Why get an MBA? 15 reasons why master’s degrees work

7 min read

Hello, internet surfer. Let us make a few assumptions about you: You’re concerned about your career trajectory. At some point, the possibility of a master’s degree was floated your way. But you’re unsure if it’s worth the investment, and now it’s time to do some soul-searching: Why get an MBA?  

Accurate enough? Great—let us introduce you to the definitive guide on why to get an MBA in 2025. Here lies a comprehensive overview of the degree’s history, the advantages of an MBA and a few tips on whether this qualification suits your profile. If you’re not 100% on the benefits of getting an MBA by the end of this article, we’ll never darken your desktop again.

Let’s get into it. 

What is an MBA and where did it come from? 

MBA stands for Master of Business Administration. This qualification gives you business knowledge that’s adaptable and transversal. A good MBA offers advanced leadership skills and insights into various business disciplines. These may include finance, marketing, human resources, strategy and more. Forward-thinking degrees also examine topics like Artificial Intelligence and sustainability. 

In terms of a brief history lesson, you’ll be interested to know that formal business education started as early as 1819 in Paris. However, it wasn’t until 1908 that the MBA was created. Harvard made the degree as a response to the US’ rapid industrialization, hoping to give some structure to the new surfeit of business opportunity. 

Then, rather quickly, the MBA picked up momentum throughout the 20th century. It spread through the US and over to Europe, becoming a standardized program of around one year in length. But don’t think that’s the be-all-and-end-all! There’s still plenty of room for evolution. 

What’s the future of the MBA? 

Lee Newman, Dean of IE Business School, pointed out the MBA’s tech-heavy future in a recent interview with the Financial Times. “The future of the MBA is bright, but it’s definitely going to look different,” said Lee. “We need to integrate technology more deeply into the curriculum. For example, the landscape is shifting toward one-person startups, supported by AI tools—imagine a one-person unicorn with AI at their side. We need to teach students how to harness these tools to maximize their productivity.” 

“We need to put a stronger emphasis on what we call impact skills,” said Lee. “These skills are crucial for navigating complex workplaces and interpersonal challenges. They’re not just about the technical aspects; they’re about effective leadership and collaboration, especially in difficult situations. Another key area I see is strategic foresight. Nowadays, everything seems to change overnight. We have to arm our students with the skills to analyze and navigate this complexity—understanding geopolitical factors, market dynamics, and how those influence their businesses.” 

What are the benefits of an MBA degree? 

Studying business is a growing necessity for C-suite high flyers. A recent report claims 62% of all S&P 500 CEOs have earned a postgraduate degree, with the most common being the MBA at 39%. That’s staggering stuff. So, let’s dive into the benefits of getting an MBA degree from 15 different perspectives. 

1. Understanding a global market 

Great MBA programs have an international intake. This gives you access to unique perspectives on the global market. By understanding how different industries and economies operate you can set yourself up for career growth in the world’s marketplace. 

2. Communication skills 

Being a master communicator is vital for business. An MBA sharpens your ability to express ideas clearly, whether verbally or in writing. That means you’re set up to lead teams with your well-articulated ideas. 

3. Expanding your network 

Studying an MBA introduces you to like-minded people. Whether that results in future business partners or simply connections across the world, you’ll have a fast track to opportunity with an enriching network for your personal and professional lives. 

4. Career opportunities 

Having an MBA means you stand out. It’s a versatile degree that can be used for any industry. Employers will love your understanding of marketing, finance and leadership skills. 

5. Time management 

It’s not just what you learn—it’s how you learn. Earning your degree means balancing heavy workload, extracurricular activities and potentially a career. It’s intense, but it’ll take your organization and multitasking to the next level. 

6. Leadership skills 

Courses tend to cover theories on how to lead, meaning you’ve got a formal education in management techniques. It’s not just about having charisma—you’ll learn tried and tested techniques for leadership. 

7. Earning potential 

Research shows MBA graduates often see a significant increase in their salaries. In fact, they can expect to earn 78% more than before.  

8. Broad business knowledge 

An MBA offers a comprehensive view of how businesses operate across multiple functions. You can also specialize in areas like finance or marketing to build expert skills and stay adaptable in changing markets. 

9. Specialized skills 

Our MBA programs sharpen your communication, data analysis, leadership and negotiation skills, making you more effective in any role. Exposure to new technologies ensures you stay current in a digital business environment. 

10. Job security 

An MBA equips you with versatile skills, making you more resilient to industry shifts. Its focus on leadership and strategic thinking helps you maintain long-term career stability.

11. A safe place to fail 

The MBA environment encourages experimentation and learning from mistakes without high stakes. This builds your confidence and resilience, preparing you for real-world challenges.

12. Enjoyment 

MBA’s are often a dynamic experience filled with diverse classmates, impactful projects and international opportunities. The journey fosters personal growth, new friendships and unforgettable memories. 

13. Confidence 

An MBA can act as a mark of reassurance for both yourself and potential employers or clients. When so much of business feels intuitive, you’ll feel secure in knowing your decisions are based off a formal education. 

14. Career change 

The degree opens doors to new industries and roles, giving you the skills and confidence to pivot. Your expanded network supports your transition and new ambitions.

15. Unique perspective 

Earning an MBA broadens your outlook on business and boosts your communication. It makes you more adaptable and confident, ready for diverse opportunities. 

Why should I get an MBA: Commonly asked questions 

This is the part when we clear up any lingering doubts. Here are a few quick answers to commonly asked questions that we have from applicants to our MBA programs. Right now, we’re going to focus on the International MBA, which is one of our presential programs in Madrid. But remember we have a range of different MBAs to choose from, like the Global Online MBA and the Executive MBA. 

What does an MBA teach you? 

Professionals who earn an MBA will develop essential business skills such as leadership, communication and critical thinking. The curriculum typically balances foundational courses in accounting, finance, marketing, ethics, and economics with electives focused on building leadership and networking skills through student conferences, projects, and collaborative initiatives. 

“In conversations I’ve had with C-level executives, many see the bottom of the typical pyramid adjusting to form more of a diamond shape, with a focus on a stronger middle management. Business professionals will play crucial roles in orchestrating work—this includes not just managing people but also working with intelligent agents and AI. So, we’re really committed to training our students to handle these hybrid teams effectively.” 

What can you get an MBA in? 

An MBA offers more than just a degree—it’s an opportunity to choose from a variety of majors that align with your interests. Common concentrations include Finance, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Healthcare Management, and Organizational Effectiveness. For those whose interests span multiple areas, many programs also allow you to create an individualized major to craft a tailored, interdisciplinary study path. 

There are also varying types of MBA: “We’re definitely seeing a rise in both full-time and online MBAs, and there’s increasing interest in part-time flexible formats too,” said Lee. “Students are looking for real-world experiences that they can apply immediately. That’s why we’re evolving towards blended learning—offering a mix of in-person engagement and alternative methods to ensure quality education.” 

When should you get your MBA? 

There’s no perfect moment; it depends on your personal and professional goals. For the International MBA and Global Online MBA, we ask for a minimum of three years of professional experience for candidates. That said, the average student has around six. For those interested in the Executive MBA programs, you’ll need a minimum of 10 years’ experience, with 5 of those being in managerial positions. We have different intakes throughout the year, so make sure you look up dates! 

Why get an MBA at IE Business School? 

While an MBA can open new doors for you, an IE Business School International MBA offers several unique advantages. For over 30 years, IE has focused on transforming ambitious professionals into purpose-driven leaders. The program is built around a personalized approach—you’ll work on defining your vision, tailoring your academic experience, and acquiring the impact skills needed to achieve your goals. This is achieved through features like the IMBA Labs, which are five-week, hands-on experiences where you collaborate on real projects with top companies such as Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, and McDonald’s. These labs provide an environment to challenge yourself practically, foster critical thinking, and develop leadership skills in high-impact settings. 

You’ll join a diverse, international community of peers and alumni, ready to expand your global network and engage with a variety of markets. The immersive experiences help build your international profile, equipping you with the skills to make a lasting impact wherever you go. 

Most importantly, an IE MBA isn’t just about climbing the career ladder. It’s about personal growth and long-term success. As Lee says: “Developing great leaders means prioritizing strategic foresight, but also digging into the human side of leadership. At IE, we talk about “business with purpose.” We encourage students to explore what motivates them and consider the societal impact of their work, from sustainable practices to social innovation. We want to cultivate leaders who value people and create healthy, productive work environments.”