Master of business administration degree overview

¶ … constantly endeavor to better myself in both my personal and professional life. My choice to pursue an MBA reflects this continual effort of self-improvement. Having already obtained a Master of Science degree in Information Systems on top of by Bachelor of Science in software engineering, I spent the past six years in the computer industry. My current position with Interpro Software, a consulting company, is rewarding and reflects my educational background, but I am ready to approach the tech industry from the business end. One of my immediate goals is to help Interpro grow, through effective management and organization. I already have the technical skills with which to assist my company; now I seek business know-how. Therefore, an MBA degree is indispensable in achieving my short- and long-term goals.

Working for a start-up company like Interpro has introduced me to the importance of effective business management. A developing company requires not only technical knowledge but also personnel management, budget planning, and business communication skills. An MBA would help me ascertain what the specific needs of my company are and how to best implement them to ensure success. My technical background has enabled me to contribute a wealth of knowledge and information to clients, but I need to be able to combine my technical expertise with effective business management. An example can illustrate this: about a month ago I participated in a user meeting. Two of the project managers present at the meeting asked me some questions about the software I had designed for them. I explained the software to them using highly technical terms, using the lexicon I am familiar with. I would like to have been able to translate the technical aspects of the software in practical terms. For instance, I would describe the functions of the software in terms of how it will help their company maximize profit. As a programmer, I am familiar with technical terminology. This knowledge is essential to the industry. However, I hope to combine my technical background with business sense so that I can inform clients of the real-world application of the software I develop.

I see myself eventually building my own software company and making decisions based on my technical expertise as well as sound business strategies. Assessing cost-effectiveness, developing marketing plans, and communicating with other professionals in the field are all functions of an MBA. Achieving this next step in my career is a logical projection of my current skills. Because I am involved in the computer industry, and will continue to be involved in that industry, I will need an MBA in order to work at the management level. In the short-term, I hope to help run Interpro Software, perhaps as an IT manager. In the long run, I envision my own software company thriving.