A Masters in business is one of the most impressive features on a resume. Employers from many occupational fields often give priority to applicants with more qualifications. Remember that every employer is a business and the ability to understand the fundamentals of business will be hugely beneficial.

Statistics show that employees with an M.B.A. tend to earn more than their peers with a lesser degree. According to Forbes.com, average M.B.A. base salary was $95,781 for full-time positions.

Here are a few examples of careers where an M.B.A. would be highly valued:

Marketing
Public Relations
Advertising
Finance
Insurance
Management
Business
Accounting

You don’t need to be a math or finance whizz to pursue an M.B.A. and with online and community schools it doesn’t have to break the bank. Check out these top online schools that offer flexible M.B.A. programs that suit both your pocket and your lifestyle:

Walden University
Kaplan University
Baker College
Everest University
Minnesota School of Business

However, before you decide to apply for an M.B.A. there are some steps that should be taken according to Diana Middleton of the Wall Street Journal.
Here are her top tips when applying to business school:

Choose your application round carefully

Schools generally have several rounds of their application process. The article advises that prospective students not wait to apply in the second and third rounds to schools about which they are serious.

Break the news to your employer

M.B.A. applications that have a letter of recommendation from an employer show that you are serious to your chosen school. It will convey that you have experience in a professional environment and you have long term goals in sight. It is recommended that if you are employed while you decide to go for your M.B.A. you should discuss your application with your employer first, out of respect, to ensure flexibility and they may even want to assist your studies financially.

Prepare for the Interview

As with every interview preparation is essential. You should allow yourself three weeks to prepare and in that time familiarize yourself with every step of the application. Learn information about the program and the school so you can ask and answer questions confidently. Ensure that you can talk about both your resume and your application as interviewers will often take questions from these. Websites like accepted.com offer sample questions that reoccur in interviews.

If you are wait-listed, don’t panic

Especially in recent times schools are experiencing an influx of applications and so may require a waiting period. Every school handles this process differently and it is important not to give up if you are wait-listed. Be sure to include any additional information that might benefit your application and remember that being placed on a wait list is not a rejection.

With so many education institutions available, from online colleges to community colleges, there has never been a better time to go back to school. Some employers even sponsor their employees to go back and gain an M.B.A. so if you are working, discuss it with your company. If you’re not working than earning your M.B.A. will mean that your chances of employment increase.