There are three major questions for any MBA prospective student:

1.       How to get in?
2.       How to get out?
3.       How to pay for it all?

Getting into a program of your choice is only the beginning because completing the program, within your desired time frame, is the ultimate goal.  How about the third question – how to pay for it all?

If you’re not independently wealthy or your company doesn’t pay for your higher education, you have to think creatively on how you’re going to invest in your MBA education. Here are four ways to prepare, pay for, and/or payback your MBA education:

If you’re one of the lucky ones to have secured an interview at one of your top choices, don’t be afraid. It’s time to showcase your speaking and presentation skills in a forum that will make or break your candidacy.

Face-to-face communication is losing its cache because of the time we spend networking online.  Ironically, business deals and admissions decisions are often based on how you present yourself in-person, and not necessarily online or on paper. The more time we spend online or using technology, the less time we have to advance our interpersonal communication skills in a “people setting.”  Good admission interviewers are looking for confident, credible, and in many cases, experienced speakers and presenters when they conduct MBA interviews.  Did you know that 90% of face-to-face communication is non-verbal? Experienced professionals and interviewers can see right through uneasiness, ignorance, and fear.  Don’t be one of these interviewees.  The only way to nail the interview is to prepare.

According to Wikipedia, ethics (also known as moral philosophy) is a branch of philosophy which seeks to address questions about morality; that is, about concepts such as good and bad, right and wrong, justice, and virtue.  An MBA is defined as a Masters of Business Administration degree earned from an accredited university.   Concepts such as management and finance are taught.  According to professors in MBA programs, ethics courses have been taught to students for over thirty years.  Business and ethics do mix.   Why, then, does the media perpetuate the string of business leaders who either took a bonus after being bailed out by the government or were arrested for swindling investors?  How can current and prospective MBA candidates learn from the “greed” of corporate executives?

It’s a new year and many economists think the recession is waning. If you’re looking ahead and figuring ways to advance your career, the MBA route might be the ticket. It’s never too late to continue your education! There are various types of programs with innovative specializations and accommodating schedules for busy professionals or for those that want to go full-time. Take the time and do the research so that you can make an informed decision. Too many aspiring students think about the limitations (I’m too old, too young, too inexperienced, not good enough grades or scores, etc.) and never think about the possibilities. The economy is down and you may not think you have the time or money, but taking your education one step further can dramatically increase your earning potential over your career. Plus, it can connect you with other movers and shakers in the business world.