Whether you choose a full-time or part-time MBA program, they each present their own advantages and drawbacks. As with any program, however, there are certain areas we must pay close attention to in order to help us both understand the program and evaluate which one best aligns with our needs.
In doing so, we must aim to stay open-minded and navigate the process with an end goal in mind. Step one then begins with identifying a program and getting accepted. Let’s take into consideration some ways we can best identify such a program.
Connections & Culture
Use LinkedIn as a tool to connect with other students and alumni to learn about their experiences before starting your program. You can use LinkedIn to also gauge the student culture and dynamics.
This culture goes hand and hand with the community. It’s important that you immerse yourself in a community geared towards your future. You should seek to find a community full of like-minded individuals that you can grow with and learn from.
Courses
Examine the courses offered through the program and see what kind of professors are responsible for teaching and overseeing these courses. Seek out professors that are quite esteemed in their respective fields.
Outcomes
Evaluate the outcomes of the program including median salary, job prospects, and feasibility. Analyze and seek to understand what other students are doing and what they’ve been able to similarly achieve through the program. If other students are successful, this may be an indicator that the school is “equipping students with the tools” they need to be successful in their career aspirations.
In evaluating outcomes, review the school’s employment reports. Note that a school with an employment report that doesn’t reflect fantastically or doesn’t reflect that which the school wants to reflect is a cause for concern. Take this into consideration when identifying and prioritizing programs.
Final Thoughts
What matters at the end of the day from your MBA are the connections made and the people you grow and become more successful and wiser with. Whatever your motivations and evaluation factors are, they will ultimately lead to your success within any program.
No matter what we must remember that school is not one-sided, it’s a mutually beneficial relationship. While an MBA program is intended for you to further your education, schools also want to evaluate you to determine what value they will also bring to their community.
Are you ready to take that next step and apply for an MBA program?
