December 19 Students pursuing MBAs that come in all shapes and sizes (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

A couple of years ago, Lucy Meidinger was at a crossroads.

The Mechanicsville mother of two wanted to advance in her career but knew she needed to improve her skill sets in order to do that.

So Meidinger joined the growing ranks of business professionals who are now working toward their MBAs.

"You need an MBA to distinguish yourself," said Meidinger, who was a financial analyst at a convenience store chain.

The advent of new technologies and businesses going global coupled with the economic downturn of the past few years, a graduate degree in business is becoming increasingly necessary for those looking for work or to get ahead, said Richard Coughlan, senior associate dean and head of the MBA program at the University of Richmond.