Invest in Your Future

Many executives and high potentials are asking themselves the question these days: is the current crisis-ridden time with high inflation the right time to do an MBA? Absolutely - the only risk-free investment, even in uncertain times, is the investment in oneself, in one's own further development with an excellent return on investment (ROI).

Self Investment is the Best Investment

Investing in yourself, your career and your future is the best way to prepare for post-crisis times, increase your market value and gain a competitive advantage in the labor market. Also, the investment in executive education is not subject to interest rate fluctuations and moreover, skills and leadership are always in demand.

Career Boost as a Safe Investment

Especially in times of crisis, a lot of structure and sound knowledge is needed at management levels to better assess interactions and economic interrelationships as well as forward-looking entrepreneurial decisions. In times of crisis, an MBA often serves not only to strive for further career advancement, but also to secure the current position vis-à-vis others. In the right key position in the company, with forward-looking positioning and the relevant expertise, one makes oneself indispensable for the employer in the long term. What could be a better sign of motivation for the job than an investment in one's own competencies and skills?

Return on Investment Using the Example of the Global Executive MBA

The return on investment (ROI) of an Executive MBA is complex and goes far beyond the financial return - i.e. an increase in salary. According to the Financial Times, the investment in the WU Executive Academy's Global Executive MBA will pay off just 3 years after graduation, as the salary of MBA graduates increases significantly on average.

At a time, when companies face challenges with keeping their top talent, they are often willing to contribute to the tuition fee. Furthermore, by paying for an MBA program instead of a financial bonus, both the employer and employee can save on taxes. Besides this, the WU Executive Academy offers payment by installment without charging any interest or fees. This offers the opportunity to pay for the tuition over a period of up to three financial years. And of course, students can also claim tax returns in most countries, when paying the tuition fee.

The 4 Dimensions of ROI

Besides the financial ROI of one's own education or that of one's employees, there is much more. Regardless of whether you look at ROI from the company's point of view, or from the individual's point of view: What counts is the economic logic. Further education has been successful if it is (financially) profitable and generates concrete added value. In practice, both profitability and added value can have different dimensions.

1. Financial ROI

To measure the success of an investment, clear objectives are necessary. These allow for a comparison before and after the investment. For specialized training, such as in sales or IT, it's easy to set specific goals. The same applies to salary increases or job offers after an MBA. For soft skills, the measurement is more complex because individual competencies must be taken into account. For example, whether a manager can apply new tools or mindsets for themselves and their team.

2. Skills and Competence Enhancement

Further education aims to acquire new knowledge and skills, especially in fast-paced times. Adaptability is a key competency for leaders in the 21st century. In addition to new tools and methods, it's important to cultivate the right mindset. For organizations, further education is essential to adapt and grow. Recruiting and training employees for new topics is becoming more challenging, but targeted internal education can solve this.

3. The Network

A primary reason for continuing education is networking. Organizations promote organizational culture by allowing employees to interact with like-minded individuals. Companies see benefits when their employees learn with others, as this promotes knowledge exchange and sharing of experiences. But networks are also crucial for individuals. Further education provides a platform for getting to know each other, for future collaborations, and for recognizing one's own talents and competencies.

4. The Unique Added Value of Continuing Education

In discussions about the value of continuing education, positive side effects such as increased self-confidence, courage, and assertiveness are often overlooked. Many graduates report increased job satisfaction and passion after their education. It broadens horizons, reveals new perspectives, and allows for testing new approaches. It also promotes self-reflection, helps clarify personal questions, and contributes to a fulfilling professional life.