If you had to describe your entire skill set in one letter, what would it be?
According to Jim Spoher and other researchers in the field, your answer should be T. T-shaped professionals combine deep knowledge in a primary field with a broad range of skills that complement their main area of expertise.
For example, someone with a degree in engineering or computer science may have a very successful early career focusing on his or her technical skill sets alone. However, to transition into a management or leadership role, a solid understanding of project management, budgeting, marketing, finance, new product development and human resources is probably necessary. These skills provide the tools to drive innovation and bring new products and services to market on time and on budget. The combination of a strong technical background and a broad understanding of complementary business concepts allows capable young professionals to take on new responsibilities and add value to existing or emerging organizations.
If your skills are deep but not broad, earning an MBA can help. An MBA is designed to provide a holistic view of business. Students take courses in many subjects, including accounting, marketing, finance, operations, human resources and project management, as well as leadership and ethics. In addition, most MBA programs place a great emphasis on teamwork, leadership and managerial skills. At Oregon State for example, students in the commercialization track of our MBA program work with entrepreneurs and scientists to transform early-stage inventions into viable businesses. Students work with inventors to develop a market-ready business plan covering all aspects of the new venture, including product positioning, an understanding of the competitive landscape, marketing strategies, funding needs and the milestones that indicate progress toward the creation of a successful startup. Students in commercialization develop a broad set of skills equally applicable in a startup or a Fortune 100 company.
If you would like to learn more about earning your MBA, let me know. You may find the degree fits your career aspirations to a T.
Brian Precious is the MBA Program Director at Oregon State University. He can be reached at osumba@oregonstate.edu.
