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Kamaldeep
11 June, 2024
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Steve Jobs, the visionary co-founder of Apple Inc., was not a business major. He studied liberal arts at Reed College. Yet, his leadership and understanding of human desire propelled Apple to become one of the most valuable companies in the world. Steve Jobs’ story exemplifies a key fact: An Arts degree can be a springboard to a successful business career.
So, if you have graduated with a degree in English, History, or any other arts subject and now find yourself drawn to the business world, you might wonder: Can arts students get an MBA? The answer is: A BIG YESSS!!!
Many MBA programmes actively seek students from diverse backgrounds, and an Arts degree can bring valuable strengths to your Arts degree. But before diving into the article, let’s check what an MBA is and why you should pursue an MBA after an Arts degree.
An MBA (Master of Business Administration) is a two-year PG degree designed to equip you with knowledge of the core business world. It is an intensive programme that covers a wide range of subjects, from Accounting and Finance to Marketing and Leadership. In this programme, you will learn the fundamentals of business functions, which will give you a strong understanding of how different departments work together. This includes Finance, Marketing, Operations, Human Resources, and Strategy.
As mentioned above, Steve Jobs, the visionary co-founder of Apple, is the perfect example of why you should pursue an MBA even after your Arts degree. Many successful business leaders come from backgrounds outside of business. So, if you have an arts degree and are wondering if arts students can get an MBA, without a doubt, the answer is yes!
You can enhance your existing knowledge of arts with an MBA. The reason is as follows:
An arts degree enhances the analytical abilities, critical thinking, and effective communication necessary for business success. These qualities are strengthened with an MBA, which offers a thorough understanding of key business activities, including Marketing, Operations, and Finance.
A wide range of specialisations are available in the arts sector, including Psychology and English Literature. Having an MBA enables you to blend your unique knowledge with business acumen. Consider an MBA-holding psychology graduate who oversees the HR division of a tech business. Their comprehension of human conduct would be beneficial in creating a solid corporate culture.
People are the basis of business. You have outstanding interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills already because of your arts background. The leadership, collaboration, and conflict resolution skills are further refined with an MBA. Your advantage in the job market is substantial because companies are looking for these “soft skills.”
A degree in Arts can lead to employment in various creative sectors, but it may not always be well-paid. An MBA serves as a conduit that lets you investigate profitable professions across multiple industries. For example, an MBA in history focusing on market and historical pattern analysis could work well in management consulting.
Also Read: 7 Best MBA Specialisations for Arts Graduates
For Arts graduates, the question “Can Arts students do an MBA?” often arises. Maybe you are looking for a career change or have discovered a passion for business. For whatever reason, there is a common misunderstanding that only students with a background in Business or Finance are eligible for an MBA. This is untrue!
A student of Arts can certainly pursue an MBA. Candidates from various academic backgrounds are actively sought after by top business schools, and graduates of the Arts stream offer a unique set of abilities.
Most colleges do not limit MBA candidates to those with business or economics degrees. You can apply with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university and a respectable GPA (often around 50%).
Entrance Exams: You will probably need to take a standardised entrance exam in order to be admitted to MBA programmes in some universities. These exams evaluate your proficiency in written communication, maths, and business. The NMAT, CMAT, CAT, XAT, SNAP, CET, and GMAT are well-liked choices.
Work Experience (Optional, but beneficial): A few years of work experience is preferred by specific MBA programmes, while it’s not necessarily required. This shows that you can apply business principles to practical situations. Relevant extracurricular activities or internships can bolster your application even if you haven’t held a typical corporate position.
| Job Role | Salary (Annually) |
| Logistic Manager | INR 9.7 LPA |
| Transportation Manager | INR 6.9 LPA |
| Business Development Manager | INR 7.3 LPA |
| Sales Manager | INR 6.9 LPA |
| Operations Manager | INR 10.8 LPA |
| Business Advisor | INR 6.4 LPA |
| Product Manager | INR 21.2 LPA |
| Materials Manager | INR 13.5 LPA |
| Supply Chain Manager | INR 14.2 LPA |
| Market Research Analyst | INR 4.3 LPA |
To illustrate the potential benefits of an MBA for Arts students, consider the following success stories:
Anna Wintour: The iconic editor-in-chief of Vogue, Wintour started her career in fashion journalism. Her ability to blend creative vision with business acumen has made her one of the most influential figures in the fashion industry.
Brian Chesky: The co-founder and CEO of Airbnb, Chesky studied industrial design. His background in design has played a crucial role in creating a user-friendly platform that revolutionised the hospitality industry.
Susan Wojcicki: The CEO of YouTube, Wojcicki has a background in history and literature. Her ability to think critically and communicate effectively has been instrumental in her success as a business leader.
| Institute Name | Course Fees |
| Manipal University Online | ₹ 1,75,000 |
| ICFAI University | ₹ 2,00,000 |
| IIM Ahmedabad | ₹ 20,00,000 |
| Symbiosis School of Online and Distance earning | ₹ 1,50,000 |
| Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University (BAOU) | ₹ 7,500 (Per Semester) |
| MIT School of Distance Education | ₹ 72,000 |
| DY Patil University (Online) | ₹ 1,70,000 |
| Institute Name | Course Fee |
| Jain University | ₹ 12,05,000 Lac ( Full Course) |
| SIBM Pune | ₹ 17,20,000 (Complete Course) |
| Faculty of Management Studies, Delhi University | ₹ 2,00,000 (Total Fee) |
| IIM Banglore | ₹ 24,50,000 (Complete Fee) |
| Amity University | ₹ 3.36 Lac (Non-Sponsored, First Year) ₹ 5.04 Lac (Sponsored, First Year) |
Now that we have explored everything about an MBA after studying Arts, I strongly believe that if the question “Can arts students do an MBA?” still comes to your mind, the short answer is: Absolutely Yes! An MBA can be a powerful tool for anyone looking to advance their career in the business world.
You should not let your Arts degree hold you back. An MBA can be the ideal launch pad for your career in the business sector because of its emphasis on building well-rounded leaders and transferable talents.
Yes, an MBA is a great choice for BA students who want to develop management skills and business knowledge.
If you want to be eligible for an MBA, you must have completed your graduation in any field (Science, Commerce, Arts) with at least 50% aggregate marks.
After a bachelor’s degree in Arts, an MBA programme opens up many job opportunities. It will broaden employment prospects, enabling Arts graduates to work in various corporations.
