In this competitive landscape, it's hard to know how to better your CV against a myriad of other sharp, business-savvy others. You have the degree, perhaps some IT training or vocational skill, and even actual experience in your preferred industry. But getting that edge that will impress future employees and elevate you to the more senior roles needs some honing; a robust environment to make new contacts, be trained in those disciplines and invaluable industry skills that make you more attractive to an employer.

An MBA is a useful step. It is a postgraduate qualification - a Masters in Business Administration – which utilises a student's pre-gained trade and industry skill. A student is expected to have earned some training within a job an in the industry already, so that they aren't walking into the MBA lacking in practical knowledge. It's a popular route for business students in America, who use it to get a leg-up on Wall Street for both internships and paid work; appealing to the employer looking for bright business minds to run their teams.

In fact, across the pond, despite the dramatic implications of the credit crunch, MBA graduates are heading to Wall Street with as much vigour as they ever were. Recent reports showed that a number of graduates went on to accept jobs from banks, firms and brokers. Certainly, their MBAs - nipped in the bud just prior to the promise of financial doom - paid off, and thousands of MBA graduates flocked  to Wall Street to enter into their dream high-profile job.

Even with the economy looking to go through a dragging-phase; the MBA qualification remains a productive and fruitful asset to have in any competitive market. The MBA course in the UK, at Ashridge has been voted as a high ranking choice; although there are many to pick and choose from. Remember though, that MBA courses usually require you to already have an undergraduate degree and encourage a few years work experience too. Therefore, expect students to be at least 25, already fixed up with a BA, and a whole lot of hunger to succeed.