For many years, a Master of Business Administration was viewed as the best degree for anyone seeking to advance in the corporate world. An MBA represented a way to differentiate oneself from other candidates for the best jobs. Now an MBA is more common, yet its importance has only increased. Rather than being a luxury, it has become a requirement for many jobs.  
When deciding to obtain a master’s degree, there are many factors to be considered, including delivery method, university reputation and price; however, there are many benefits to obtaining an MBA in the region where you are employed. Consider the following:

1.  Networking opportunities. Most MBA programs are filled with high-achievers and young professionals who are upwardly mobile. Interacting with a diverse range of young professionals helps to establish a strong network of peers in your local area. These professionals may end up being your next boss, your next great employee, or your resource in a specific field that is not native to you.
    
2. Regional engagement. MBA programs provide opportunities to engage with the local business community outside of the classroom. Our professional MBA program is different because there is an opportunity to learn by engaging in applied learning activities. Companies like Live Oak Bank and CastleBranch have served as “clients” for our students in projects designed to challenge them with messy real-world problems.
    
3. Faculty. In the classroom, faculty bring real-world experience to  textbook knowledge. This translates to specific examples of how concepts are used in the business world.  This is then highlighted by colleagues in the classroom sharing practical experiences from their workplaces. Want to know more? Ask the faculty. They are plugged into the local business community, specific to their discipline, and can provide further contacts and information. Faculty can be your best resource to dive deeper into a subject.
    
4. There’s no place like home. Most MBA graduates either receive a promotion or change careers after completing their degree. Being part of a local MBA program allows you to remain connected and give back to your alma mater. This is one way you can remain involved in the local business community and serve as a resource to upcoming business professionals.