree schools you can attend to get a business management degree:
1. Online Business Degree Schools
Online degree schools are more common now than ever before. The Covid-19 era pushed many major universities and colleges to adapt to the online educational model, and since then, most of them have been offering online business degrees.
However, there are online business schools that specialize in educating remotely only. So, if you’re someone who cannot afford a full-time university, then this might be the right choice for you.
2. Accredited Business Degree Schools/ Major Universities
Accredited business degree schools or universities are recognized by the local agency. In this case, accredited universities are granted this certification by the U.S. Department of Education. Therefore, they are recognized in most workplaces around the globe.
And, because of their reputation, they are the best option for any student. But as mentioned before, most accredited business schools and major universities now offer online classes as well.
3. Vocational Business Degree Schools
Vocational universities are also called polytechnic schools. They provide higher education in business and management. So, their academic degree may not be equal to a major university, but they can teach you the basics of business.
Moreover, vocational business schools focus more on the applied methods of a particular discipline. For instance, some vocational human resources courses will directly teach how payroll management is done in business.
What Will You Need to Prepare for a Business Management Degree Application?
When going for a business management degree, you need to be prepared for the business college you are applying to. This means the right documentation, qualifications, certificates, etc. However, the things you need will depend on where you apply for your business management degree—and which specialization.
So, some of the common things you’re going to need to include:
GMAT Or GRE Test
In the US, depending on the university or business school, you will require either GRE or GMAT. Here’s a brief definition of each:
GMAT:
GMAT is a graduate management admission test that tests the knowledge and skills of a student in the field of business. It is a computer-adaptive test, which means that it adjusts to the level of difficulty based on how well you answer earlier questions. The GMAT exam consists of four sections:
- an analytical writing assessment
- integrated reasoning
- verbal section
- And quantitative section.
The total time allotted for the exam is 3 hours and 45 minutes (3 hours for each section). The GMAT is offered year-round at various locations throughout the world. On the other hand, you might need GRE—depending on the US business management university or school you apply for.
GRE:
The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is the primary assessment test across universities in the United States. It’s a vital ingredient in the admissions process for graduate schools in many countries. The GRE is comprised of various sections to determine a student’s abilities. This includes:
- Two multiple-choice sections that each contain 20 questions;
- And one section consisting of two essay questions.
The GRE General Test also helps analyze the cognitive abilities of an applicant. The primary class assessments include verbal communication and measurable communication. Besides that, it also includes analytical writing skills and critical thinking skills. It helps determine the candidate’s prowess with these skills and how they have been acquired over a long period of intellectual development.
IELTS/TOEFL (ESL Only)
Now, this depends entirely on whether you’re a native English speaker or an ESL student (English as a second language speaker). If you’re a native, then you can skip this part. However, if you’re an ESL student, then you’re going to need either IELTS or TOEFL certification in any U.S. university. Here is a brief definition of each:
IELTS:
The IELTS test is a standardized test that assesses the language proficiency of people who want to study or work in an English-speaking environment. It’s designed to assess how well someone can communicate in English and is used by universities and employers around the world.
The IELTS test is broken down into four sections:
- Reading
- Writing
- Listening
- Speaking
The reading and writing sections are completed on a computer using the internet for research, while the listening and speaking sections are completed on paper. The score ranges from 0 (lowest) to 9 (highest). But, for academic admissions, you will be required to score 7 or higher.
TOEFL:
TOEFL is an international standard for testing the English language skills of non-native speakers wishing to study in English-speaking countries. This test is used to measure the English language proficiency of non-native speakers.
It also has four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. That’s why it is used by universities, colleges, and other organizations as part of the admissions process. Therefore, you might be required to submit these tests if you’re a non-native English speaker.
Requirements Regulated By Your Desired Business School
Every business management school or university has a different requirement. While most of them are regulated by state commissions or the U.S. Department of Education, you need to know how to get your business management degree application through universities and schools’ regulated requirements.
This might include drug tests, criminal records, etc. So, study the requirements asked by your desired institutions before applying.
Get Letters Of Recommendation
A letter of recommendation is a written statement from someone who knows you well, usually a professor or employer that supports your application for admission to a business management college or university. These letters are important because they can give you an edge over other applicants.
They also provide evidence that you are well-qualified for the program. In order to get the best letter of recommendation, it’s important to understand what the letter writer will be asked about in your application and what they should include in their letter.
Prepare Additional Documents
A lot of colleges ask for additional documents. The documents they ask for will depend on the school and the program. For example, some schools want you to submit a personal statement, while other schools want you to submit a resume with your transcript and certifications.
So, prepare additional documents, such as:
- A brief resume;
- Transcripts and endorsements
- Extracurricular certifications
- Letters of the internship
- Record of volunteering.
It is important to have a resume that is well-written and highlights your skills in the best way possible. It should also have a clear and concise layout with an organized format. This will give the admissions office extra insights into your character and skills.
But, your resume should be tailored to the degree/program you are applying for. So it can show how you are qualified for that class/degree. It should also list any relevant experience you might have in the field, such as internships or volunteer work.
How To Write a College Admission Essay for Your Business Management Degree Application?
Essay writing is going to be a constant in your life as a business management student. Whether it’s the college admission essay or usual assignments, you will have to grasp the art of writing essays. So, here are a few tricks to writing a winning business management college essay:
Read the Essay Instructions Carefully
Universities and colleges like to assess their potential students right away. Therefore, they will put your leadership and creative abilities to the test by providing you with specific instructions. Some colleges give students the liberty of choosing.
While others grant specific and exclusive rules and regulations for these essays. So, what you can do is read these instructions carefully and comprehend each aspect. It’ll allow you to understand exactly what you’re going to write.
Go All out On Your Introduction
Remember the saying, “first impression is the last impression?” It couldn’t be truer than it is in any college application essay. That’s why you need a striking and outstanding introduction to your essay. Let’s say you’re asked to provide a 500-words essay, how would your introduction stand out from the crowd? Considering there will be thousands of applicants, the admissions office won’t even read half of them entirely. Simply because their introduction will tell them all they need to know. So, you need to go all out on your intro and write something captivating right off the bat.
Write With Heart & About Something Important
Writing is easier when it’s something important to you. In many cases, colleges and universities assess the students by asking them to write about an important event. Or the time they had to stand up for something. This tells them a few things, such as:
- The writing ability;
- Things that are important to the applicant
- Their life goals and aspirations
- Their potential leadership skills
- Their integrity as a person
- Their ambition and perseverance
- Their ability to reflect on their own actions.
Therefore, writing about something important gives you an edge. Demonstrate that you have reflected on the topic or event, and what you have garnered from the experience. So, write with your heart and pick a topic that’s close to your heart.
Cite & Quote Where Needed
You cannot afford plagiarism in your work. Therefore, wherever possible, you should cite. And, if you feel like the need, quote the original author directly and reference them.
It’s important to remember that some schools like MLA citations, while others prefer Chicago or APA. So, make sure you get the citation format right.
Revise The First Draft (Optional But Recommended)
Revisions are only required if you think something is amiss—or misses its mark. Moreover, you cannot afford a misspelled word or missing punctuation. Therefore, proofread your work thoroughly and revise the first draft. Once done, finalize the draft and check for any grammatical errors before moving forward.
Submit The Assignment
Lastly, submit the assignment to the portal or email requested by the university/school. You will have to ensure that you provide a brief summary and the research methods that you used alongside your essay.
5 Tips to Prepare for a Business Degree School Interview
By this point, you must have an idea of what you’re walking into. However, the face-to-face interview with the admission office will be the finalization of your admission. So, here are five tips that’ll help you nail it:
1. Research the Business School or University
Find out as much as you can about the school or university before you walk in. Read their history, who runs it, who are the people in charge, and who will be interviewing you. Moreover, also try to get to know the culture, philosophy of teaching and learning, student affairs, and the surrounding areas of the university.
The more you understand the organization, the easier it’ll be for you to communicate with them. Moreover, it’ll also prepare you for future job interviews.
2. Take Necessary Documents
The university will ask you to bring along the necessary documentation. This includes your qualifications, passport (depends), resume, letters of recommendation (if available), entrance exam scorecard, and other certifications.
3. Study Commonly Asked Questions
You’re going to be asked many things, including the dreaded “where do you see yourself in 5 years?” question. However, there are going to be questioned to assess your mental state, integrity, and honesty. So, try to find and study the commonly asked questions in these admissions.
4. Get In Touch With Alumni—If Possible
The best way to find out about any business school is by getting in touch with people who study there or have studied there. They can give you insights that you may not be able to find elsewhere.
So, look up student portals, LinkedIn, or in your own circles to find alumni of the school. Once you do, ask them the right questions to understand more about your desired school.
5. Look Sharp and Be Communicative
Lastly, when you arrive at the interview, make sure you’re looking your best. You don’t have to go out of your way to get a $1,000 suit. But make sure you pick the best out of your wardrobe.
And when the interview finally begins, be communicative, maintain eye contact, believe in yourself, and work with your strengths.
Wrapping It Up: What’s Next?
This is how you start the process of getting a business management degree. Remember, it’s not going to be a journey that goes by swiftly. However, it’ll be a journey that’s worth it as long as you’re in for it 100 percent.
Therefore, you cannot stop at just one application. Try to apply to various universities and colleges. Once your business management college application is accepted, it’ll be you who decides which college/university is best for you. So, always keep your options open, prepare a second-best choice and give it your best. Prepare the right way, and pick the best school for you. Whatever’s next will come depending on how well you perform– and also your willpower.
Feature Photo by Redd F on Unsplash
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