What business leaders invest in to stay ahead

Amid economic uncertainty and rapid technological change, mid-career professionals are increasingly viewing postgraduate education as an investment in skills, networks, and long-term career development. More than 20 years after leaving university, Nguyen Xuan Hop, Global Procurement Director at Target, one of the largest retail groups in the U.S., returned to education to pursue a Master of Business Administration at British University Vietnam (BUV).For an experienced business leader who travels internationally, the decision required balancing nearly two years of study with professional responsibilities, family commitments, travel, tuition costs, and time away from work.It is a calculation shared by many mid-career professionals. According to NielsenIQ, while middle managers seek advancement into senior leadership, they also increasingly consider the return on investment (ROI) of postgraduate education.Foundation for long-term returnsPostgraduate education is increasingly assessed not only by the qualification itself but also by the professional and financial value it can generate.Even amid economic uncertainty, multinational companies including Deloitte, PwC, and Unilever continue to fund master's degrees for selected employees to strengthen leadership, strategic thinking, and risk management capabilities.For individuals, the potential return extends beyond salary growth to include stronger management skills and professional networks.Financial return is one of the most measurable factors. The Financial Times includes "Value for Money" among its MBA ranking criteria, comparing graduates' earnings three years after completion with the cost of tuition and opportunity costs.Its 2026 data show that graduates from 100 MBA programs recorded salary increases of up to 200-250% within three years of graduation.Financial returns, however, are only part of the equation. Many mid-career professionals pursue postgraduate programs to support the next stage of their careers. Photo courtesy of BUV As businesses become more complex, analytical thinking, leadership, and decision-making are increasingly important to career progression. The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025 identifies analytical thinking and leadership among key skills employers value.Graduate business programs can help professionals develop these capabilities through academic study and practical problem-solving. GMAC research in 2026 found that roughly two-thirds of global employers agreed that leaders in their organizations tend to hold graduate business degrees.Professional networks provide another potential return. Postgraduate programs bring together professionals from different industries and generations, allowing participants to exchange perspectives and build relationships beyond their existing circles.GMAC research involving more than 12,000 graduates from over 230 postgraduate programs found that relationships with classmates and industry professionals can contribute to career development.Together, these factors mean the value of postgraduate education can extend beyond the degree itself, combining knowledge, management capabilities, and professional relationships that remain relevant as business conditions change.Shortening the path to return on investmentOnce education is viewed as an investment, professionals must also consider how to maximize its value while managing time and financial commitments.This is reflected in the design of BUV's MSc International Business Management (MIBM) program.MIBM graduates receive dual degrees from BUV, ranked among Asia's top 43 MBA providers in the QS 2026 rankings, and Manchester Metropolitan University, whose Business School holds Triple Crown accreditation.For professionals seeking an international qualification, studying overseas can involve substantial tuition, living expenses, and time away from work and family. According to BUV, completing a master's degree in the U.K. can cost VND1.5 billion (US$57,180) to VND2 billion in total.BUV's MIBM, by comparison, is delivered in Vietnam over 12 months, allowing participants to continue their professional and personal commitments while studying.The program also connects students with business leaders and experts through BUV's network of more than 500 corporate partners.For Hop, practical application was an important part of the experience. Business visits are incorporated into BUV's master's programs to connect academic learning with business practice. Photo courtesy of BUV "My time studying for an MBA at BUV fully met my expectations. It broadened my strategic perspective and allowed me to apply what I learned directly to my work at Target, from financial analysis and operational decision-making to business planning and supply chain optimization," he said.He also said interactions with professionals from different generations and industries helped him keep pace with developments in artificial intelligence and innovation while gaining broader perspectives on working in an increasingly international business environment. Nguyen Xuan Hop (C) with his MBA classmates. Photo courtesy of BUV The MIBM program also includes international study opportunities and consulting projects in which students work on business challenges and apply academic knowledge in practice.These activities allow participants to apply what they learn to their existing roles rather than waiting until graduation.Delivered in Vietnam over 12 months, the program is designed for professionals seeking postgraduate education without stepping away from their careers for an extended period.For mid-career leaders, the value of a master's degree ultimately depends on whether the knowledge, capabilities, and professional relationships gained can create value throughout the next stage of their careers.See here for more information about the MSc International Business Management.