With our Early Application Round just two months away on May 5, 2014, Ivey MBA Recruiting and Admissions Director Greg Yantz lays out three key things that should be part of the decision-making process.
I often see prospective students agonizing over which MBA program is best for them. It can be a difficult decision, and it is a lifelong one, but there are three things that I think can help as you work through the decision process.
1. Experience a real class
Visit a real class with real students. It sounds simple, and nearly every MBA program allows for a class visit (it should raise red flags if they don’t), but you would be surprised how many people decide without having experienced an MBA class or the school where they are about to invest a significant amount of time and money. In my previous role as Director of Ivey Publishing, I visited business schools from India to Indiana and what struck me most was the fact that I could determine the culture within a few moments of setting foot in each of the buildings. Fit matters. Beyond just the experience in the program, this will be your network for life. Would you buy a car or house without seeing it? Probably not, so visit an MBA program for a test drive and walk-through.
2. Think short term AND long term
Yes, finding a job right after your MBA is important. You will have debts and will need to set yourself up for future success. But setting yourself up for the first job after an MBA is not the only thing to consider when choosing a program. Think ten years down the road. You won’t be able to go back in ten years and redo your MBA, so ask yourself which program will set you up for success in the longer term. Leadership skills such as communicating effectively, decision making, and managing ambiguity are increasingly important skills and they will carry you far over the long term. Are you thinking about what you will need ten-plus years out?
3. Define your top three decision points
I often ask people what their key decision points are for choosing an MBA, and oftentimes no one can tell me. Be clear on what is most important to you. Is the pedagogy of the program important to you? Does the quality of your classmates matter to you? Do you care about the length of the program or the location? I propose writing down your top three decision points for comparison among programs. Then, as you interact with representatives from the programs, visit classes, and think about your
short- and long-terms goals, rank the programs on each of the three points.
One additional thing worth mentioning is that admissions representatives at all schools are here to help you with the decision and, specifically, each of the three suggestions mentioned here. Of course we’re proud of what our own schools have to offer, but I think you will find that everyone genuinely cares about what is best for you, and we all recognize that not every school will be a perfect fit. Helping you find that fit is what we’re here for. Good wishes for your decision!