A new survey of MBA students from around the world has proven that an MBA will make you happier.
The MBA50.com MBA Happiness Index 2013, surveyed over 1,100 current students from 12 of the world’s leading business schools. The students were asked to rate their happiness on a scale of 1-10 (1 is extremely unhappy and 10 is extremely happy). They were asked three questions:
- How happy were you 12 months before your MBA?
- How happy are you now, during your MBA?
- How happy do you expect to be post-MBA?
The results (above) showed students are considerably happier now that they are studying for their MBA than they were a year before deciding to go to business school. And they expect to be happier still once they have graduated and get to use their new found skills and confidence in the world of business.
Beyond the expected salary increase, ROI and career progression, the idea of self-development, pleasure of learning and a new network of friends are themselves a source of happiness.
The survey also asked students which aspect of the MBA program made the happiest with 42% citing pleasure that came from individual self development. Nearly 20% cited career progression while 11.6% cited pleasure of learning. In a blow to community perceptions about MBA students, just 2.7% cited financial reward.
