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Thomas Jefferson University: How a STEM MBA can set you up for success

An MBA can teach you the ins and outs of bringing ideas to life, but imagine what it would be like to bring fresh, revolutionary ideas to the table and spearhead their development and launch. These professionals are the ones likely to stand out in the 21st century, precisely for their ability to ensure end-to-end success and continuous growth in a wide range of sectors. A STEM MBA from Thomas Jefferson University’s School of Business can teach you to become just that.  

The program was developed to prepare career climbers and people wanting to reskill that see challenges as opportunities in an ever-evolving global business environment. How? Through a comprehensive curriculum that draws from design thinking principles, including a blend of courses in innovation and business, and offering a range of unique specializations – think Accounting (CPA Preparation), Biopharmaceutical Commercialization, Cannabis Business, Fashion Business, Finance (CFA Preparation),Health Analytics, Leadership, Marketing, and Real Estate Development. Each module was set in place and is taught by a team of industry experts who bring invaluable, real-world knowledge and experiences into classrooms.  

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Thomas Jefferson University Kanbar College School of Business students collaborating with their professor.

Kartik Sudhakar took the Biopharmaceutical route to complement his undergraduate background in biomedical engineering, which had limited exposure to business and finance. True enough, the Jefferson MBA fixed that. It equipped him with the knowledge and skills he needed to thrive in a role that was just as business oriented as it was technical. Upon graduating, that is precisely what he went on to achieve professionally. Today, Sudhakar is a Senior Consultant at Veeva Systems in New York.  

In my current position, I can apply my technical knowledge to develop innovative solutions while considering the financial and strategic implications of my decisions,” he says. “Having the ability to communicate with both technical and non-technical stakeholders has resulted in improved project implementations and business outcomes. The MBA program has given me a competitive edge in the industry and allowed me to pursue my goal of becoming a well-rounded leader.” 

Those looking to follow in his footsteps would be happy to know that career advancement is just 365 days away. The STEM MBA program admits students from three-year business degrees as well, while most US institutions mandate four-year qualifications as a requirement. Furthermore, there is no need to undergo the GMAT examination. Students from non-business backgrounds can lay a solid foundation at Jefferson through streamlined online business foundation courses in just a single semester. Of course, optimum flexibility is also an option, meaning those with existing responsibilities can take the part-time route and complete their degree within 24 months instead. 

After all, more time means higher chances of leveraging the whole MBA experience without sacrifice or adjustment. Who wouldn’t want to embark on an International Business Trip abroad, gain knowledge through an internship or network with professionals in top organizations? Jefferson’s emphasis on experiential learning stems from their belief that for students to gain a real competitive advantage in a rapidly changing world, they must have exposure to just the right blend of theory and hands-on learning. Studying here means taking on real-world projects both on and off campus.   

Thomas Jefferson University

Thomas Jefferson University Kanbar College School of Business Tuttlemen Center.

Many of these opportunities translate into full-time employment, which is a perk that benefits international students as well. Jefferson’s MBA may have been around for nearly 50 years, but its STEM designation is brand new, enabling students outside the US to apply for work eligibility in the country for up to 36 months –– via Optional Practical Training (OPT) –– upon graduating.  

Regardless, the chance to study business in Philadelphia is priceless. Its thriving economy provides abundant opportunities for MBA graduates. The city has a diverse and robust job market, with numerous leading technology, healthcare, and financial services companies headquartered or having a significant presence in the region. It is also known for its entrepreneurial spirit, with a burgeoning startup scene that is supported by various incubators, accelerators, and venture capital firms. Philadelphia’s strategic location in the Northeast corridor even provides easy access to major business hubs such as New York City and Washington, DC, opening further employment opportunities for Jefferson alumni, no matter where they are from. 

Excited? Click here to learn how else the Jefferson School of Business can help you succeed at every stage of your career. From landing your first job to discovering new passions that can inspire a career switch, anything can happen in an inspiring city that houses a dynamic institution.  

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