From Networking To ROI: How A Dual Degree Can Increase The Value Of Your MBA

Embarking on an MBA is, for many, a major commitment. It requires dedication, a strong work ethic, and spending time out of employment—that’s why students seek out opportunities within their program that will help them maximize their value and make the most of their time at business school.

One particular way to boost your return on investment (ROI) is by pursuing a dual degree. This path offers the unique advantage of studying at two business schools, often in two different countries.

So, what are the real benefits of a dual degree? How can it enhance the value of your studies? And how might it open new doors for your career?

We spoke with international dual degree students from Nanyang Technological University’s Nanyang Business School (NBS) in Singapore to find out.

The benefits of a dual degree

A global network that opens doors

Studying across two different countries can be exciting, offering the chance to travel the world and step outside your comfort zone. However, it can also be a highly practical decision when it comes to career growth. By expanding your horizons, you’ll gain a larger network of individuals from across the globe. 

For Johannes Schaedler (pictured), who studied a dual degree comprising an MBA with NBS and a management master's degree at the University of St Gallen in Zurich, Switzerland, this is something he has come to appreciate since graduating. 

“I have contacts all over the place, which is great. In fact, I recently met up with two friends in Shanghai from my MBA program, as well as in Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur,” he explains. 

Developing these connections can even influence the trajectory of your career. For Zhe Zhao, who studied for his MBA at NBS alongside a master’s from ESSEC Business School in Cergy, France, this was certainly the case.

“Studying at two highly international business schools in different locations, I’ve built a global network that has generated genuine, tangible opportunities for me.

“For instance, as the vice president (VP) of the Business Club at Nanyang, I invited leaders from different global organizations to host seminars. I received referrals through this, which opened up employment opportunities around the world,” he says.

Since graduating from the program Zhao has embarked on a career in sales and customer relations, currently working in Greece as a business development manager for renewable energy equipment firm, Goldwind. 

Business insights across borders

For any international company conducting business across borders, it is vital to employ individuals who understand different market dynamics. Doing so minimizes risk, improves decision-making, and provides a competitive edge by allowing firms to anticipate trends.

With a dual degree, students can expect to develop a more wide-reaching business acumen, gaining first-hand insight into how businesses operate within multiple locations of study.

“With a focus on two geographic regions—Europe and Asia—I gained an understanding of how companies need to tailor their strategies differently to meet these markets. It's a valuable asset in the world of business," says Zhe (pictured).

“It also allowed me to explore different fields. France focused on the financial sectors, while NBS centered on the tech, engineering, and manufacturing sectors. This gave me the chance to explore and build a vast, transferable skill set.”

Equipped with international insights into the business world, students can also expect to broaden their regions of employment, making themselves desirable candidates for roles across the globe.

“It gives you more choice where you want to work in the future. For example, studying in Switzerland opened up opportunities in Europe, while Singapore opened up opportunities in Asia,” says Johannes. 

Cultural awareness that sets you apart 

Completing a dual degree exposes you to new environments, broadening your perspective as you navigate the  experience.

Dual degree students learn how to adapt to different cultures and understand what makes each country’s business environment unique. Zhe emphasizes the importance of this cultural exposure in fostering strong business relationships.

“My dual degree allowed me to adopt cross-cultural communication tactics, learning first-hand how I should communicate differently with people in the business world based on their cultural background,” he says. 

Being culturally aware is also a highly desirable skill among employers, as it helps mitigate any risk of misunderstandings, builds trust with clients, and expands potential for operating in new areas. 

Johannes is currently working in Thailand having remained in Singapore after graduation in 2023 and taking on a consulting role with Oliver Wyman. He feels that the dual degree gave him an insight into how people from different cultures communicate, which helped him learn how to adjust his language effectively. 

“I feel like the experience has shaped me to be more alert to how people do things,” he says. 

An enriched social life 

Completing a dual degree can enrich your social life. You’ll find yourself connecting with students from all walks of life, bonded by your decision to venture abroad in the pursuit of becoming a leader of tomorrow. 

“On the social side, I really enjoyed getting to know more about my classmates and exploring the city with them. It was truly unforgettable,” says Zhe.

To foster a sense of community and help students develop essential interpersonal skills, the MBA curriculum at Nanyang includes various team-based activities, such as the Strategy Project capstone module, where students work in groups to address real-world opportunities and challenges from an industry sponsor.

“Some of my close friendships I built during my Strategy Project at Nanyang. It was an incredibly meaningful learning experience, and we’re still in touch today, helping one another navigate life post-graduation,” says Johannes.

“It’s two amazing experiences for the price of one,” summarizes Johannes, a sentiment that captures how a dual-degree can increase the value of your MBA: expanded global exposure, vast professional networks, greater cultural awareness, and an enriched social life.