Probably the most difficult part of pursuing an MBA is looking for an appropriate school and choosing subjects for the same. Anyone and everyone looking to get an MBA degree, wants nothing but the best, and rightfully so.
MBA programs are expected to enhance and encourage holistic development for leading entrepreneurs, paving the way for new roads and ideas, and are generally one of the last study related steps towards the career building process of a person.
One simply cannot afford to not look for the best MBA they can possibly opt far. However, by best, we do not only refer to the elite, A list MBA schools, rather we are emphasizing on the best business school that is SUITED to you.
Such MBA schools cannot be found in a day and rest assured you will spend more time searching about the same on the Internet than you actually spend studying, but that is okay, because what you are looking for here is the absolute best and nothing less.
The entire process of looking for the appropriate MBA, the pressure of your career prospects and the eagerness to start over with it can be pretty daunting, we know. Hereâs a list of the most basic, yet most important points you must consider while searching for a business school:
1.Your Career
As you may have noticed, this is not only on the top of your list, but it is at the top of ours too. The entire purpose of you pursuing an MBA is to enhance your career, so make sure the two go hand in hand.
Choose an MBA program which is relevant to your future career choices.
2.Subjects you Choose
One you have decided on your future career, look for a business school which offers MBA programs with subjects which will help you. It is also advisable you look for a program which offers specialization.
This is especially important because this is where the variations per person start coming up. Some may be looking for a career in marketing, whereas another person wants to start a business of his own.
Obviously, there has two be some difference in the studies for these two and thus the subjects they choose. The latter may opt for subjects related to entrepreneurship, whereas the first need not.
Different business schools are well known for different specializations or subjects. In these cases, you may find a not-so-well known business school better suited for you than an elite one.
There are several rankings which give detailed information on the strong subjects, special fields of every business school.
For e.g, Monash University in Australia is ranked #1 in the world in terms of personal development.
3. Ranking and Accreditation
While we have already emphasized that you must not only be on the lookout for A lsit business schools, it is important that a business school has averagely good ratings.
As we have already mentioned before, rankings can also be done according to specific courses or fields which may help you make a choice according to what suits you best.
Another very important aspect is to make sure your prospective business school is well accredited, accepted and valid. Do thorough research on the official website about the accreditations of the business school. Do not fall prey to fake hi-fi degrees or diplomas, certificates offered.
After all, you donât want to end up with an invalid degree just because of some negligence on your part.
3.Alumni and Networking
It is always a good idea to search for the alumni of the business school and their positions today. It is good to see ex-alumni of a business school doing well. If you do know someone, then it is the best situation because you can get direct on what to expect, the pros and cons without biased advertisement.
If you do not know anyone, you can always visit the business school, read the reviews on the Internet, etc. Remember it is important to be well informed.
While visiting the business school or meeting the alumni, make sure you analyze the kind of students the business school attracts, as well as the number.
Since you are know going to venture into a world of business, having and making contacts is the most essential tool which you can begin in your business school itself.
If your business school offers various courses and specializations, all the more better since you will get an opportunity to interact and learn from people of all fields.
4.Faculty
The secret mantra to any school is its teachers, and business schools are no different. The faculty of a business school must be distinguished, experienced and knowledgeable.
Many business schools also have guest faculty and guest lectures given by respected businessmen around the world.
Search for such a business schools which give its students the experience and insight into the lives, careers and stories of great, successful people.
5.Freedom and Flexibility
Another important factor to consider, especially if you an already working student, is the flexibility of the business school you are looking at. Some business schools are aimed towards working alumni, and are thus more flexible, whereas others believe in full dedication and commitment from the alumni and even require them to live on campus.
Such business schools are not suited for students with prior work commitments and thus must opt for more flexible schools.
The freedom of a school is determined by the amount of restriction the government of that country or any other organization places on it. In these cases, business schools are unable to offer the appropriate space to allow free flow of ideas, creativity and innovation. It is advisable to avoid such schools at all costs.
6.Employment Records and Placements( if any)
Many elite, A list business schools help their alumni in getting jobs and are responsible for the placements of many top placed professionals. Do look at the history of employment, placements of the business school since it will give you a direct insight into your future career prospects.
7.Read , Research and Reconsider
Follow these three Râs diligently. Keep on reading, searching for information on the Internet, magazines, MBA blogs, ranking websites, etc and do not make a decision very soon. Very careful consider and reconsider the options before you, then and only then you should feel equipped to make a final decision.
8.Location and Fees
Last but not the least; consider the location and the fee structure of the business school. Make sure the school is not located away from the city and the fee is not unnecessarily high.
With a clear mind and some vigorous research, you will definitely reach your destination.
Once you have checked with all the points, we hope you have a clear mind on what you are looking for, or better still, found the business school which you are looking for !