While it might not promise you a seat on the Forbes Billionaires List, it definitely won’t hurt either; Eleven of the Forbes 100 richest people in the world have MBAs—and many more attended business school, according to Business Because. Of course, if you’re happy settling for two commas instead of three, business school can only help. MBA Central lists the MBA among the top degrees for millionaires. 

Whatever your goals, Utah Valley University’s Woodbury School of Business can help you achieve them. In fact, there are many reasons an MBA or other business degree from UVU can help you increase your salary and find better job opportunities—starting now.

You’ll take a step back

The world moves pretty fast – and nowhere is that truer than in business, with operations and strategies changing on a dime. When you make the commitment to earn an MBA, you’re giving yourself the luxury of shifting gears from your current daily grind and focusing instead on something greater. Business school empowers you with the time to reflect on today’s business practices, strategies, models and concepts, and learn how to improve them in the future. 

At UVU, you’ll learn from a team of faculty that holds MBAs, Ph.D.s and other varied degrees from top schools across the country, and brings real-world experience to the classroom. From entrepreneurs to CEOs to board members and public servants, your UVU faculty will help you shape a bright and thoughtful future in business. 

You’ll learn to lead

Some people are born leaders, but even if you’re not, Utah Valley University’s MBA program can help you learn to effectively lead and manage an organization. According to Harvard Business Review, MBA programs have become less myopic over the past several decades, focusing on broader concepts like organizational behavior and leadership. 

Tamara Jensen, Director MBA Program said, “Students in our program are exposed to industry practitioners, who bring real life experience to the classroom. Students leave the program having had many consulting and hands-on industry experiences so they can hit the ground running.” 

At UVU’s Woodbury School of Business, MBA courses tackle real-world topics like Managing Individuals and Groups, Creativity and Innovative Problem Solving, Global Business Strategy and International Engagement, preparing you to lead in a fast-paced and constantly evolving business world. 

You’ll earn what you deserve

If you’re motivated by the bottom line—and who isn’t?—an MBA could be your ticket to a higher paycheck. According to U.S. News, 2020s MBA grads are predicted to take home a starting salary of $79,043, which was more than $20,000 higher than those graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business. Of course, that’s just a starting point.

Depending on your chosen track, your MBA could qualify you for one of many high-paying business jobs, including management, technology management, finance and marketing – all of which are available through Utah Valley University’s Woodbury School of Business.

You’ll build a network

When you pursue a business degree, you’re making connections that will serve as a foundational professional network throughout your career. As Nirav Mehta told U.S. News, “The MBA degree’s real value comes from membership in a lifelong learning community and access to the alumni network . . . the connections that one makes through the MBA program can be life-changing.”  

UVU’s Woodbury School of Business keeps the networking opportunities flowing. From seminars and networking events to an involved alumni chapter and various student professional organizations, Woodbury business students benefit from the support of a tight-knit network of supportive mentors and colleagues. 

You’ll learn how to get the job

Before you can change the world of business, you’ll need to find your place within it. For any graduate, finding a job is always top of mind. Fortunately, achieving an MBA is a great way to give yourself more opportunities in the marketplace – and keep you gainfully employed. According to U.S. News, the average employment rate for MBA graduates three months after graduation was 85.2 percent. 

At UVU, the Woodbury School of Business makes it easier to attain your dream job through its comprehensive talent sourcing program. With numerous career resources, including career fairs, info sessions, workshops, roundtables, mentorships and mock interviews, you’ll graduate armed with the ability to seize every opportunity you find. 

You’ll get in with the tech industry

While an MBA may be your ticket to a better salary and greater career opportunities, it could also be your entrée into Utah’s technology industry, the second-fastest growing in the country, according to a Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute report. 

In 2019, UVU business school partnered with Silicon Slopes to offer an MBA program with a technology management emphasis, providing students with a network of technology executives, specialized training and myriad educational and occupational opportunities. 

“We develop case studies with local businesses like Harvard business school but with a local focus instead of global. As a result, the UVU MBA holds and curates some of Utah’s critical business decisions. These interviews with CEOs and leaders transform into teaching cases and are brought into our MBA classrooms. Our involvement with these case studies builds managerial muscle in students and helps us gain companies’ trust. Which is why so many  Silicon Slopes companies have opened their doors to us,” said Chris Gonzalez, MBA marketing coordinator.

If you’re ready to make your future your business, a business degree from UVU can help you do it. For more information on courses, schedules and admissions, visit Woodbury School of Business website.