Studying for an MBA requires a high investment of time, money and energy, so it is crucial to ensure your choice of programme and business school meets your needs.

Choose the right MBA Program

1. Student and alumni network
Look at the profile of students in terms of professional experience, cultural background and gender, as classmates can also contribute to your learning and form part of your network.

2. Academic community
Discover more about the diversity and calibre of the faculty, plus their expertise and achievements. Ask whether they are practitioners who can give you in-depth knowledge of a company or industry.

3. Location and costs
If you intend to study overseas, work out whether the cost of living is manageable. Consider whether you enjoy the bustle of a city or prefer to study somewhere with fewer distractions.

Large cities are often home to a range of companies, which means access is easier to business leaders and venture capitalists.

4. Global experience

Employers often seek international experience and there are plenty of options to broaden your horizons.

Studying and undertaking internships abroad can improve your understanding of job markets.

5. Partner- and family-friendly schools

If you are bringing a partner or family with you during your MBA, investigate what services are available for them.

6. Reputation

There are various ways to assess a school’s reputation. One is to check whether it is accredited by an internationally recognised body such as the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) or Equis (European Quality Improvement System), the international accreditation arm of the European Foundation for Management Development.

7. Programme format
Among the many options are general and specialised courses, one- and two-year MBA programmes and joint degrees.

8. Careers

Check out the school’s employment record and see what sort of jobs, sectors and countries graduates go to.

Investigate the reputation of the careers service and the support available, such as one-to-one career coaching, and whether this is also open to alumni in the long term.