Are you thinking about studying MBA and do not know where to start? Especially if it has been quite a long time since you completed your previous studies, you should carefully think it through. CareerBuilder.com advises what to consider:
1. Will it help you in your career?
First of all, you should know why you want to study MBA and what future benefits it should bring. Also, consider whether the time and money you will invest in this demanding studies will return to you in higher wages.
2. Are you ready to go back to school?
Note that you will not be a full-time student any more. You have a job and probably also a family and other regular activities. MBA requires a lot of reading, writing, preparing presentations and various team tasks. Keep in mind that it will be much more demanding than to attend a weekend course one over a time.
3. Do you know the available offer of study programs?
The first criterion for choosing a specific study program should be your time options. Evaluate whether you can attend the school in a fixed schedule, or you need a more flexible program. There are many possibilities now - from the traditional two-year programs, through fast tracks to online programs. Find out whether you will some free time to study at work, too.
4. Do you have time to prepare?
After you know the goal of your study and what program suits you best, you will have to examine acceptance criteria. Inform yourself at the preselected schools what needs to be met for you to be accepted. In addition to the admission test, you will probably have to submit letters of recommendation, write an essay to show the level of your writing or pass a personal interview. To some schools, you can be admitted without entrance examination.
5. What priorities should you use to choose a school?
Consider in particular the following four factors:
Career options - Can you get a job with an employer for whom you would like to work thanks to the school? Will you get the opportunity to meet with local enterpreneurs?
Schedule - Is the study program organized in a manner that suits you for learning?
Extracurricular activities - Are there clubs and collective events at the school? Can you engage in your non-work interests, too?
Personal preferences - Do you prefer a smaller school to a bigger one? How far should the school be from your home?
-Kk-