The role and definition of an MBA candidate have become central topics of discussion in academic and professional circles. The journey of an MBA candidate is multifaceted; it follows a path from the first application and acceptance to the culmination of academic success and the resulting professional development.

Though there is a right and wrong answer to the question of usage of “MBA student” or “MBA candidate,” there is shared inference when either term is used.

Joining an MBA program is a life-changing decision

The graduate student versus candidate conversation

Let us discuss using the terms “student” and “candidate” in the graduate academic setting. While we will use either vocabulary interchangeably throughout this article, there is precedence set concerning program progress and, somewhat importantly, respect.

The term “candidate” is not used in the Master of Business Administration setting. Full stop. While most academics will not say anything about a student using the word candidate to describe their position in the MBA program, this usage is incorrect. You are simply an “MBA student” if you are actively undertaking a graduate business school program.

Using the term “candidate” in the graduate school setting

Even if you join a doctoral program, you will initially be known as a student while undertaking the degree’s courses. However, once you complete those classes, you move into the research, dissertation writing, and defense phase and are known as a “doctoral candidate.”

In short, “candidate” only properly applies to the final part of a doctoral degree. And, in academic circles, calling yourself an “MBA candidate” might come off as misinformed. Or, worse, uninformed.

Understanding the MBA candidate meaning

As previously noted, this article uses the terms “student” and “candidate” interchangeably. An MBA candidate is more than just a person enrolled in a Master of Business administration program. They are aspiring professionals with leadership skills, often supported by significant work experience, looking to refine their ability in multifarious business domains.

The MBA serves as a crucible, quickly evolving these individuals into future leaders and innovators in business, the communities they live in and serve, and the broader world economies.

The journey of MBA students

The decision to pursue, apply for, attend, and complete an MBA program is stressful. You are investing your and your family’s time, a significant amount of money, and a lot of your normal personal enjoyment to achieve something most businesspeople dream about.

Selecting the right MBA program

It all starts with sending MBA applications to programs that align with your career path. Top-tier business schools, or “b-schools,” offer diverse programs, including full-time, part-time, executive, accelerated, evening, online, and hybrid options.

As you can imagine, these formats cater to the varying needs of all MBA candidates. The graduate management admission process evaluates candidates based on their educational background, years of experience, and potential for leadership.

Admissions committees, or adcoms, are typically strict, and each b-school has its acceptance rate statistics. However, the higher-level view is that adcoms now evaluate more than technical business prowess. They seek well-rounded team players who work and communicate in diverse and highly innovative environments that require “softer” skills such as empathy and humility. While academic excellence and competitive standardized test scores are still incredibly important, most business schools now take a more balanced view.

Developing core competencies and more

Once admitted, MBA students immerse themselves in a rigorous curriculum to impart a comprehensive understanding of business principles. Subjects range from finance and marketing to ethics and strategy, preparing candidates for diverse challenges.

Progressive programs like Meridian University’s MBA in Creative Enterprise focus on building whole-person and whole-system competencies. This program develops a holistic and highly strategic perspective by encouraging significant personal and professional growth in parallel throughout the entire theoretical and practical course schedule. This approach ensures graduates are ready to lead now and well into the future, gaining success for themselves, their businesses, industries, and society.

Embracing practical learning

Leading b-schools emphasize experiential learning. This allows MBA candidates to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.

Practical application not only enhances skill sets but also nurtures leadership capabilities. Such firsthand acumen is essential for any leadership role in the future.

The value of an MBA degree

Only when you graduate and receive your MBA parchment does the significance of your accomplishment become clear. An MBA signifies a mastery of essential business concepts and a readiness to take on significant roles in the corporate world.

The MBA is a graduate degree that carries weight in today’s job market. It is almost always essential for senior roles, especially C-suite ones. This degree often leads to better job prospects and higher salaries.

The role of work experience

Work experience plays a pivotal role in shaping an MBA student’s perspective. It supplies practical insights and modern context to the theoretical knowledge gained. Overall, an experiential MBA program is an incredibly enriching learning experience.

Networking opportunities

MBA programs are not just about academics but also about building networks. Networking opportunities with peers, alumni, and industry leaders open doors to collaborative projects, mentorships, and post-graduation job opportunities.

Specializing for a specific career path

MBA students often specialize in finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, or other specific focus areas. This specialization choice helps align the MBA program with the candidate’s intended career path, making them more marketable in their chosen field.

The importance of leadership skills

Leadership skills form the core of most MBA curriculums. Programs aim to develop competent leaders who can effectively negotiate complex operating environments while leading multidisciplinary teams.

The part-time MBA program and the balance of work and study

Part-time MBA programs cater to working professionals who want to advance their education without putting their careers on pause. These programs offer flexibility, allowing candidates to gain a master’s degree while continuing to gain valuable work experience.

The impact of MBA graduates in the business world

MBA graduates bring advanced knowledge, strategic thinking, and leadership abilities to today’s ever-evolving business environment. They are well-equipped to drive innovation, manage complex projects, and lead organizations to success.

MBA and Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) graduates often form the core teams of multinational corporations. The concise skill sets learned and applied often mean the difference between success and failure. The MBA and DBA programs help these scaled companies pursue significant innovation with logical and executable planning and mitigated risk. All this while building and keeping advanced corporate cultures centered on “being” at work.

The role of graduate-level education in career advancement

A graduate degree like an MBA from a solid b-school can significantly boost your career. It opens opportunities for high-level positions and can be decisive in achieving a leadership role in the corporate hierarchy. As such, more people are pursuing these advanced degrees to stay competitive in today’s job market.

Conclusion

Being an MBA candidate is a transformative experience that extends beyond academic learning. It encompasses the development of strategic thinking, leadership, and a profound understanding of today's complicated business world. Through thorough training and diverse experiences, MBA graduates emerge as leaders ready to affect their chosen fields immediately.

If you are ready to upskill your career, Meridian University’s MBA in Creative Enterprise is a modern and relevant program that brings together the best in personal and professional growth through theoretical and practical applications. If you want to learn more or join our program, contact one of our Admissions Advisors or apply online today.

Frequently asked questions

Is it MBA student or candidate?

In business school, the term “candidate” is only used after you complete your Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) courses and move into the program's dissertation research, writing, delivery, and defense phase. In an MBA program or during the courses phase of your DBA program, you are known as a “student.”

Many people use the terms student and candidate interchangeably. Some websites define the use of “candidate” as the MBA student being in the later stages of their program. However, the usage described in this response is the only correct one.

Is it OK to say MBA candidate?

Yes, you can say you are an “MBA candidate.” However, in the academic setting, you might sound misinformed. The term “candidate” is only used for Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) students who have completed their program’s class studies and are now preparing their dissertation for delivery and defense.

Do you put MBA candidate on resume?

It is common to see “MBA candidate” on a resume. This instance is especially true if the individual is nearing completion of the program. However, the proper terminology is “MBA student” until you become an MBA or MBA graduate (terms that are also used in tandem).

References

Indeed (2022, June 24). Master's Candidate vs. Master's Student: Using the Correct Terminology. Retrieved November 19, 2023, from https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/masters-candidate

MBA Exchange (2023, June 11). Ultimate Guide For What Makes a Strong MBA Candidate in 2023. The MBA Exchange. Retrieved November 19, 2023, from https://www.mbaexchange.com/mba-candidate/

Unruh, G. (2015, May 12). Salary, Benefits, Bonus … and Being. MIT Sloan Management Review. Retrieved November 19, 2023, from https://sloanreview.mit.edu/article/salary-benefits-bonus-and-being/