Choosing the perfect MBA - learn from someone who didnt

10 Steps to Choosing the Right MBA for You

All set to start a new life?

Before you jump to conclusions, let’s make it clear outright that this is not about your marriage plans.  It pertains to your life-impacting decision of choosing to pursue MBA which will play a major role in your career as well as your life afterwards.  For a satisfying, growing and rewarding career, it is essential to choose the MBA program wisely because this degree will not just trigger your occupation but will also propel you in the suitable direction you want for your career.

In order to enable the students to make a well-informed and better choice, we have decided to come up with reference information comprising of factors influencing the choice of the course or the relevant MBA.

Let’s learn more about this:

1.      Accreditation/Accreditation authority: the most vital thus necessary aspect is to examine the accreditation of the college/ school prior to taking the admission. No-one wishes to regret, after spending loads of money only to figure out, that the institute/college/university or the program doesn’t have the pre-requisite permission and certification hence it has zero relevance in the occupational industry. Therefore, a check for college/ school accreditation is a must.

2.     Location: with the advent of globalisation, MBA programs are available across the span of geographies and locations. One shall deeply analyse as to which area of the world and which sector they wish to be employed in and what are the placement statistics of the institute pertaining to the same.

3.     Admission Statistics: instead of feeling confused, it is recommended to put extra efforts to statistically determine the category in which your scores fall in the list of colleges. Look out for the last year’s merit list to have a clear idea.

4.     Program Offerings: Each B-School’s has a unique and differentiated curriculum. Some offer global internships, some emphasize on other key areas such as general management, technical skills. Spend some time to analyse your requirements Vs the curriculum offerings, prior to proceeding with the admission.

5.     Ranking

Figure out clearly as to what you essentially desire to do after getting out from a business school. It is important to know your program ranking to proceed with the admission. We are not talking about only the overall ranking but also where your school may rank in a particular area of study.

6.     Student Experience:  Nobody can depict a clearer picture of a program more than the previous students and alumni. Interact with the previous students to know more about a particular course, ask them about their experiences, knowledge enhancement, recruitment trends and details of the business school.  For the social media savvy generation that’s not a difficult task.

7.      Consider the Faculty:  A good faculty helps building in good leaders and managers. Learn more about the faculty members to set right the expectations on learning and guidance.

8.     Know the Culture: Different geographies lead to diversity in cultures. You shall efficiently research about the culture of your desired b-school before proceeding with your admission as this will help in adapting yourself to the new environment.

9.     Learning Model: Each b-school follows different learning protocols such as lectures, case-studies, reliance on guest speakers, field programs, guest projects and internships, to help in understanding different theories behind a program’s learning model. Find out which method works best for you and accordingly make your choice.

10.  Financial Aid: Financial aids such as scholarship, loan-assistance program and fellowship play a crucial role in selecting a program. Some b-schools offer financial assistance for business competitions or field based work during the school program. Dwell deep on your financial resources as well as constraints and keeping in mind the amount of scholarship offered Vs other factors detailed above, make a decision.

11.   Placement: last but definitely not the least, scrutinise the placement trends of the selected choices. Their placement statistics shall be available on respective websites/social media pages. The specialised education is of no good unless industry has been absorbing students from the program/module. Also understand that there are loads of compatriots venturing out at same time for limited number of jobs. One doesn’t wish to be lagged behind in the completion with other students who would carry the advantage of their institute doing the ground work for placing them. Hence placement trends and results shall play the most prominent part in your decision making.

We hope that this guide will help you with selecting a program as per your requirements and expectations, to help you with growth in your career.

Happy hunting