How do you make an informed choice?

Reading this Guide is a great first step! When you have decided that the MBA degree is the appropriate educational experience for you, then follow this four stage decision process for selecting a programme.

1. Gather more information
Seek additional written information on the MBA programmes. Check out their websites and then, request any additional information, which can be posted to you.

2. Identify and weight your criteria.
Here are some of the factors MBA graduates have identified as critical. Consider these and identify any others, which may impact you, personally.

a) Personal objectives
What are your educational needs and objectives? What do you want to learn? Do your educational aspirations match the objectives of a particular MBA programme? Do you wish to have a specialisation along with obtaining the MBA?

Awareness of your knowledge gaps assists you in identifying which programmes will satisfy your educational needs. Some programmes offer a specialisation in topics such as logistics and supply chain management along with the MBA. Others focus the entire educational experience toward international issues.

Some, such as Executive MBA programmes are designed for more experienced individuals and offer information and a process more relevant to those in middle to senior level management.

b) Commitment
How committed are you to obtaining an MBA? Does "having" the MBA mean more to you than the learning offered by "doing" the MBA? Do you start strong but find follow through difficult? Or, are you a ‘finisher’ regardless of the time required?

Studying for an MBA degree is a process, which includes many ‘ups’ and ‘downs’. Our emotions that are connected to ‘success’ and ‘failure’ are engaged. Challenges come on many levels. So, knowing why you want the MBA and how committed you are before you begin is extremely helpful. Many MBA graduates and MBA directors say this factor and the previous one are the two most important ones.

c) Programme design
Does a full-time or part-time course suit your needs? Can you meet your objectives best through distance learning or through attending a more structured classroom setting? Are your needs better served by a specialised programme focused on a particular area of interest or for a particular type of student? Do you wish to study in an integrated or functionally designed programme? Is working in teams or groups important?