These are uncertain times for professionals in the technology industry. Widespread layoffs in the biggest tech companies have become regular news, threatening the job stability of many tech workers. However, the global need for technologies and digital tools is only increasing, meaning technology professionals must simply hone high-demand skills employers want.
Now may be the perfect time for you to pursue an advanced degree to develop resilience and weather changes in the industry. There are many reasons earning an online Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Bowling Green State University (BGSU) can help you navigate the uncertainty of the tech industry. As MBA.com notes, MBA graduates learn to manage tech, hone their entrepreneurial skills, improve teambuilding abilities and gain experience — all valuable to the technology industry.
Develop Skills Employers and Recruiters Want to See
Professionals across industries with an MBA degree remain top talent in the eyes of recruiters. According to the Graduate Management Admission Council’s 2022 Corporate Recruiters Survey, “9 in 10 corporate recruiters planned to hire newly minted MBAs in 2022.”
This professional appeal is due to the skills you gain throughout an MBA program, especially the online MBA program at BGSU. The top skills recruiters look for include:
- Learning, motivation and leadership
- Interpersonal skills
- Strategy and innovation
Expand Job Versatility Through Cross-Functional Knowledge and Abilities
As an employee in the tech industry, there’s no doubt you hold transferable skills that serve as cross-functional knowledge in different industries. However, the more business knowledge you gain, the more versatile you become as a potential employee.
Pursuing an online MBA degree pushes you to learn about business areas necessary to success (and critical in the technology industry), such as accounting, marketing, finance and supply chain management.
Gain Leadership and Management Skills
If you have little to no experience in leadership or management, an online MBA program will help you gain these necessary skills and prepare you to lead others in the technology space. As mentioned before, leadership is the top skill recruiters seek in current job openings overall.
Throughout BGSU’s online MBA program, you’ll become a strategic-decision maker who effectively leads an organization, team or business unit.
Build a Network of Industry Professionals
Everyone knows that the bigger the network, the better. Networking, especially in an MBA program, can be key to future career growth and flourishing business opportunities.
Ways you can build strong, meaningful relationships while earning an MBA include:
- Attending alumni networking events
- Discussing classes and topics with peers
- Exploring new ideas and theories with professors
BGSU has plenty of opportunities to tap into during alumni events or through connecting with peers and professors. You’ll develop meaningful connections and relationships with people who’ve been where you are, which can help you throughout your current and future career endeavors.
Obtain the Skills and Knowledge Needed for Entrepreneurial Ventures
The more you learn about business, the more confidently you’ll pursue a tech freelance career, gig work or independent consulting opportunities. As more tech layoffs occur, more professionals take their future into their own hands by working for themselves.
According to this flash report from Legal & General, “Approximately 10% (101 out of 1044) of our U.S. gig worker database work in the tech sector. Respondents identified as working in IT, web design, and/or online app/services.”
Tech gig workers are increasingly building their own businesses. The number one reason tech gig workers choose freelance is flexibility. Plus, these opportunities can be incredibly lucrative, as 29% of tech gig workers make over $100,000 a year freelancing, according to Forbes.
BGSU’s online MBA program offers maximum flexibility for working professionals. You can complete the program in as few as 12 months and prepare yourself to work in a variety of high-paying, high-demand fields, including for-profit and nonprofit organizations.
Learn more about BGSU’s online MBA program.