What is the perceived importance of these skills?

For these mid-career students, career advancement and progression was expressed in terms of both upward opportunities within the same organization and lateral opportunities in other fields or industries. The portability of the degree was thus acknowledged as a valuable career asset.

MBA programs targeting mid-career students should keep in mind that for this segment, the degree is an asset in career development. Consequently, MBA program administrators may want to consider how the career development needs of their mid-career student population are supported and emphasize to potential students the resources available for assistance with career development.