A step by step guide on how to choose your MBA programme

Deciding to do an MBA can be a big decision, which makes choosing the best MBA programme so important. A programme that will help you fully develop your professional skills and put you on the path to achieving your career goals. And the selection process can be daunting.

There are many criteria to consider, starting with choosing the right school. In some professions getting an MBA from the right school is a way of landing a better job and accelerating a career. The location is also critical. Some schools are located strategically and their proximity to certain areas can provide ease of access to various opportunities including jobs and internships.

If you're considering an international career, think about pursuing your MBA abroad or selecting a programme with a global view and a large diversity of international students. In fact, most recruiters today look for candidates with international exposure. Europe is generally considered the best choice for MBA candidates looking for international exposure. But Europe is a vast and diverse continent, so how do you figure out where to do your MBA in Europe? We might be biased but we believe the French riviera is the best place to do your MBA and we will give you three reasons why.

MBA rankings and accreditations

Another common criterion for consideration is rankings, however since different rankings are based on different factors, when looking at rankings it's important to understand their meaning, this can help you decide which ranking is important to you. In 2017 US News reported that the average MBA graduate makes over $15 000 (13 000€) in signing bonuses alone, a number that doubles when it comes to high-ranking MBA programmes.

Along with rankings, ensure that the programme is accredited, as this ensures the quality of the programme. When it comes to accreditation, although there are other regional or more specific accreditations, there are three well-recognised and respected, namely, AMBA, AACSB, and EQUIS accreditation. These are only awarded to institutions that meet international quality standards relative to curriculum, professors, class profiles and facilities among other things.

The MBA programme 

Identify a programme and assess its contents. Does it offer fundamental business knowledge? Will you benefit from practical experience? Can the programme be tailored to suit your career goals? Find current students and alumni to learn about their experiences, the quality of the programme and the reasons why they chose it. This should give you a good indication of the kind of opportunities the programme might provide.

How much time can you afford to invest in your studies? A full-time MBA allows you to immerse yourself in the studies and benefit from the whole experience and can be completed in one or two years. The EDHEC Global MBA is an intense and highly individualized 10-month programme that allows candidates to accelerate their careers in under a year. The curriculum goes beyond classroom learning with company visits, learning expeditions and business trips. It includes electives and specialisations that can be personalised based on your professional goals.

Choosing your MBA based on your objectives

However the most important criterion to consider is your objectives for doing an MBA, you have to keep this in mind throughout the process. Having gone through the aforementioned criteria, you may have a shortlist of programmes that interest you. The next step is to compare the MBA programmes and choose one that aligns with your post-MBA goals, creating a checklist could be useful.

Some MBA candidates choose to do an MBA to sharpen their leadership skills to take on more responsibility, while others do so to develop their own businesses. An MBA is good for entrepreneurs for many reasons including engaging participants in subjects such as financing, raising capital, business laws, accounting and payroll, technology, new products and service innovation among others. The EDHEC Global MBA includes a specialisation in entrepreneurship that allows candidates to meet their entrepreneurial aspirations and provide them with the necessary tools and expertise for setting up their own business.

Diversity and networking potential

In a globalised business world, leaders need to know how to manage diverse teams and operate in an intercultural environment. A diverse MBA class provides an ideal opportunity to develop the awareness, knowledge and skills to become an effective leader in global economic environments. You will make lots of connections during your MBA studies that may enhance your career opportunities. You will not only learn from the professors but other MBA candidates as you work and collaborate in teams and projects. The diversity of these teams is important to enrich your learning experience, people from diverse backgrounds and experiences can advance new ideas and inspire us to think differently. In 2022, the Economist ranked the EDHEC Global MBA #1 in the world for diversity in both students and faculty.

Financial considerations when choosing your MBA   

It's no secret that an MBA requires a significant financial investment, however many business schools offer different scholarships. At EDHEC we have a transparent scholarship policy that allows candidates to know right from the start which scholarship they qualify for. Ensuring diversity and inclusivity is one of our core values and the Memorial Scholarship of Impact is one of the concrete ways we ensure women are not only represented but funded as well.

We mentioned above that an MBA is an investment, hence determining the potential return on investment of an MBA programme can also be helpful when choosing an MBA programme. There are number of calculators available which can help you evaluate the value of an MBA, taking into consideration your financial investment and personal goals. the EDHEC Global MBA constantly ranked in the top 10 of QS World rankings for its return on investment.

These are our recommendations on how to choose your MBA programme, you can also see our list of do's and don'ts when choosing an MBA.

Are you ready to take your career to the next level with a Global MBA?

The EDHEC Global MBA is designed for professionals looking to gain 360° business vision in a global context, to build an international business network and a world of new experiences. Develop your leadership skills and gain the necessary tools and qualities to drive your career and lead with confidence and conviction in an ever-changing and diverse environment.

Download brochure