Could a Master of Business Administration (MBA) be your express ticket to a new career? Or do you want to get ahead of your competition and climb the ladder a little faster?
If you’re ambitious and business-minded, odds are an MBA has crossed your mind more than once. But life is busy and study takes time, so you might find yourself wondering: is an MBA worth it, really?
Well, we’ve answered this and several other MBA FAQs below, including questions specifically about our MBA, so you’ll know exactly what you’re getting yourself into – and why.
Many factors make the MBA worthwhile. This program can:
- increase your earning potential
- help you change careers and industries
- open the door to promotions
- expand your professional network
- kick-start your endeavours as an entrepreneur
- equip you with in-demand business-leadership skills to elevate your career.
If any of these outcomes line up with your career goals, there’s a good chance an MBA is worth it.
An MBA equips you with the theoretical frameworks, practical tools and applied experience to become a business leader, manager, executive and entrepreneur. MBA graduates can see the holistic big picture while also executing the important details.
Topics your MBA degree will teach you range from innovative thinking and strategic HR management to business analysis and using technology such as AI to maximise business value from an ethical, sustainable lens.
Other key skills you will get from an MBA include:
- strategic thinking and decision making
- analytical accounting management
- transformational operations design
- corporate and business financial management
- market and economic analysis for business
- customer value creation and marketing management
- dynamic team leadership
- innovation leadership.
The UQ MBA can be tailored to maximise value and support you in achieving your career goals. Complement the key capabilities you’re learning in the MBA with an elective outside the program that aligns with your interests or career ambitions. Options include:
- any equivalent UQ master’s course approved by the MBA Director
- the Australian Institute of Company Directors Course (AICD)
- an international short term global exchange to one of our many partner institutions, including Harvard Summer School the University of Glasgow and Copenhagen Business School, as approved by the MBA Director.
Through your choice of 1, 2 or 3 signature learning courses referred to as the ‘Impact Academy’, you’ll work with an industry partner or on a new entrepreneurial venture. Applying what you’ve learned to a product, service or business idea, you’ll address complex business problems and opportunities. If you complete all 3 courses, you’ll see your idea or innovation project through from concept to implementation.
The MBA is a versatile degree, so graduates can thrive in almost any industry, taking on leadership and management roles in sectors including:
- investment/finance
- consulting
- sustainability
- data analytics
- marketing
- healthcare management
- renewable energy
- technology.
But this really is just a snapshot. An MBA can prepare you for business success in your preferred field or niche, whatever it might be. Many graduates go on to become entrepreneurs, forging their own path in their chosen industry.
Even for those who aren’t interested in entrepreneurship, the opportunities are limitless. The corporate jobs you can get with an MBA include:
- chief financial officer
- chief executive officer
- chief information officer
- chief purpose officer
- chief operations officer
- business analyst
- business management consultant
- brand marketing manager
- human resources manager
- sales manager
- finance manager
- general manager
- product manager
- program manager
- operations manager.
This varies from business school to business school, but most expect applicants to have completed a bachelor’s degree with strong grades.
Most providers (including UQ) don’t require your prior bachelor’s degree to be related to business. This means an MBA can help you add an analytical business lens to your existing profession or change careers entirely.
The academic prerequisite for the MBA at UQ is any bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with a 4.5 GPA. In addition to your undergraduate qualification, you will also need minimum four years full-time work experience including at least two years full-time work experience gained while working in a dedicated supervisory or management role (of people or projects).
However, if you don’t have this, you may still be able to study the MBA by completing your Graduate Certificate in Business Administration with UQ first. This alternative pathway is available if you have a substantial amount (minimum 7 years) of relevant work and including 3 years of managerial experience.
Yes, it does. As a university with one of the world’s highest-ranking MBA programs, we’re obviously a little bit biased. But the results and alumni success stories really do speak for themselves.
Firstly, attending a face-to-face MBA program provides networking opportunities and shared learning moments that simply can’t be replicated in an online course.
Secondly, it’s the teachers and peers that make or break an MBA. If you’re not learning from bright business minds and innovative thinkers, what’s the point? And if you’re not studying alongside students with diverse worldviews and big ideas, how can you truly challenge your thinking?
Our MBA teachers are proven business leaders who will provide you with the insights and innovative approaches to take your career to the next level.
Ultimately, you should enrol in an MBA that will build your network, expand your thinking and enhance your potential – not a program that just puts the letters ‘MBA’ after your name. So, yes, it absolutely matters where you study your MBA.
At most business schools, an MBA takes 2 years full time to complete or may offer an accelerated MBA program that can be completed in just 12 months. However, some schools provide multiple study-load options to suit your lifestyle and ambitions.
MBA students at UQ can:
- study an accelerated MBA over 1.5 years (3 semesters) or study at their own pace for up to 10 years (great for those who need more flexibility)
- study a streamlined MBA while working over 24 months (great for those who want to fast-track their careers without putting them on pause first)
- study at their own pace for up to 10 years (great for those who need more flexibility).
Please note that student visa holders must maintain full-time study and can complete no more than one-third of their program online.
Discover how to tailor your MBA to your schedule and goals or speak to our MBA admissions experts for the current timetable.
We won’t sugar-coat it: the MBA is a challenging program. But it’s supposed to be.
Becoming a business leader of the future shouldn’t be easy. It takes time and effort, and you’ll find yourself pushing your intellectual limits at various points of the course.
While the MBA is intellectually demanding, it’s never unreasonable. Much of the learning is undertaken through action. You’ll learn how to become a transformational leader through debate and discussion with those in the classroom and by applying what you learn to various projects.
If you have the prerequisite education and managerial experience, the MBA isn’t beyond you. Plus, our teachers and support staff are here for you every step of the way, helping you keep your study manageable so you can truly reap the rewards of this advanced generalist program.
If you haven’t studied for some time, there is support available to help you prepare for academic success. Contact our friendly admissions experts for advice.
UQ offers a range of scholarships, and FEE-HELP is available to eligible students. If you’re asking your employer to help fund your studies, you can also download our customisable financial support proposal template.
The UQ MBA is an investment in your future, personally, professionally and financially.
Our average turnaround time for complete applications from domestic students is 10 working days. The turnaround time for international student applications can be 15–20 working days. We encourage all applications to apply early. Applications received without all required documentation will be considered for the following semester.
The UQ MBA has been designed for hybrid learning. That means you can attend classes in person at our convenient, premium location in the heart of the Brisbane CBD at 308 Queen Street. Or, you can join online, interactive classes from the comfort of home or your office. It’s your choice on the day.
Please note that student visa holders must maintain full-time study and can complete no more than one third of their program online.
After you graduate from the UQ MBA, you’ll be part of a thriving alumni network with regular events and opportunities to establish new connections while building on existing ones. You’ll also have ongoing access to mentoring, memberships and discounts on professional development short courses delivered by Executive Education.
The MBA Careers and Professional Development Team provides UQ MBA graduates with lifelong access to their services, workshops and events. The team strategically provides alumni with a series of career development tools and targeted industry connections.
More questions?
If you’ve got something to ask that isn’t answered here, we’re happy to help further.
- Visit our MBA page for specific information about the UQ MBA.
- Request a call or email back from our MBA team to discuss your options.
- Download an MBA brochure.
