A Master of Business Administration or MBA is one of the most popular study programmes as it offers better career prospects and lucrative salary packages. In the past few years, the demand for MBA graduates has increased massively, leading to an increase in the expectations of employers. Academic skills are not the only skills employers look for before hiring any candidate. They prefer other skills that help candidates to work and grow in a competitive business environment. So, let’s understand the skills that will accelerate your career.

Key Highlights

• Important skills for MBA freshers
  • Strategic thinking & analysis
  • Problem-solving
  • Handling high-pressure situations
  • Networking
  • Interpersonal skills
• Key skills for MBA marketing fresher
• Computer skills required for MBA finance
• Must-have soft skills for MBA students
• Technical skills for MBA students

Important skills for MBA freshers

• Strategic thinking & analysis

  Strategic thinking involves evaluating information or situations, understanding issues, and developing the right solutions. Employees with strategic thinking abilities easily impress employers as they can set clear goals and design strategies to achieve them within defined timelines. Hence, organisations are always keen on hiring MBA students with critical thinking abilities.

• Problem-solving

  Problems are inevitable in the workplace. As a professional, you must possess the talent to identify potential problems, think out-of-the-box, and propose feasible solutions to ensure the smooth functioning of the organisation. If you cannot find solutions, taking advice from colleagues and seniors will exhibit your team player qualities.

• Handling high-pressure situations

  The ability to work under high-pressure situations is one of the most sought-after skills. Performing well under pressure is one quality that depicts your quick decision-making and problem-solving capabilities. Many jobs involve taking quick decisions in unexpected situations. In such situations, remaining calm and composed, thinking rationally and taking appropriate actions will differentiate you from others.  

• Networking

  Peer networks are considered strong resources not only during your MBA journey but throughout your professional life. When you connect with co-workers and other professionals, you form connections that provide necessary insights and advice on important business matters. Thus, networking with the right people will boost your morale and help you grow professionally.

• Interpersonal skills

  Interpersonal skill is one skill that tops every employer’s wish list. Interpersonal skill includes non-verbal and verbal communication skills, negotiation skills, empathy, and active listening, to name a few. These skills allow you to interact with co-workers and clients empathetically, resolve conflicts amicably and carry out job roles and responsibilities successfully.

Key skills for MBA marketing fresher

Certain specialisation-specific skills help a candidate to perform well in a particular job. For instance, marketing involves dealing with customers, understanding their behaviour and buying patterns, formulating strategies, knowing current market trends, and so on. Thus, excellent communication skills, teamwork, and creative mindsets are some skills that will help MBA marketing freshers to kick-start their careers. Even a pragmatic approach, i.e., a forward-looking and focused approach and entrepreneurial skills, will allow them to work to their full potential at their workplaces.  

Computer skills required for MBA finance

Of late, a basic understanding of computers is a must for every job aspirant. Besides, employers expect MBA finance graduates to possess intermediate or advanced knowledge of operating systems, office suites, presentation software (PowerPoint), spreadsheets (Excel & Google spreadsheets), and communication tools (Skype) to gain long-term success in the business world.

Must-have soft skills for MBA students

Soft skills are personally-developed and transferable skills. These skills complement candidates’ hard skills (technical skills) and enhance their employability. Some of the soft skills an MBA graduate should have are as follows:

• Leadership
• Positive attitude
• Time management
• Adaptability
• Willingness to learn

Technical skills for MBA students

Although it is not obligatory to possess advanced technical knowledge, MBA graduates with sound technical skills are appreciated in every industry. For MBA students with a STEM background, knowledge of data analysis tools, programming languages like SQL or Python, presentation and designing, and technical writing will be an added advantage.

Hopefully, you have gained enough knowledge about skills that MBA candidates must possess to succeed in the corporate world. If you are facing any financial challenges in pursuing your MBA programme, Avanse Financial Services will help you by offering an education loan for study abroad purposes. You can also count on us to avail a loan for education to pursue higher studies in India. For more details, connect with us today!