Choosing an MBA may appear a difficult task at first, especially with so many new programmes on offer. However, it’s not such a puzzle once you have weighed up the pros and cons of the different courses available.
Numerous career opportunities are open to those who earn an MBA degree. But not all MBA programmes are created equal, and an MBA is not automatically an open card to the working world. It is essential to compare MBA programmes to decide which one is most suitable for the individual student.
If you are going to do an MBA in order to get a new job on completion, you must ask yourself how much a particular programme will help you. MBA candidates should do their research by questioning the schools, the MBA graduates and the students. These contacts can shed light on the lecture style of the faculty and to what extent case studies are part of the curriculum.
MBA programmes range from part-time to full-time, and include executive programmes geared toward the working professional. The contents of the courses vary from those with a strong emphasis on research to those that stress “real world” experience. The MBA is an intensive course in which most students immerse themselves completely over the life of the programme.
Students should give careful thought to the objectives they are setting for themselves. The best way to do this is to fully understand the extent of what completing an MBA entails. Here is a comprehensive checklist.
First of all, candidates should ask themselves why they want to start such a venture. Future students must do as much self-analysis as possible and determine what kind of skills they would like to develop.
Motive
” To start a new career
” To increase salary
” Educational experience
” Company advice or requirement
Time and length of programme
” Duration in years;
” How many hours do you have to invest per week?; and
” Do you have that amount of time? (Remember to ask your relatives.)
Internationalisation
” Workshops/company visits;
” Students and companies;
” Materials and books; and
” The lecturing staff;
” The opportunity to network.
Range of electives
” How many?
” Which subjects?
Flexibility
” Are you able to integrate your studies?
” Can you have a break if necessary?
” Can you start the process with a certificate or diploma (prior to the MBA)?
” Can you study everywhere (for example, when travelling)?
The student body
” Age and sex;
” Work experience and present position held in the company
How is your company involved?
” Assignments
” Payment and mentoring
How are you assessed?
” Assignments and reports;
” Examinations; or
” Dissertation
Accreditation
” Is the MBA accredited? and
” By whom? (Remember there is no worldwide accreditation body of the MBA market.)
Cost and benefits
” Price — for what?
” What’s extra?
” Benefits for you and your company
Alumni activities
” How many members and where in the world are they?
” What kind of activities and where?
Mark Peters is the marketing director of the Wits Business School