Earlier this year, I posted a blog about making the choice between a 1-year or a 2-year program. Given that we’re midway through our application cycle, while the application cycle for many 2-year programs is just beginning, I thought this would be a good time to revisit the topic. With two application deadlines left (November 19th and January 7th), there is still plenty of time to submit your application to begin Ivey’s 1-year program in April. Keep in mind that if you start Ivey’s MBA program in the Spring, you’ll be half done your MBA at the same time you’d be starting a traditional 2-year program!
What we communicate to our candidates is that program length is an entirely personal decision that really comes down to what it is you’re looking for in an MBA program experience, and what your personal and professional goals are. Typically, we find this answer can be summed up in one question: are you running from something or to something?
Finding Focus
One-year programs are a great choice for those candidates who have a good idea of where they want to be post-MBA. After all, why take two years to achieve what you can do in one? For those who know what they want to do, there’s no need to give up an additional year of salary and pay an additional year of tuition to try different careers on for size or explore your options.
This is especially true when considering the fact that Ivey delivers in one year what it takes most programs to deliver in two (we have retained 100% of classroom contact hours from our previous 2-year program!). In a one year program, it’s important that we make every hour count. Therefore, students are immersed in an intensive, dynamic, and transformational learning environment that most closely mimics the real world of business. Using real cases and simulating the demanding, pressure-cooker environment experienced by most senior leaders in business, Ivey students spend an entire twelve months immersed in learning core business knowledge. Simultaneously, students are engaging with our Career Management team and leveraging the support offered to ensure that their focused career goals are coming to fruition.
Career Switchers
The majority of our Ivey MBA students who want to switch careers manage do so successfully, and without an internship. This stems from several factors including our thorough admissions process where we screen for high-quality candidates with the ambition and drive to succeed, and the experience to challenge, motivate, and teach their classmates. Our students have a minimum of 2 years’ work experience and on average around 5 years of work experience. It also stems from the quality and quantity of support provided by our Career Management team, with personalized career coaching and an integrated Career Management curriculum that helps students most effectively package and present themselves to recruiters.
And with a consistent placement rate of 90% plus year over year, the track record of our graduates’ success speaks for itself.
With loyal and long-standing relationships with the top recruiting organizations in the b-school market, Ivey consistently delivers quality candidates year after year, which keeps our firms continually coming back to campus to access top talent. Our recruiting partners recognize the intensity and level of academic rigor of Ivey’s program, and see a level leadership and of professionalism in our students that is typically aligned with the values and key traits sought by these organizations.
Finding Yourself
Many people choose the option of going to graduate school because they are at a crossroads in their careers or their lives, and just aren’t sure what to do next. They may be unhappy in their current job, and are looking to be inspired; to find themselves. School can provide a nice escape that gives candidates a chance to regroup, reset, and explore different subjects that may ignite a passion that directs their next career move. At Ivey, we recognize that candidates will be exposed to opportunities that they were not aware of before.
That being said, there is strength in focus. This doesn’t mean that you need to know exactly what company and role you want to be in post-MBA, but it does mean that you have be aware of your strengths as well as the weaknesses that you are looking to improve upon to help you make an industry or functional change – either a career transition or progression. For those that lack this clarity or work experience to support their career transition there are some strong two-year MBA programs, a majority of which provide a 4-month internship option that may be a better a fit.
If Ivey’s one-year program seems like a good fit for you, we would love to see your application for one of our upcoming deadlines! If you’re still not sure, come and learn more about us at one of our Information Sessions or Class Visits. We encourage all potential candidates to Introduce Yourself to our team so we can connect with you about your ‘fit’ with Ivey.
We hope to speak with you soon!