A Closer Look: How Specialised MBAs Meet the Demands of Today’s Business World

MBA Blog / 17th April 2024

As you progress in your career, you inevitably face a decision that will shape your future: Do you focus on a specialised area or embrace a wide-ranging path of generalisation? Opting for a specialised MBA is more than just an academic decision; it’s a strategic move to align your career with your passions. Research from PwC’s 2022 Global Workforce Hopes and Fears survey, which surveyed over 52,000 workers from 44 countries and territories, found that those with specialised training are more likely to feel empowered to ask for a promotion within 12 months, at a rate of 37%, compared to just 21% of those without it.

For a more insightful perspective on how specialised MBA education meets industry needs, we delved into the experiences of graduates from a leading MBA provider, the Australian Institute of Business (AIB), where almost one-third of students opt for a specialised MBA programme. Across each of AIB’s five specialisations – Finance, Entrepreneurial Management, Marketing Management, Human Resource Management and Logistics and Supply Chain Management – graduates share compelling stories about leveraging their specialised knowledge to secure a competitive advantage and achieve their career ambitions.

Breaking Barriers in Finance: Mark Lennock’s Leap from Experience to Excellence

In the finance world, experience often speaks volumes. However, for Mark Lennock, combining his extensive practical knowledge and pursuing a specialised MBA in Finance set his career on an upward trajectory. Mark’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of an MBA, even for those already well-established in their careers. Without a prior degree, he faced limitations in career advancement. Despite 15 years of IT project experience in finance, his resume was often overlooked for those with traditional academic backgrounds.

‘I felt that my CV was put into the pile where there was a reason not to progress me. I concluded that it was because I didn’t have a benchmark qualification. I didn’t have a degree.’

His decision to enrol in a specialised MBA programme paid off remarkably. Mark excelled academically, earning the valedictorian award in 2020, and his career took a significant leap forward. During his MBA, he moved from a Senior Project Manager to Professional Services Director and, within a year of completing his degree, ascended to Director of Project Management and then Program Director. To read the full story, click here!