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Business strategy is what keeps organizations growing and moving in the right direction, and strategic planning teams in large corporations are often comprised of graduates with MBA in Strategy degrees.
Although the specialization does not get as much attention as concentrations in finance, marketing or human resource management, strategy (or strategic management as it is sometimes called) has a direct impact on all of these business functions.
Strategic managers assess the landscape of the markets and industries in which their companies operate to identify risks and opportunities. They also help senior leadership to evaluate opportunities as they relate to their companies’ strengths, weaknesses and market positions.
The formation of new business partnerships, divestiture of under-performing assets and the development of updated organizational capabilities are just some of the results of the work of managers who have advanced degrees in strategy.
Here are some of the course topics that students can expect to encounter while pursuing strategic management degrees, a few characteristics of good strategic management programs and the types of career opportunities that are available to strategic management graduates.
Strategic Management Course Topics
Because many companies want to extend their reach into international and multinational markets, many MBA in Strategic Management programs include courses like survey of emerging markets. While senior leaders may think that it is a wise idea to sell their products and services in up and coming markets like Brazil and China, they need sufficient evidence that those ventures will be profitable to shareholders and produce long term benefits for their companies. Strategic managers who know how to analyze foreign markets and create frameworks for how to best operate in them can help build cases for or against entering those markets. Students can also expect to participate in mergers and acquisitions courses. Sometimes a company’s leaders identify opportunities in new areas, but their companies do not have the capabilities on their own to act on those opportunities. Strategic planners who are trained to evaluate and plan for mergers and acquisitions can help their companies to invest in competencies that allow them to remain competitive. Other course topics often include corporate leadership and elements of management consulting.
Features of Quality Strategic Management Academic Programs
Not all MBA in Strategic Management degree programs are created equally. The good programs allow students to fully hone both their quantitative and qualitative analytical skills. Students at these schools often benefit from regular seminars that are led by thought leaders in a variety of industries. These students may even participate in valuable internships and study abroad opportunities if their MBA in Strategic Management programs emphasize experiential learning from a global market perspective. Attending an academic program with strong alumni and industry ties is also a bonus benefit for some MBA in Strategic Management students.
Careers for MBA in Strategy Graduates
Some of the typical jobs for graduates with advanced degrees in strategic management or planning include internal management consultants and management analysts. Senior positions for these graduates could include vice president of business development or chief operating officer. The education and training that students receive from many MBA in Strategic Management programs can also prepare them to plan for, operate and manage their own businesses.
Conclusion
Managers and workers can easily lose sight of enterprise level strategy during daily business operations, but good strategic managers know how to help their colleagues understand and internalize company enterprise goals. An MBA in Strategy prepares these managers to recognize market changes, develop plans to exploit resulting opportunities and lead the execution of those plans.
