If you have a degree and working experience but are now looking to further your studies and career opportunities, studying a Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a great way to do this. However, if you are unsure of which MBA programme to choose, here are some tips that may make it easier.
The MBA Tour suggests a few factors to take into consideration when choosing the best suited MBA programme for you.
How To Choose An MBA Programme
Envision your future
Before even deciding to apply to an MBA programme, students are considering where they want to end up once they have completed their qualification.
Picturing where you want your career to be in the future can make it much easier to narrow down the right business school for you. There are a few factors you can think about, such as your ideal salary, if you would like to become a business owner, or if you would like to study or work overseas.
Instead of viewing an MBA as an end goal, you can rather view it as a tool to help you reach your desirable career goal.
Once you have determined your answers, you can begin to do some research to find the most suitable programme for you.
Be realistic
It's important to consider the type of programme that best fits your timeline. There are many different options to choose from when deciding how much time you are willing to commit to your studies. If you have enough time, you can enrol in a two-year MBA programme, or if your time is more limited, there are one-year programme options.
By being realistic about what you can achieve and how much time you have to study, you will be able to avoid any unnecessary disappointments during the course. For example, if you have a job, the two-year option may be best suited for you, as you will have more time to balance your job and studies, and the one-year programme may lead to you feeling overwhelmed.
Location
Although often overlooked by students, the location of where you earn your MBA can impact your personal and professional life in ways that can affect how you achieve your career goals.
Whether you want to move to a location that is in the heart of the industry you're interested in or where the possibility of employment is higher, you will need to consider where the best place to study is. For example, if you wish to work for a large corporation, then perhaps studying nearer the city is you best bet to get employed at a large business firm.
Networking and finance
It is no secret that networking is essential. Understanding what types of personal network connections are valuable to your career can help you research which school and programme will put you in contact with those types of people.
Another consideration is your financial circumstances. Once you decide to pursue an MBA, you need to figure out how you will finance your education. Determine how much money you are willing to spend on a programme and look for ones within your means. If you need financial assistance, then it is a good idea to research the available scholarships and bursaries and whether or not you qualify for these. If not, student loans can be another great option.
By understanding the above elements, you can be put on the right track towards selecting the best MBA suited to your current, and most importantly future, needs.
For more information on where you can study an MBA programme in South Africa, you can visit the education institution section of our website.
