Studying business is an investment in your future. Choosing the right business school will make it easier to get a head start on your career, because as well as learning the theory of business and economics, a good business school will also give you the opportunity to network with relevant industry leaders, and form lasting friendships with future colleagues and business partners.
You may be looking for an MBA program, or just starting out with an undergraduate business degree. No matter what level of business study you are ready for, there are three key things to consider when choosing the right business school for you.
1. An inspiring faculty
World-class universities attract the most talented teachers and researchers from around the globe. Ideally you should have expert teachers who are still working in their field. They can show you how to apply business theory to the issues facing real companies today.
Their connections to industry will also help them advise you on your study choices, and with internships, guest speakers and case studies.
Business schools that are well-resourced will usually attract the best and brightest teachers. And yes, that means money. Most business schools are funded by a mix of government funding and research grants, private endowments (including those tuition fees, and alumni donations) and contract research grants from businesses.
In the US, private endowments make up a greater percentage of the funding pie – but these have been hit recently by the financial crisis. In Europe, business schools rely more heavily on government funding. Read our article on the top 10 business school in Europe and find out the very best institutions that you could study at.
2. Great students
You will learn just as much from your fellow students as you will in the library. When you study business, you’ll spend a lot of time on group projects (even more so when you are studying anMBA). Learning how to work as part of a team is critical to business success and can also help you develop team leadership skills. Plus, these students will be your business colleagues (or competitors!) in the future, so you’ll set up an important network while you study.
Think about the types of students your business school attracts. Where do they come from? How much work experience do they already have? What do you also have to offer them? This will help you get more from your business studies.
Great students make great alumni, and your business school’s alumni may also play a big part in your future career success. Many MBA grads find employment with alumni of their school, or are mentored by alumni. The relationships works both ways – a good business school continues to support its students long after they graduate.
So make sure your business school has a structured alumni program in place – a database of ex-students, regular conferences or presentations, career advice, mentorship programs and communication.
3. Freedom and leadership
World-class business schools thrive in an environment that supports competition, scientific inquiry, critical thinking, innovation and creativity.
If your business school has restrictions in place, thanks to government regulations or bureaucracy, it won’t be able to adapt to the fast-changing business environment around it.
The leadership within the school is critical. A good business school dean has a vision that balances the interests of students, faculty and alumni.
So take a good look at the way your business school operates, and the surrounding business community as well.
Finally, take into consideration your own ambitions and learning style. A top-10 ivy-league business school may be considered ‘great’ by the academic world, but may not be the right choice for you. Ultimately, the best business school is one that encourages and supports you in your own learning journey.
There are thousands of schools around the world that can do just that – so start searching the StudyLink database of business courses in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Europe and elsewhere to find the best school for you.
If you have found this article helpful, use the Facebook, Twitter and Google+ buttons below to share this information with your friends.
UK MBA With Paid Business Placement
Study at the School of Environment and Development at The University of Manchester, UK
What is the GRE: the GRE Test Explained
Five Reasons to Stay Close when Studying Abroad
Ask Anna – How do I Find a Study Abroad Agent?
Application Deadlines – May 2012
Studying in Europe During a Financial Crisis
Start your journey with PTE Academic!
University Of Derby Buxton Helps Kenyan Student Advance Career