Benefits of adding a technology concentration to an MBA degree

Today's MBAs are more attainable for students desiring to pursue that advanced business degree. With many flexible program structures available nowadays, the options for MBA students to customize their education are plenty. In addition to full-time, part-time, online and executive options, graduate students typically have the opportunity to elect to include a concentration to augment their MBA degree.

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One increasingly common concentration is technology. When I pursued mine back in the earlier part of the decade (my concentration was in information security), there were several options. Today, the direction you can take an MBA has expanded and those who hold a tech concentration are in pretty high demand.

Generally, technology is broken down into several different categories of learning. Common programs include information systems management, programming, database administration, telecommunications, information security, and web/network administration - to name just a few. A technology concentration in an MBA is a marketable asset for several reasons. Here are some of the benefits:

Increased job options

Adding a tech component to an advanced business degree can add a competitive edge in the job market. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts technology jobs will be on the upswing through 2022, especially those higher-skilled positions. For instance, the agency states information security analysts are going to grow a whopping 36.5 percent. Many other tech-oriented careers are also expected to rise and, while technology and its subsequent security needs are constantly changing, having the business foundation is timeless - it's a good marriage. 

Growing demand

In addition to the increased use of technology in an organization's day-to-day processes, technology is progressively being used on the managerial level as well. Most aspects of business utilize information systems in all areas of business from sales and marketing to executive decision making processes. Not a bad way to move up the proverbial corporate ladder.

Graduates who possess strong knowledge of how to use technology will be one of the most attractive attributes modern employers seek. Today, even basic communications require a level of knowledge in technology, not to mention leadership positions in any contemporary work environments (spanning all fields and industries) pretty much necessitate a tech know-how. 

Up-to-date on tech trends

As technology progresses at the rapid rate it has been moving over the past two decades, tomorrow's managers will benefit from the foundation of knowledge they get with a technology-based concentration. Mobile, IoT and AI continue to move forward at lightning speed. Cybersecurity experts are currently in high demand. Many business executives turn to implement IT systems in their organizations to help them reduce costs and increase revenues. MBA grads who understand how to strategically employ technology in business planning will help their organizations sustain and grow in competitive markets and/or protect them from cybercriminals.

Understand how to use technology strategically

Technology knowledge helps managers and leaders better understand how to use technology in their decision-making processes. As tech progresses, organizations, including private industries, the public sector and nonprofits, are likely to continue to integrate higher levels of technology for strategic and operational reasons. MBA grads who possess a specialization in tech know-how will have additional skills to help their organizations progress and a nice credential on their resume to help them land the jobs they want.

Joining corporate governance with strategy

Technology, while not specified directly, is directly connected to corporate governance which carries a significant presence in today's business environments. For instance, in the 2002 Sarbanes-Oxley law (SOX) passed in the United States requires higher levels of financial transparency. To meet the specifications of the law, most particularly Section 404, many managers use technology to generate the required audits and 'paper' trails to track finances and even create a competitive advantage. Understanding the fundamentals and ways technology can be used to be in compliance with the law while simultaneously finding ways to absorb the expense by using it strategically is a good skill to possess.

Adding a technology element to an MBA degree provides graduates with not only a terrific marketable attribute but also accentuates relevant skills and knowledge that can be directly applied in the modern workplace.