At the onset of the pandemic, students all over the world have come to choose their MBA programs depending on their work shifts, comfort of learning, educational offerings, and other conveniences.
“As post-pandemic attitudes toward work continue shifting and preferences for educational offerings continue evolving, the business school community as a whole is quickly adapting,” said Joy Jones, CEO of GMAC.
Therefore, it may be beneficial to consider the different ways in which you can pursue an MBA program:
1. Full-time MBA
This program requires you to pursue the degree in person, but it could be demanding over a short period of time. It typically lasts 4 semesters, with an internship period in the middle. For a full-time MBA program, colleges such as Stanford Graduate School of Business, Wharton School of Business, Harvard Business School, London Business School, and HEC Paris are considered to be the top and most sought-after schools, among others.
2. Part-time MBA
These programs offer greater flexibility and a multi-year learning period. Those who have advanced in their jobs and are managing more family and work obligations are usually better suited for it. For part-time MBA programs, Haas School of Business (University of California), HKU Business School (University of Hong Kong), Booth School of Business (University of Chicago), Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern University), and NYU Stern School of Business (NYU) are considered to be the top ones, among others.
3. Online MBA
Becoming more popular in the post-pandemic world, an online MBA offers another flexible approach to learning the same business skills and practices on a virtual learning platform where students can learn at their own pace. Bloomington Kelley School of Business (Indiana University), Kenan-Flagler Business School (The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill), Marshall School of Business (University of Southern California), Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business (Rice University), and Tepper School of Business (Carnegie Mellon University) are globally considered the top online MBA schools, among others.
4. Flexible MBA
Slightly different from part-time and online arrangements, a flexible MBA degree allows students to work while earning their degree. These programs enable part-time enrollment and are usually offered online or on campus in the evenings and weekends; nevertheless, they need more time to finish than regular programs.
5. Global MBA
Considered to be a specialized MBA program, a Global MBA focuses on building leaders in international businesses where they get to learn about the global economy, business analytics, international business strategies, cross-cultural management, and gain first-hand exposure to international business and markets.
6. Executive MBA
An Executive MBA program is specifically meant for students who wish to prepare for upper-level or executive positions that involve more critical responsibilities in areas such as operations, administrative policy, or maximizing workforce productivity. For the Executive MBA program, HEC Paris, IESE Business School, Oxford (Said Business School), Sloan School of Management (MIT), and Wharton Business School are considered the top ones.
When you are just in the preparation stage, hearing big names from prestigious universities can be intimidating. It is important to note that entering an MBA program at a mid-range university is not a bad thing after all. It may result in slower career advancement, but as you keep up with industry demands, you will soon find yourself on the path to prosperous growth.
A survey stated that programs with greater flexibility had a higher chance of receiving more applications in 1623 compared to full-time, on-campus courses.
To choose which form of MBA program is best for you at this stage of life, we advise you to consider all relevant factors, including your work life, family situations, career trajectory, and personal life. Wishing you luck!
