3 Reasons Why MBA Graduates Would Do Well in Academia

EMBA World welcomes contributing authors on various topics related to the MBA, the Executive MBA, and professional and academic options for business people. Below is a recent submission by Kat Sanders. Thank you Kat!

3 Reasons Why MBA Graduates Would Do Well in Academia (June 2009)

There was a time when the financial world ruled the roost and the people with the MBAs in finance made the big bucks and lived the fast life. The situation is very different now, and big dreams have come crashing down with the economy. People have begun to cut their losses and see how they can consolidate their positions, and most of them have turned to an MBA as a way to see the recession through and build on their skills so that they’re able to reenter the job market when the economy starts to look up.

But the problem with applying to B schools at this time is that almost everybody with an eye on the future is doing the same, and if you already have an MBA and are looking to change your specialization, well, it’s a waste of time and money. Instead, you could look at the pedagogy option – with all the B schools in demand among students, there is a need for qualified faculty. And if you’ve been around long enough in the big, bad world of business, here’s why you stand a pretty good chance of making it as an academician:

• Practical experience is the best teacher: Most business students have no idea of what goes on in the real business world, and sadly, most of their professors are in the same boat too. They may be able to teach them business principles and theory, but when it comes to practical experience, it’s the people with work experience who have the edge. If you’re an MBA who has recently been laid off because of the way the economy is, you could check out opportunities that allow you to teach at a college or B school. If you need an additional degree or diploma, work at it to improve your chances of securing a good teaching position.
• There is a demand for qualified faculty: If you’re able to prove your mettle through a few well-positioned guest lectures, there’s no reason why you cannot ask the institution to consider you for a full-time teaching job. Your expertise in the real world and the fact that you are interested in teaching will work to your advantage.
• Students have the advantage of your connection to the business world: Even though you are out of a job in the finance industry, you can still use your contacts and networks to get the best for your students, both in terms of internships and future job prospects. They can also tap your knowledge and gain valuable insights into the workings of the business world.

This article is written by Kat Sanders, who regularly blogs on the topic of best online engineering degree at her blog The Engineering A Better World Blog. She welcomes your comments and questions at her email address: katsanders25@gmail.com.