New year resolutions: what’s the right moment of your career to do an MBA?

Being an outstanding professional in a rapidly changing world requires investment in continuing education programs. With a high demand for talent, those who are the most qualified win. Therefore, if you want to combine technical knowledge with the key elements of leadership training, taking an MBA can be an excellent alternative to open a range of career opportunities.
However, when you are looking to do an Executive Master, there are several factors to consider. Is there a right time to invest in this type of specialization? How do you know that you are ready to achieve positive results in your professional life through this postgraduate program?
The fact is that there isn’t a right answer, but if one of these scenarios sounds familiar, it may mean it’s time to go ahead with an MBA application.
1 | When you reach a career plateau
Many times, people commit themselves to their dream career, and a few years and promotions later, there seems to be no more room for progression.
This could be the perfect opportunity to take an MBA as this program boosts your skills and possibly your career. By giving an opportunity to engage in an array of career workshops, panels with C-level executives, professional networking events, and a dynamic alumni community to foster your career prospects, it provides you with the tools and resources to strategically plan your career and help you to achieve your life and professional goals. So, when you finish this executive training, you will be a more empowered employee to move up and reach other positions that you possibly aspired to.
2 | When you want to boost your salary prospects
The salary that suits your life in your 20s will certainly not be the same as the one you need in your 30s or 40s. At 30, you are probably thinking of buying a house or having a child or simply having the American dream of advancement.
No matter what your motivations are for aiming for a career boost, an MBA can open the way for a higher salary.
3 | When you want to change career paths
There are times in your life when evaluating your career ambitions is important. Do the career goals you have right now are still the same since you started working? Do your career interests and the areas where you enjoy working daily maintain?
An MBA is one of the most versatile degrees available today. The general skills you learn – problem-solving skills, team management, leadership, and interpersonal capabilities- can be applied to any industry and can help you focus on an area that is prosperous in a post-pandemic world.
The fact is that people with MBAs have easily entered the world of management, finance, and healthcare, so look into what these programs can offer you and how they can benefit you in this change.
4 | When you want to start your own business
Starting your own business may not be easy, and before you begin, you need to have certain knowledge that will be invaluable in bringing you to successful growth.
An MBA can positively influence the entire process of creating and developing your business for several reasons. It gives you the opportunity of expanding and diversify your network. From professors with experience in business development, who can advise you on what to avoid and what to ensure to build a sustainable company in the long term, to colleagues who may have similar interests and with whom you can exchange ideas and discuss other visions.
On top of this, on the MBA you will have a grounding in all the areas that enable organizations to succeed – from managing a company, to making a pitch to potential investors, to negotiating contracts with suppliers.
5 | When your family life and financial circumstances support the application
Regardless of when you enroll in the MBA program, having the support of family, husband/wife and friends is extremely important. No matter whether you decide to enroll in the program on a full-time or part-time basis, your free time will become more limited.
In addition to tuition fees, make sure you have the necessary financial resources to continue supporting your family, especially if you are opting for the full-time program, which leads to you having to give up your current salary.
Realizing when the ideal time is in your life to do an MBA may not be an easy task and it is possible that even after reading this e-book, you may still have questions. This is because doing an MBA is a very important decision and one that will have a crucial impact on the various segments of your life, both professionally and personally.
So, if you still have questions, consider making an appointment with the institutional representatives of the Lisbon MBA Católica|Nova.