A graduate degree in business administration, or MBA, is the most valuable degree a person can earn in the world. It’s not only a credential that opens doors to a variety of career opportunities, but it also gives graduates the tools to change the way the world works and solves problems.

Unlike other graduate degrees, an mba provides students with the opportunity to take a leap of faith and launch their own companies. This is an exciting option for ambitious professionals who are ready to take on the challenge and risk that comes with owning a company.

Many schools offer specialized areas of study, including accounting, healthcare management, international business, human resources and more. Common broad electives include entrepreneurship, finance, information systems and organizational development. Often, MBA programs will require students to complete course work in research methodology as well as an internship or dissertation / major project.

Every school has different application requirements, and many of them will ask applicants to answer questions about why they want an MBA in particular. It’s important to be clear and honest in your answers to these questions, but you also have to walk the line between sounding ambitious and inspiring and appearing naive or unrealistic.

In the end, admissions panelists are looking for a candidate who will be able to articulate why they want an MBA from that particular school and how it will help them achieve their long-term goals. Make sure you can clearly communicate these points in your essay, and don’t forget to proofread!