Looking to take your business management career to the next level? If you already have a relevant bachelor’s degree under your belt, then it may be time to pursue your Master of Business Administration (MBA).  

Before committing to a graduate-level business program, though, it can be helpful to understand the MBA experience and what you can expect as part of the program. Read below to learn more about the ACBSP-accredited MBA program at Keiser University and explore a day in the life of a master’s student through a real graduate testimonial. From there, you can determine whether our career-focused MBA program may be ideal for you. 

Getting to Know the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Our Graduates

Keiser University’s Master of Business Administration program consists of 36 credit hours, broken up into 12 courses (with up to 12 credits of transfer credit for those who qualify). This program is offered in both online and on-campus formats to suit the needs of our busy students — with most completing the program in an average of 12 to 24 months. 

Motivation to Pursue an MBA 

Is an MBA right for you? Many business professionals who are looking to advance into leadership and other coveted roles pursue an MBA as a means of building the foundational skills needed for these types of roles.  

As our own MBA (and DBA) graduate, Dr. Rebecca Bhiro, explains, “Sometimes [an undergraduate degree is] enough for what you want to pursue. But the way I look at an MBA is that you get out of your comfort zone … And the MBA helped me to structure my expertise more toward the business.” 

Choosing a Concentration (or not) 

Keiser’s MBA program is also offered with a choice of six concentrations for students who want to home in on an industry niche. These areas include: 

While choosing a concentration is not required, Dr. Bhiro says choosing an MBA concentration in management has served her well in her career. Specifically, “The in-depth research that I had to do for the concentration helped me gain knowledge and perfectly educate me about what is going on in the real world.” 

The Evolving Value of the MBA in Today’s Business World 

In an increasingly global business landscape, there exists an ongoing need for business professionals who are prepared to tackle business challenges head-on. Keiser’s MBA program is designed to equip students with the in-depth knowledge and business acumen necessary to make informed decisions while pursuing organizational success. 

Regarding the value of an MBA in today’s ever-changing business realm, Dr. Bhiro explains that the MBA program “bolstered me to be a resilient multitasker … Businesses like people who think outside the box. And that’s the other thing I have learned with my MBA and my DBA at Keiser University — is to think outside of the box.” 

A Day in the Life of an MBA Graduate

So, what might life look like when you are an MBA graduate? While no two graduates’ days will look precisely the same, exploring a day in the life of a business administrator can give you a better idea of what to expect. 

Typical Workday Responsibilities and Structure 

The exact duties and responsibilities of a business administration graduate will depend on their specific role — with common job titles for MBA graduates ranging from project manager and operations manager to management consultant and business analyst. 

In general, however, many MBA graduates spend their days in leadership roles where they are tasked with motivating and leading teams (or even entire departments) toward common objectives. In some positions, MBA graduates may be tasked with strategic planning, problem-solving and data-driven decision-making. 

Applying MBA Skills in Real-Time 

In our interview, Dr. Bhiro discusses how she gained valuable research and time management skills as part of her MBA program at Keiser — as well as a sense of resiliency that has served her well in her career and even in her personal life. She was even able to apply her research skills to overcome medical issues in her own life and for her family.  

“Because of my in-depth research skills, I was able to solve my oldest son’s vitiligo,” Dr. Bhiro says about her son’s skin condition. “I was able to contain my husband’s glaucoma because of my deep research skills. I was able to solve my own hypothyroidism until today without taking any medications.” 

Balancing Professional Responsibilities and Personal Life 

One of the biggest challenges many students face when enrolled in an MBA program and working part or full time is balancing professional, academic and personal responsibilities. At Keiser University, we make every effort to support our students with flexible scheduling options that include 100% online courses. 

As Dr. Bhiro says of her own MBA experience, “Because of Keiser’s amazing class structure, I cannot say that there was any difficulty facing the assignments or doing the assignments. Their structure was so explicit … that as an MBA student, you would not have any challenges reading it or understanding it.” 

Learning and Growth Through the MBA Journey 

If you are considering an MBA as a segue into a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program, keep in mind the following: 

Comparing MBA Specializations vs. DBA Focus 

At Keiser University, our MBA program specializations are all designed to help students explore a chosen niche in the field. From there, those who go on to enroll in the DBA program have the option to select from a focus in Marketing, Global Business or Management. 

Memorable Courses and Influential Faculty 

Another component that sets Keiser’s MBA program apart is the fact that our faculty have extensive experience not just teaching business but also actually serving as thought leaders in the field. Meanwhile, they take an active interest in their students.  

Dr. Bhiro states how Dr. Armando Salas-Amaro, Dr. Boris Djokic and Dr. Matthias Eggertsson all made a difference during her time at Keiser. She elaborates, “I am the proud alumna doing this interview because of their ‘students first’ policy and the lifelong relationship that Keiser has with their students even after graduation.” 

Building on Prior Experience and How the MBA Prepares You for the DBA 

For students who decide to pursue their DBA after completing Keiser’s MBA program, prior experiences from that MBA program can make all the difference moving forward. Dr. Bhiro (who earned both her MBA and DBA from Keiser) explains, “With the exceptional leadership courses in the MBA, I learned so much about leadership. That transpired me into the DBA in the global business aspect of it … It really helped me with my assignments and the leadership courses that I did in the MBA.” 

Advice for Future MBA Students

Still deciding whether an MBA is your next move? Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you engage in career prep and plan for your future: 

Tips for Choosing the Right Program 

First, do not underestimate the importance of choosing the program suited to your needs. While many MBA programs are available, no two are exactly alike, and not all are created equal. Do your research, find a program that is accredited by a reputable organization and opt for one with a format that will suit your life and schedule. 

Overcoming Academic and Professional Challenges 

It also helps to have a plan for overcoming common challenges as you complete your MBA. If you are struggling with a certain class or assignment, take advantage of office hours with your professors or explore tutoring options or other student support services. If you are having a hard time juggling courses with the demands of your job, speak with a supervisor or your HR team. Ultimately, your employer will want to see you succeed and may be willing to work with you — but you will never know if you do not ask.  

Developing a Strong Support System 

Getting through graduate school is considerably easier with a support system you can lean on when you need it. Whether this system consists of family, friends, peers or a combination, having people you can count on by your side can make all the difference. 

Networking and Building Connections 

Remember that succeeding in the business world is not just about what you know but who you know as well. Get the most out of your MBA program by attending industry events and putting forth the effort to build a strong professional network. Having connections can pay off many times over in your career. 

Final Thoughts on the MBA Experience

For those who are serious about advancing their business acumen along with decision-making and leadership skills, earning an MBA from Keiser University can be an excellent choice. With a better picture of what the MBA daily routine looks like, you can decide whether this path could be right for you. 

The Most Rewarding Part of the Journey 

When asked about the most rewarding part of her education, Dr. Bhiro emphasizes, “Because of Keiser’s ‘students first’ policy, it doesn’t only stop after graduation. You have a lifelong relationship with the professors, which is really needed … I would recommend both the MBA and DBA programs at Keiser University.” 

Personal and Professional Impact of the MBA 

Not only can completing an MBA help you build the skills and knowledge required to thrive in the dynamic business world; earning your MBA degree can also give you a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment in your personal life. 

As Dr. Bhiro describes, “It’s amazing the strength that Keiser University’s online learning platform gave me … I am proud because I do not give in like I used to prior to my journey with Keiser. I’m so strong now. My sons look at me and really admire that.” 

Video Testimonials From Keiser MBA Graduates

Interested in learning more about a day in the life of an MBA grad from Keiser University? Explore perspectives and experiences from some of our other graduates, including MBA graduate Tina Battle. 

Tina Battle’s MBA Journey: Trusting the Process and Achieving Growth

Is a Keiser MBA Right for You? 

From unwavering faculty support to our “Student First” philosophy, Keiser University is committed to providing MBA students with the tools, resources and guidance they need to succeed and advance in their careers. As evidenced by Dr. Rebecca Bhiro, a Keiser graduate herself, our MBA program churns out business leaders who are making a real difference in the field. 

If you are inspired by Dr. Bhiro’s academic and career journey, the time to forge your own path is now. With online and on-campus delivery formats, Keiser University’s MBA program is set up to work around your busy schedule. Connect with a graduate admissions counselor to request more information about our MBA program, or take the next step by filling out your application today.