List your MBA after your name. Your resume isn't the place to be modest so add your MBA at the top of your resume, right after your name. For example, if the job position requires or prefers a candidate with an MBA, make it easy for recruiters to spot your qualifications by listing it next to your name.
When it comes to an email signature, some job seekers choose to add MBA behind their name. We would advise against this as it seems a little conceited. There are many MBA grads out there and only 5% might choose to do this. Sure, it is a great achievement, but there is far more to your application than your MBA.
In the "Last Name" field, type in your last name followed by MBA. So if your last name is Smith, write "Smith, MBA".
When listing your credentials, you may choose whether to include periods in your abbreviations. For example, you could list a Master of Business Administration as an MBA or as an M.B.A. Whichever punctuation you decide to use, make sure you keep it consistent for each of the credentials you list.
Adding ``MBA'' after a name signals educational credential, professional positioning, and social signaling. Reasons people choose to use it cluster into credential display, practical utility, and identity/branding.
An MBA (Master of Business Administration) is a specific type of master's degree, but it's distinct because it's a professional, general management degree for experienced professionals, whereas other master's degrees (like an MS in Finance or Marketing) are more specialized and often for earlier career stages, with MBAs generally leading to higher starting salaries and C-suite/leadership roles. So, while an MBA is a master's, it's often considered a higher-level, more prestigious qualification for leadership than a typical specialized master's.
The obvious answer for where to list your MBA is in the Education section, and that's a good place to start — but that doesn't mean you should stop there. Mentioning your MBA in other areas (like your resume title and summary) can help up the impact without a lot of extra effort.
MBA is an initialism, pronounced “em be ayy” (or something like that). It begins, then, with a vowel sound: write “an MBA.” On the other hand, write “a master of business administration degree.” (For definitions of initialism and other types of abbreviations, see CMOS 10.2.)
Post-nominal letters should be listed in the following order:
However, if you are unsure whether or not an abbreviation is appropriate, err on the side of caution and write out the full name of the degree. When adding your masters degree to your business card or signature, you can use either your full name or initials followed by your degree.
While job titles vary from company to company, here are some common examples of positions MBA graduates fill, from entry- to executive level: Accounting manager. Finance manager. Financial analyst.
Here are some specifics to keep in mind when listing an MBA on your resume:
An MBA stands for Master of Business Administration. It's a graduate-level degree geared toward current and aspiring business professionals. Danielle Gagnon. Oct 15, 2024. Understanding the numbers.
Thus, the MBA is a degree aimed at experienced professionals who want to acquire a strong foundation in business. Although candidates with previous business studies are quite common, typically representing roughly a third of candidates at a top program, they are not the norm.
List the highest education degree first, for example, Michael Anderson, PhD, MSN. In most cases, one degree is enough, but if your second degree is in another relevant field, you may choose to list it. For example, a nurse executive might choose Nancy Gordon, MBA, MSN, RN.
As a general rule, it is not common practice to put your MBA after your name. When it comes to your business card, you might put as your title Business Consultant, Business Professionals or any other title that speaks of your knowledge and might give a hint you are educated at MBA-level.
Add “MBA” to your email signature, as if you're a PhD. This only takes thirty seconds to do, but you'll be amazed at the impact it has. Every single time you send an email, the recipient will be reminded of your impressive academic credentials.
An upper second class, known as a 2:1 or two-one, is the higher of the two levels. Lower Second-Class Honours (50-60%): a 2.2 or two-two is the lower level of the second class degree. Third-Class Honours (40-50%): known as a 'third' or 3rd, this degree is the lowest honours degree achievable.
Consider whether an MA or MSc is better suited for your career goals. If you are interested in pursuing a practical industry-based career then an MSc might be the right choice for you, however if your passion lies with the arts and a career in media awaits, an MA degree is likely to be the right choice.
Degree abbreviations
Always put periods between the letters, e.g. B.S., M.A., Ph. D. One exception to this rule is MBA (Master of Business Administration).
A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a professional degree focused on business administration. The core courses in an MBA program cover various areas of business administration; elective courses may allow further study in a particular area but an MBA is normally intended to be a general program.
It's advised to only use MBA after your name in the heading of your resume if the position requires the degree. Otherwise, don't include it, as this is typically reserved for PhDs and can be frowned upon when others do it for lower-level degrees. Don't overdo it when including your MBA.
Most top MBA programs look for a GPA of at least 3.5 (B+ to A-), which reflects the level of academic excellence that top business schools expect. This figure plays a crucial role in your application, as it highlights your academic strengths.
Elon Musk has been a vocal critic of MBAs and the mindset that values credentials over capability. He believes too many companies are run by executives who focus on meetings, reports, and corporate jargon, instead of building great products or solving real problems.