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MARCH 29, 2019
There are several reasons for doing an MBA but candidates usually associate themselves with at least one of the reasons below :
If you recognize yourself in any of the above, then you are ready to launch into the complex jungle of the MBA search. The consideration is whether a 1 year or a 2 year MBA is better suited for you. The answer generally depends on your profile and whether you are able to finance your living costs and tuition fees over a prolonged period with no income.
Traditionally the US format of an MBA is a 2 year programme whereas most European schools will propose an intensive 12 month course. This explains why the ROI on European schools is far greater than their American counterparts. Indeed, the recent GMAC Applications Trends Survey indicates a continued preference for the 1 year MBA, compared to the 2 year model of the US Ivy League schools. Applications to European MBA’s are growing faster than those in the States. “Value for Money is still a big concern for candidates,” comments EDHEC Global MBA Director in this article by Business Because. Those with a family to consider generally opt for an MBA that allows a prompt return to the work place and the 1 year MBA is a more cost-efficient format which equips graduates for today’s fast-paced business world.
Generally speaking, the US MBA will have a younger and less diversified class profile. Average age can be 26 compared to 29 in Europe. Needless to say, with age comes experience and so if you already have several years of experience under your belt, the 1 year MBA would generally be more suitable. The 1 year MBA with its mature class offers strong networking opportunities and higher-level group discussions. Candidates learn from both peers and professors through “we did it this way” discussions.
But can a one year MBA cover the same requirements as a two-year model? The answer is yes, on condition that the programme is AMBA accredited and that the school has the AACSB and Equis certifications of quality. These certifications are only awarded to establishments that meet international quality standards relative to curriculum, professors, class profile, facilities, admissions procedures etc. With these labels, you can be reassured that nothing is missing and that the school and MBA are regularly audited to the highest standards.
In terms of ability to stay longer in the host country and actually absorb the culture and language, the 2 year MBA certainly accommodates this, but many countries’ visa systems are fairly generous. In France for example, an MBA candidate can use his/her student visa to do an internship for up to 6 months after the MBA and then prolong the stay for another 6 – 12 months to do paid work using the APS system. A short MBA needn’t mean a short stint in the country.
The attractions of a 1 year MBA also suit the ambitious, young candidate seeking to be drawn upwards and learn from the experience of peers. This precious mentoring is a real plus for such individuals. While European MBAs can have a more mature class average, the age range is also generally more diversified and the more experienced participants are able to benefit first-hand from the innovative insights of their younger classmates.
To sum up, the ideal length of your MBA will depend on your personal profile, family circumstance and finances.
If you wish to find out more about EDHEC Global MBA’s 10 month programme, please start here. We provide you here an MBA checklist as a good starting point to help you find the right MBA.
Operating from campuses in Lille, Nice, Paris, London and Singapore, EDHEC is one of the top 15 European business schools, ranked 1st worldwide for its Master in Finance. Fully international and directly connected to the business world, EDHEC commands a strong reputation for research excellence and the ability to train entrepreneurs and managers capable of breaking new ground. EDHEC functions as a genuine laboratory of ideas and produces innovative solutions valued by businesses.
The School’s teaching is inspired by its research work and a focus on “learning by doing”, all with the aim of equipping people with the skills to succeed in business.