Discussing advanced degrees like an MBA (Master of Business Administration) requires specific vocabulary, whether for academic pursuits, career planning, or professional networking in Korea. This guide provides the essential Korean terms and phrases needed to talk about MBA programs, related concepts, and their significance in a Korean context.
Table Of Content
Core Term for MBA
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Expression: MBA (엠비에이)
Pronunciation: em-bi-e-i
Meaning: MBA (Master of Business Administration). This English acronym is commonly used and understood in Korean. -
Expression: 경영학 석사
Pronunciation: gyeong-yeong-hak seok-sa
Meaning: Master of Business Administration (The literal Korean translation: Business Studies Master’s Degree). While understood, ‘MBA (엠비에이)’ is often preferred in conversation.
Related Academic Terms
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Expression: 경영대학원
Pronunciation: gyeong-yeong-dae-hak-won
Meaning: Business School (Graduate level) -
Expression: 석사 학위
Pronunciation: seok-sa hak-wi
Meaning: Master’s degree -
Expression: 학사 학위
Pronunciation: hak-sa hak-wi
Meaning: Bachelor’s degree -
Expression: 박사 학위
Pronunciation: bak-sa hak-wi
Meaning: Doctoral degree (Ph.D.) -
Expression: 지원하다
Pronunciation: ji-won-ha-da
Meaning: To apply -
Expression: 입학하다
Pronunciation: ip-hak-ha-da
Meaning: To be admitted / To enter school -
Expression: 졸업하다
Pronunciation: jol-eop-ha-da
Meaning: To graduate -
Expression: 전공
Pronunciation: jeon-gong
Meaning: Major (field of study) -
Expression: 학비
Pronunciation: hak-bi
Meaning: Tuition fee -
Expression: 장학금
Pronunciation: jang-hak-geum
Meaning: Scholarship -
Expression: 교수님
Pronunciation: gyo-su-nim
Meaning: Professor -
Expression: 동기
Pronunciation: dong-gi
Meaning: Classmate (from the same entering year/batch)
Discussing MBA Programs
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Expression: MBA 과정에 관심이 있어요.
Pronunciation: em-bi-e-i gwa-jeong-e gwan-sim-i i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I’m interested in an MBA program. -
Expression: 어느 학교 MBA가 유명해요?
Pronunciation: eo-neu hak-gyo em-bi-e-i-ga yu-myeong-hae-yo?
Meaning: Which school’s MBA program is famous/renowned? -
Expression: MBA를 따면 커리어에 도움이 될까요?
Pronunciation: em-bi-e-i-reul tta-myeon keo-ri-eo-e do-um-i doel-kka-yo?
Meaning: Will getting an MBA help my career? -
Expression: MBA 지원 요건이 어떻게 되나요?
Pronunciation: em-bi-e-i ji-won yo-geon-i eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo?
Meaning: What are the application requirements for the MBA program? -
Expression: 저는 재무 쪽으로 MBA를 하고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: jeo-neun jae-mu jjok-eu-ro em-bi-e-i-reul ha-go si-peo-yo.
Meaning: I want to pursue an MBA specializing in finance. -
Expression: MBA 동기들과 네트워킹하는 것이 중요해요.
Pronunciation: em-bi-e-i dong-gi-deul-gwa ne-teu-wo-king-ha-neun geo-si jung-yo-hae-yo.
Meaning: Networking with MBA classmates is important. -
Expression: MBA 학비가 꽤 비싸네요.
Pronunciation: em-bi-e-i hak-bi-ga kkwae bi-ssa-ne-yo.
Meaning: The MBA tuition fee is quite expensive. -
Expression: 직장 경력이 MBA 입학에 도움이 돼요.
Pronunciation: jik-jang gyeong-ryeok-i em-bi-e-i ip-hak-e do-um-i dwae-yo.
Meaning: Work experience helps with MBA admission. -
Expression: 해외 MBA를 생각 중이에요.
Pronunciation: hae-oe em-bi-e-i-reul saeng-gak jung-i-e-yo.
Meaning: I’m considering an MBA abroad. -
Expression: MBA 졸업 후에 연봉이 오를까요?
Pronunciation: em-bi-e-i jol-eop hu-e yeon-bong-i o-reul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Will my salary increase after graduating with an MBA? -
Expression: 어떤 MBA 프로그램을 추천하시나요?
Pronunciation: eo-tteon em-bi-e-i peu-ro-geu-raem-eul chu-cheon-ha-si-na-yo?
Meaning: Which MBA program do you recommend? -
Expression: 풀타임 MBA와 파트타임 MBA 중에 고민 중이에요.
Pronunciation: pul-ta-im em-bi-e-i-wa pa-teu-ta-im em-bi-e-i jung-e go-min jung-i-e-yo.
Meaning: I’m deciding between a full-time MBA and a part-time MBA.
Professional Context Phrases
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Expression: 이력서에 MBA 학위를 기재했습니다.
Pronunciation: i-ryeok-seo-e em-bi-e-i hak-wi-reul gi-jae-haet-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I listed my MBA degree on my resume. -
Expression: 저는 [대학교 이름]에서 MBA를 취득했습니다.
Pronunciation: jeo-neun [dae-hak-gyo i-reum]-e-seo em-bi-e-i-reul chwi-deuk-haet-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I obtained my MBA from [University Name]. -
Expression: 면접에서 MBA 경험에 대해 질문받았어요.
Pronunciation: myeon-jeop-e-seo em-bi-e-i gyeong-heom-e dae-hae jil-mun-ba-da-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I was asked about my MBA experience during the interview. -
Expression: MBA를 통해 경영 능력을 향상시켰습니다.
Pronunciation: em-bi-e-i-reul tong-hae gyeong-yeong neung-ryeok-eul hyang-sang-si-kyeot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I improved my management skills through the MBA program. -
Expression: 저희 팀장은 MBA 출신입니다.
Pronunciation: jeo-hui tim-jang-eun em-bi-e-i chul-sin-im-ni-da.
Meaning: Our team leader is an MBA graduate. -
Expression: MBA 인맥이 사업에 도움이 됩니다.
Pronunciation: em-bi-e-i in-maek-i sa-eop-e do-um-i doem-ni-da.
Meaning: My MBA network is helpful for business. -
Expression: MBA 학위가 승진에 유리한가요?
Pronunciation: em-bi-e-i hak-wi-ga seung-jin-e yu-ri-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is an MBA degree advantageous for promotion? -
Expression: MBA 취득 후 이직을 고려하고 있습니다.
Pronunciation: em-bi-e-i chwi-deuk hu i-jik-eul go-ryeo-ha-go it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I am considering changing jobs after obtaining my MBA. -
Expression: 제 명함에 MBA라고 적혀 있습니다.
Pronunciation: je myeong-ham-e em-bi-e-i-ra-go jeok-hyeo it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: It says MBA on my business card. -
Expression: MBA 과정에서 배운 이론을 실무에 적용하고 있습니다.
Pronunciation: em-bi-e-i gwa-jeong-e-seo bae-un i-ron-eul sil-mu-e jeok-yong-ha-go it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I am applying the theories learned in the MBA program to practical work. -
Expression: 컨설팅 업계에서는 MBA를 선호하는 편입니다.
Pronunciation: keon-seol-ting eop-gye-e-seo-neun em-bi-e-i-reul seon-ho-ha-neun pyeon-im-ni-da.
Meaning: The consulting industry tends to prefer MBA holders. -
Expression: MBA 동문회에 참석할 예정입니다.
Pronunciation: em-bi-e-i dong-mun-hoe-e cham-seok-hal ye-jeong-im-ni-da.
Meaning: I plan to attend the MBA alumni meeting.
Korean Culture Notes
Prestige and Recognition: In Korea, an MBA, especially from a top domestic or renowned international university, carries significant prestige. It’s often seen as a pathway to higher management positions and increased salary potential, particularly in large corporations (대기업 – dae-gi-eop).
Importance of School Reputation: The reputation of the university granting the MBA (학교 간판 – hak-gyo gan-pan, literally ‘school signboard’) is highly valued. Graduates from top-tier universities often benefit from stronger alumni networks and perceived higher competence.
Networking (인맥 – Inmaek): The connections made during an MBA program are considered extremely valuable in Korean business culture. The ‘inmaek’ (human network) built with classmates (동기 – dong-gi) and professors (교수님 – gyo-su-nim) can be crucial for career advancement and business opportunities.
Full-time vs. Part-time/Executive MBA: While full-time MBAs are common, Executive MBA (EMBA) programs tailored for experienced managers are also popular, allowing professionals to study while continuing their careers. The choice often depends on career stage and company support.
Focus on Practical Application: While theoretical knowledge is important, there’s a strong emphasis on how MBA learning can be practically applied to solve real-world business problems within the Korean market context.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: Two colleagues, Minjun and Sora, are discussing future career development during a coffee break.
Roles:
* A: Minjun (민준) – Considering pursuing an MBA.
* B: Sora (소라) – Has knowledge about MBA programs.
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Expression: A: 소라 씨, 요즘 커리어 때문에 고민이 많아요. MBA 과정을 한번 알아볼까 생각 중이에요.
Pronunciation: so-ra ssi, yo-jeum keo-ri-eo ttae-mun-e go-min-i ma-na-yo. em-bi-e-i gwa-jeong-eul han-beon a-ra-bol-kka saeng-gak jung-i-e-yo.
Meaning: Sora, I’ve been thinking a lot about my career lately. I’m considering looking into an MBA program. -
Expression: B: 아, MBA요? 좋은 생각인데요! 경영 능력을 키우는 데 도움이 많이 될 거예요. 혹시 어느 학교 생각하고 있어요?
Pronunciation: a, em-bi-e-i-yo? jo-eun saeng-gak-in-de-yo! gyeong-yeong neung-ryeok-eul ki-u-neun de do-um-i ma-ni doel geo-ye-yo. hok-si eo-neu hak-gyo saeng-gak-ha-go i-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Oh, an MBA? That’s a good idea! It will be very helpful for developing management skills. Are you thinking about any particular school? -
Expression: A: 아직 구체적으로 정하진 않았어요. 국내 MBA랑 해외 MBA 중에 고민 중인데, 학비도 만만치 않더라고요.
Pronunciation: a-jik gu-che-jeok-eu-ro jeong-ha-jin a-na-sseo-yo. guk-nae em-bi-e-i-rang hae-oe em-bi-e-i jung-e go-min jung-in-de, hak-bi-do man-man-chi an-deo-ra-go-yo.
Meaning: I haven’t decided specifically yet. I’m debating between a domestic MBA and an international one, but the tuition fees are quite substantial. -
Expression: B: 맞아요. 학비가 부담되긴 하죠. 그래도 장학금 기회도 있고, MBA를 따면 장기적으로 커리어에 큰 투자가 될 수 있어요. 특히 네트워킹 기회가 정말 중요하거든요.
Pronunciation: ma-ja-yo. hak-bi-ga bu-dam-doe-gin ha-jyo. geu-rae-do jang-hak-geum gi-hoe-do it-go, em-bi-e-i-reul tta-myeon jang-gi-jeok-eu-ro keo-ri-eo-e keun tu-ja-ga doel su i-sseo-yo. teuk-hi ne-teu-wo-king gi-hoe-ga jeong-mal jung-yo-ha-geo-deun-yo.
Meaning: That’s right. The tuition can be a burden. But there are scholarship opportunities, and getting an MBA can be a big long-term investment in your career. The networking opportunities, especially, are really important. -
Expression: A: 네, 저도 그 점 때문에 MBA에 더 관심이 가요. MBA 동기들이나 동문회 활동이 나중에 큰 도움이 될 것 같아요.
Pronunciation: ne, jeo-do geu jeom ttae-mun-e em-bi-e-i-e deo gwan-sim-i ga-yo. em-bi-e-i dong-gi-deul-i-na dong-mun-hoe hwal-dong-i na-jung-e keun do-um-i doel geot ga-ta-yo.
Meaning: Yes, that’s also why I’m more interested in an MBA. I think the classmates and alumni activities will be very helpful later on. -
Expression: B: 그럼요. 혹시 지원하게 되면 알려주세요. 저도 아는 정보 있으면 공유해 드릴게요!
Pronunciation: geu-reom-yo. hok-si ji-won-ha-ge doe-myeon al-lyeo-ju-se-yo. jeo-do a-neun jeong-bo i-sseu-myeon gong-yu-hae deu-ril-ge-yo!
Meaning: Of course. Let me know if you decide to apply. If I have any information, I’ll share it with you!
Practice Tips
Talking about specialized topics like MBA programs takes practice! Try researching famous Korean business schools (경영대학원 – gyeong-yeong-dae-hak-won) online and reading about their programs in Korean~. You can also practice discussing your career goals and how an MBA might fit in, using the phrases learned today. If you know anyone who has pursued an MBA, try discussing their experience using these expressions. 화이팅 (hwa-i-ting – You can do it)!
