A recently-released GMAC Corporate Recruiters Survey shows that 9 out of 10 recruiters prefer hiring MBA graduates for important positions in their companies. So, attending business school and getting an MBA can help you climb the ladder of success in the business industry. However, you must carefully shortlist an MBA programme to get the most benefit out of your education. Use the below-mentioned factors to determine which MBA programme’s the best option for your career advancement goals.

  1. Location

Many students prefer studying at a business school located within their state so they don’t have to spend a lot of money on relocation. However, another more popular option among students is online education. Distance learning has made it easier for business administration enthusiasts to improve their learning remotely. So, you should consider pursuing your MBA online in today’s tech-savvy world.

  1. Concentration

Which aspect of running a business do you find more interesting? Carefully choose your online MBA concentration and decide which subject you wish to specialise in for your career. For instance, some students prefer doing an MBA in finance, while others lean toward analytics; some seem to be more interested in entrepreneurship, while others want to learn about strategic management.

However, many students pursue a general MBA to improve their managerial and leadership capabilities. General programmes take between 14 to 16 months to complete online and cover all the fundamentals of business administration.

  1. Accreditation

You don’t want to pursue an MBA only to realise that business school wasn’t accredited. Students shouldn’t undervalue their learning by applying to non-accredited academic institutes. It is important to include only AACSB-accredited schools in your final list to ensure your degree isn’t questionable.

Institutes such as AACSB rank different business schools based on their quality of education. So, they only add schools with the most excellent MBA programmes. In other words, AACSB has shortlisted your best-available options already!

  1. Eligibility

Compare the eligibility criteria for each business college and evaluate their admission procedure. A student may need to choose a college where GMAT waivers are available. Similarly, some programmes require students to pass other entrance examinations, e.g., SNAP, ATMA, and N-MAT. So, shortlist all the schools where you’re eligible based on your current academic progress.

  1. Ranking

A high-ranking MBA programme will be more valuable on your resume than a poorly-rated one. For this reason, you should read the US News & World Report (2021): The Best Regional Universities North to learn about your location’s best-ranked MBA courses. These rankings are based on different factors, e.g., the annual average pass rate and the degree value issued by these business schools.

  1. Fee structure

Make sure you’re shortlisting business schools based on their affordability. Online programmes can be much more cost-effective than traditional on-campus ones as you don’t have to spend much on accommodation or commuting. However, many business schools offer financial aid to deserving students. So, search for the most cost-effective academic institutes in your locality.

  1. Employability

What are your chances of job placement after getting the MBA degree? Many colleges claim their students always land a job after finishing their education. However, you must ensure these claims have merit while shortlisting an MBA programme. Generally speaking, the demand for qualified MBA graduates has declined, and many employers are still recruiting them. A survey shows that 69% of MBA students have different companies poaching them, and others have received job offers a few months after graduating. But some business colleges make students more employable than others, so always place these colleges at the top of your list.

  1. Websites

Don’t forget to visit the websites of different business schools to learn more about the courses they’re offering. For example, after surfing a website, you can learn the following things about their MBA programmes:

  • Credit hours
  • Accreditation
  • Is it online or offline?
  • When does the class start?
  • How much does the tuition cost?
  • How long will the MBA programme last?
  • The deadline for submitting your application

You should also read online reviews about all the MBA programmes you’re considering and then shortlist the ones with the most positive testimonials. Ask around on Twitter and Reddit to see what some former or current students say about these business schools.

  1. Alumni

What do that business school’s alumni have to say about it and the education it provides? The school’s reputation matters and you should verify it before enrolling. So, contact its alumni and inquire about their experiences with that business school. Students who’ve graduated can share a lot of valuable insights with you as well and help you make your decision. You often read positive reviews online, but then meet an ex-student who has a very different story to tell. So, don’t take any risks and verify a business school’s reputation.

  1. Faculty

What sort of teachers would you encounter during your MBA programme? You must become familiar with the faculty and determine whether these professors are qualified enough to teach in a business school. You don’t want to sign-up for a course where teachers aren’t good enough or even available to answer your academic discussions.

Helpful teachers can advance your education and share their relevant insights with you about business administration. Also, don’t forget to check the teacher-to-student ratio. It’s vital to apply only to a place where students can easily interact with the instructor without overwhelming them with the sheer number.

Conclusion

Choosing the right MBA programme can increase your employability and make you the perfect candidate in the eyes of modern-day employers. But how can you increase your chances of landing your dream job after an MBA? It all boils down to choosing the right program for yourself. Compare different courses and shortlist the best business school as per your requirements. These factors include the location of the business school, its reputation, its accreditation, its faculty, and what its outstanding alumni say. But, most importantly, choose the right MBA concentration to advance your business career. Following these tips can make shortlisting your options much easier.