What is the Right Business School for You?

Picking the right business school for your executive education program can be an overwhelming task. Often there will be more than one school you would love to go to. But, depending on the place in your life and your career, you will need to pick one business school that works best for you at that time.

Read: Executive Education Trends 2023

When you consider the reputation of a school, and how well-known or popular it is, it certainly doesn’t mean making a choice solely based on how popular the school is. But rather, how well it is known for your particular subject of choice and the other offerings you might be interested in. Business school rankings by different reputed publications about different aspects such as research, diversity, thought leadership, net result, career support, and more will give you a fair idea of the strengths of different schools.

From a June 2019 article by BusinessBecause, here are the rankings of the top business schools in 2018 and 2019.

Once you have narrowed down a few schools, here are some other factors to make sure you choose the right business school.

1. Career goals

To begin, make sure the school’s offerings are in line with and act as a catalyst for your career growth. If you have already decided which company you want to work with after the program, check to see the recruitment trends of that company. What the school offers should be aligned with your career goals.

2. School requirements

Every school will have their own process and criteria for admissions. Check to see where you fit in well with regards to required essays and recommendations as well as documents and eligibility. Incomplete applications will not bode well with the admissions committee so make sure you are able to prepare for what is being asked.

3. Faculty

The faculty of a school is just as popular as the school itself. They share prestige on the basis of legacy and go hand in hand with the school. Most often than not, the faculty members are experts who are at the forefront of their subject matter, leading the change and development in the industry and influencing the academic world as well as the corporate world. A business school that offers a faculty with academicians as well as industry leaders is a great option. This gives you a more practical view of everything you will learn.

4. Offerings

It is important to see what the school has to offer other than the classes you will enroll in to make sure the choice will ultimately fulfill your career goals. Facilities such as a school library, innovation center, research center, or communities are great additions where you can enhance your executive education program experience. Check for support systems like career support, placements, and after-program support too. You can also check whether the city is a hub for business or entrepreneurs or the specific area of your choice. Cities like these have a culture and an environment that is not limited to the school and becomes an immersive experience.

5. Program details

It goes without saying, one important aspect of picking your school is to see what the program you want has to offer. Different schools offer similar programs but with some differences. It’s important to see that the program carries what you want while picking the school. Other than the program details itself, check with previous participants, community chat groups, and other platforms that might give you more information regarding the details of the program.

6. Alumni

Your alumni is what you will take back with you for good. Check to see that the school has a diverse, inclusive, and global alumni. Considering this will be your alumni, diversity also means different connections, perspectives, experiences, and therefore, different opportunities. A truly diverse network allows for greater professional opportunity.

Don’t let choosing your dream business school intimidate you. Consider these points and choose a school that will help you achieve your goal.

Summary

Q. What is the significance of your own goals while choosing the right business school for you?

A. It’s important that the school’s offerings are in line with your career goals.

Q. Why do the details of the program matter even if it’s the same program but from different schools?

A. Different schools might have similar programs but with a few different offerings. It’s important to see that the program carries what you want while picking the school.