Success in business relies not only on who you know and what you know. Who you are matters just as much. Are you a diverse and ethical leader? Microsoft’s Satya Nadella is a clear example of this. His journey from engineer to leading R&D and Systems & Tools divisions showcases a capacity to inspire and guide diverse teams across varied fields. Today, he is the tech giant’s CEO.
The most impactful MBAs today recognize this crucial blend of personal integrity and technical know-how. They are responding to the demands of today’s employers. Soft skills, including ethical leadership and cross-cultural communication, are increasingly sought by employers when hiring MBA graduates, as indicated by a Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) study. Master these, and you can land the coveted senior roles where you’ll lead team and drive innovation and growth.
Here are three business schools actively shaping the next generation of diverse and ethical leaders.
Pamplin College of Business is a pro in intersecting business and technology. Source: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Founded in 1872, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) has a long history of adapting to the evolving needs of education and society. Over the years, the university has embraced the increasing importance of technology, integrating it into its teaching, research, and community engagement. The Virginia Tech Pamplin College of Business embodies this progressive approach, leveraging technology and data analysis to enhance business practices on a global scale.
Designed for working professionals, AACSB-accredited business degree programs are flexible and can be customized around your schedule. Whether you choose to learn in-person or online, these master’s programs are perfect for professionals seeking to advance their careers, switch industries, or transition into leadership roles. They include the MSBA in Business Analytics, the MSBA in Hospitality & Tourism Management, an Evening MBA, and an Online MBA, allowing you to learn from anywhere, at any time.
All programs combine data mastery and tech fluency with boardroom-ready leadership skills, empowering you to tackle today’s business challenges and drive tomorrow’s innovations. Collaborating on real-world projects with accomplished faculty and peers will further enhance your employability.
Virginia Tech’s presence in Washington, D.C. is strategically located to foster close connections with policymakers, industry leaders, and cutting-edge research institutions, giving students access to key decision-makers and career-advancing paths in government, business, and beyond.
Apply to the Pamplin College of Business at Virginia Tech now.
The Daniels College of Business aims to benefit the public good through impactful scholarship, challenge-driven education, and lifelong learning. Source: University of Denver
University of Denver
The University of Denver empowers every student to find their purpose. This rings true at the Daniels College of Business, where aspiring business professionals are trained to be successful and ethical graduates through an innovative curriculum that exposes them to social, environmental, and ethical issues.
The college offers a variety of bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs. Among them are the Master’s Degrees in Accounting, Master of Science in Business Analytics, and Master of Science in Applied Quantitative Finance — all of which are STEM-designated programs as recognized by the US Department of Homeland Security. Graduates of these programs are eligible to extend their Optional Practical Training by 24 months.
What sets the school apart is its vision: pioneering business for the public good. They realize this vision of how business can — and should — be a force for good through programs filled with real-world experience that deliver real impact on the local community. It’s where theory combines with experiential learning to produce career-ready graduates and the leaders of tomorrow.
Students create nonprofits, teach and mentor kids in the local community, produce equity-focused research, and focus their business models on the greater good. Those pursuing the Denver MBA also take on four real-world challenges for corporate and nonprofit partners in Denver and around the globe.
Upon graduation, students will have access to the Daniels network. Composed of the College’s students, alumni, business leaders, corporate partners, faculty and friends, this valuable resource provides professional mentoring, information and networking.
Source: Tippie College of Business, University of Iowa/Facebook
University of Iowa
Ranked #1 in the state, the University of Iowa‘s Tippie College of Business is shaping the next generation of creative problem solvers, entrepreneurs, and fearless industry leaders. These graduates are set to disrupt industries with innovative ideas and solutions for increasingly complex challenges.
Their training comes from the college’s flexible master’s degree programs. The Master of Business Analytics builds a deep understanding of data and the ability to communicate your insights to employers clearly. Available full-time and online, the program covers crucial topics such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, technology management, and finance analytics.
Another standout degree is the 100% online Iowa MBA. Ranked #8 in the nation among online MBA programs by Fortune, this program is ideal for ambitious working professionals looking to boost their careers. Several concentrations — AI & Tech Management, Business Analytics, Business Communication, Finance, Innovation, Leadership, Marketing, or Strategy – transform you into a specialist in the area of your choice.
Whichever you choose, this MBA program will make it easy for you to balance work, family, and class. It is up to you whether you’d like to study fully online or add some in-person courses to the mix. There’s no need to interrupt your life or work to accelerate your career. Graduates achieve a 30% average salary increase within four months of completing their program – that’s hard to beat for business.
*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International
