Beyond the Résumé: How Advanced Degrees Signal Leadership Potential to Employers
Are you looking for ways to stand out from the crowd?
We all want employers to come begging when we send our résumés. After all, it’s the first step towards:
- Accelerated career opportunities
- Higher income potential
Here’s the thing:
If your LinkedIn profile is a list of past job positions and bullet points, you’re not going to rise to the top of a pile of candidates. To show employers you have leadership potential, you need something more compelling.
The right advanced degree is your ticket to getting noticed.
Advanced degrees like MBAs teach students about much more than just business strategy and theory. For example, they develop practical financial modeling MBA skills employers need right now.
What you’ll learn:
- Why Advanced Degrees Show Leadership Skills Employers Need
- Why Employers Want Your Financial Modeling Skills
- Why an MBA Develops Practical Leadership Skills
- How to Leverage Your Advanced Degree for Career Success
Why Advanced Degrees Show Leadership Skills Employers Need
Employers view advanced degrees like seals of approval from universities.
Before they offer large salaries and leadership opportunities, companies want to make sure you can handle those responsibilities. Earning your MBA assures recruiters you have what it takes. You’ve dedicated years toward understanding business strategy, leadership principles, and financial analysis.
This demonstrates more value than you might realize. A recent survey conducted by GMAC found that 90% of recruiters will hire MBA graduates. What’s more? 63% agreed that skills gained through a graduate business degree have become more important due to changing technology.
So it’s not a question of if an advanced degree is helpful. It’s exactly how helpful it is. Researching what can you do with an MBA degree is one way to measure the degree’s value. Job opportunities range from financial modeling and forecasting to managing entire business divisions.
Not too shabby.
But how does this relate to leadership?
Leadership skills aren’t typically inherent. Employers want to see evidence that you will perform as a leader. An advanced degree shows employers:
- You’re committed to your career (thanks to the required dedication of time and effort)
- You can think strategically (a skill heavily taught in business programs)
- You know how to apply cross-functional business knowledge
Again, this sets grads apart from those who don’t have advanced degrees.
Why Employers Want Your Financial Modeling Skills
Here’s where it gets really exciting…
Financial modeling is a hot skill. Companies of all types need employees who can analyze data and provide strategic business recommendations.
MBA programs teach students how to build financial models from scratch along with how to communicate their findings. Not only that, but graduates are expected to provide recommendations for senior leadership. This isn’t a hypothetical class assignment. You’ll be doing this on day one of your career.
Which is perfect, because demand is rising for financial professionals.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts about 911,400 job openings relating to business and financial professions annually through 2032. With higher demands comes higher demand for financial modeling skills.
Here are a few of the financial modeling MBA skills employers are looking for:
- Discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis
- Three-statement modeling
- Scenario planning
- Financial forecasting
- Budget tracking and variance reporting
- Data visualizations and dashboards
If you know how to do these things, you’ll have no problem finding a job. Employers know you can immediately start adding value.
Why an MBA Develops Practical Leadership Skills
Of course, an MBA isn’t all about finance. As mentioned earlier, soft skills are critical when working your way up the leadership ladder.
Here’s what this looks like:
Group projects, case competitions, and leadership challenges are literally forced upon MBA students. You will have to learn how to work with others, many of whom you’ve never met. Much like the business world, you will be pushed to work with people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences.
How does this help you at work? Simple. You learn how to:
- Manage a team of people from all types of functions
- Communicate your ideas in a way that everyone can understand
- Make sound decisions, even when stakes are high
- Handle conflict with grace
Sound like someone you want to hire? Employers feel the same way.
Another bonus of earning your MBA?
Networking. You’ll meet current students working in your field of interest along with alumni who’ve been around the block. Building a strong professional network can open more doors than you think.
Companies don’t just want smart thinkers. They want people who will take action. Earning your MBA proves both.
How to Leverage Your Advanced Degree for Career Success
Simply earning your MBA or other advanced degree isn’t enough.
If you want your degree to open as many doors as possible, you have to know how to use it to your advantage. Here are some tips:
First, make sure to highlight your financial modeling skills on your resume. Not only will this grab the attention of recruiters, but it tells them you have skills they need.
But don’t stop there. Employers don’t care what you learned in school, they want to know how you can use that knowledge. Highlight specific case studies, capstone projects, and internships that display your leadership skills.
Bonus points: Network with alumni and professional connections. A lot of jobs aren’t advertised because companies hire based on referrals. You have a much better chance at getting a job when someone you know recommends you.
Lastly, always stay ahead of the game. Business today moves quickly. So do the financial modeling techniques you learned in school. Continue learning on-the-job and keep your skills sharp by:
- Reading up on new industry blogs/articles
- Attending webinars and conferences
- Obtaining certifications (CPA, CBCA, CFA, etc.)
- Building your own financial model portfolio
You’ll thank yourself later.
Wrapping Up
Don’t make recruiters believe you’re just another face in the crowd. Show employers you have what it takes to be a leader through earning your advanced degree.
Business schools know employers want graduates with practical financial modeling MBA skills. That’s why they hire professors who work in the field to teach real-world applications. Students graduate ready to hit the ground running and contribute to their team.
Remember:
- Advanced degrees prove you have the knowledge and skillset to lead.
- Employers are looking for your financial modeling skillset.
- MBAs teach students real-world applications of leadership.
- Knowing how to utilize your degree is key to advancing your career.
The job market will favor those who go the extra mile. Earning an advanced degree is one of the best ways to invest in your career.