How to Answer the “Why MBA Now” Question in an Interview

There are several interview topics that every MBA interviewee should be prepared for such as discussions of an important professional accomplishment, a significant teamwork or leadership experience, points of learning from a mistake/failure or their strengths and weaknesses. MBA interviewees should carefully consider how they might discuss these topics when preparing for the interview. But perhaps the most important question that is asked in 99% of MBA interviews is “Why do you need an MBA now?” This question is simple – right? Based on our experience MBA interviewees often struggle to provide a coherent answer to this seemingly simple question. 

When our clients struggle to answer this critical “Why MBA now” question we often advise them to first focus on the purpose of the question. For many MBA interview questions, the interviewer’s purpose is to understand how the interviewee analyzes problems and why they make key life decisions. Getting an MBA is certainly a key life decision and thus this decision should be based on a well thought out plan.

The reason for pursuing an MBA will not be the same for every person and there is not one right answer as to why a person might need an MBA. Thus, when answering the “Why MBA now” question the interviewee must incorporate reasons that fit their specific situation. Here are several acceptable reasons for pursing an MBA:

•          You need to learn more about business and develop new skills to make a career transition

•          Your career progression has plateaued

•          You have gained adequate work experience and it is time to get a general management perspective so that you can move up to management level within your company.

•          You are at a natural break or transition point in career

•          You want to start and run a business but need more skills and a strong network in order to secure funding, deal with investors, customers, etc.

•          You want to learn more about international business and work outside your country

Thus, there a number of logical, career-oriented reasons for why a person might need an MBA at a certain time. In our next blog post we will provide more specific ideas about how to answer the “Why MBA now” question.