Those who aspire to be successful managers also know they need skills - such as financial accounting and strategic decision making skills - to reach that goal.
But before you set out to enrol in business school, consider the cost in terms of money and time. For the majority it would be wise to begin saving money for the course a year or two in advance. And once you have made up your mind to proceed, talk to people who have earned a graduate management degree. Seek their advice, and ask them about the commitment required.
Unless your intention is to leave work and study full-time, managing your time will be critical. Your plans should involve employers, who normally encourage professional development and might make allowance for your heavy workload during study in the belief a degree will increase your value as an employee.
Some employers assist in the career development of those who show leadership potential.
'Our general policy is to support people to continue learning, and we provide access to as many learning opportunities as possible for anyone,' said Graham Higgins, manager of the Learning and Development Group at Cathay Pacific Airways, one of Hong Kong's largest employers. For our fast track managers we have a long-term programme, and see sponsorship of MBAs as being more for those outside this scheme.
'Where we have managers with high potential and who have had careers in specialist functions, we would normally support MBAs to help them gain a broader understanding of business, business strategy and of other functions within an organisation.
'The level of sponsorship varies a lot, usually with most of the cost being paid by the employee, and each situation is assessed on an individual basis.'
