There are many things business professionals can learn in MBA programs outside of classroom knowledge. Whether it be people skills, the ability to work in a team or a negotiating prowess, it's important to look for takeaways that can turn into lifelong skills while earning a business degree.

Rohit Bhargava, senior vice president at Ogilvy, told BusinessNewsDaily*, people like doing business with those that they like, which is why it is becoming increasingly important to likable.

In his book, "Likeonomics: The Unexpected Truth Behind Earning Trust, Influencing Behavior, and Inspiring," Bhargava explains to business professionals how to be likable, and why it is so important in the business world.

"There is a perception of likability as a fundamental fact, but what I found is that being likable and building trust and believability comes down to doing a very specific set of things very well," Bhargava told the website. "For me, it meant five things - being truthful, being relevant, being unselfish, simplicity and having the right timing."

People skills can also be something that business professionals can work to improve upon. According to AllBusiness.com**, becoming more well-liked in the office can be as simple as having an upbeat attitude, demonstrating a passion for work and showing compassion for other staff members.

*http://smallbusiness.foxbusiness.com/legal-hr/2012/08/08/likeonomics-reveals-why-nice-guys-dont-have-to-finnish-last/

**http://www.allbusiness.com/improve-interpersonal-skills/15606969-4.html#axzz22zE0SwVT