Which MBA Program is Right for Me? The Ultimate Guide to Choosing an MBA Program
You will save time, money, and effort in the long run by selecting a business school with resolve and deliberateness. You'll track how much energy is used for the programs' basic minimum tasks. You can also devote time to planning visits to b-schools (whenever the situation allows).
Find
Find out about different b-schools' unique business degrees. Participate in one of their many webinars. Examine MBA students'/alumni's blogs, and news feeds on various social media platforms, not only from b-schools you're already interested in but from a wide range of institutions — the subject and tone of such blog postings will give you a rough notion of different programs and your reactions to them.
Think about
Analyze the different projects, determine the costs, and calculate the ROI. It adapts to top-tier business schools, industry, and, shockingly, your post-MBA field of job. Think about professors. Extracurricular activities, brand, setting, ambiance, and recruiting firms are all things to think about.
Apply
Apply to b-schools that match your interests, where firms of your choice visit, have a solid ROI and offer courses that you want.
Types of Programs:
MBA programs can be divided into four groups. The best option for you will most likely be determined by your degree of expertise, clarity on recruitment requirements, and willingness to take time off from full-time employment.
Brief Description
#1: Full-time MBA
A standard two-year full-time curriculum lasts two years. Consider it a full-time, all-consuming commitment, similar to a typical master's or a shortened version of an undergraduate degree.
Full immersion
Best networking chances with peers
Best placement support for your next career at top institutions
The most expensive option when you factor in lost pay
It's not the best fit for more senior people
#2: Part-time MBA
Classes for part-time programs are usually held once a week, on or off-campus, in the evenings, or on weekends. A Part-Time MBA usually takes more than two years to complete, and most students work full-time while studying.
There will be no loss of income because you can complete this program while working full-time.
No gap in job experience! While you study, continue to learn on the job.
You'll be tired these next several years while studying hard and working full-time if you can't relocate for school and don't want to forfeit wages for two years.
Attending programs outside your geographic area is difficult (monthly commutes are difficult); thus, your alternatives will be limited.
#3: Executive MBA
Executive programs are ideal for business professionals with past business experience and ten or more years in the workforce who want to develop in their current position. For executives already working full-time, this program is created for them.
A robust executive network and excellent training for those who are already in positions of leadership
Exorbitant fees The most expensive programs are executive programs.
There isn't as much help with job placement after an MBA, so it's not ideal for career changers.
Effortless: get back to generating money as soon as possible!
You won't be able to do an internship this summer, so you'll have to quickly get a job after graduation!
#4: Dual Degrees: MBA + ??
A dual program lasts three to four years and allows students to pursue an MBA and another graduate degree simultaneously.
Increased networking possibilities
Develop subject matter knowledge in a field other than business (legal, medicine, public health, public policy, etc.) to prepare for specific career objectives in these sectors.
You can also lose the cohort experience because you won't usually complete your full-time MBA in the same timeframe as the class you started with.
MBA Deferred Admissions
Current college seniors and graduate students can apply to business school on a deferred basis (apply now, go later!) through a Deferred MBA Admissions program.
Secure your MBA admissions when still a senior in college, then begin your MBA after gaining some job experience.
Allows you to pursue an unconventional career route, such as creating your own business or working in the public or charity sectors.
Your acceptance is contingent on you gaining at least two years of work experience before starting your MBA program.
High-potential applications are given priority, with some consideration given to persons on professional trajectories that aren't standard b-school feeder tracks.