How to Select an MBA Program – Introduction to a Series

by Patrick on August 8, 2007

I’ve been talking to family, friends, and co-workers for over a year now about getting an MBA. I’ve known that I want to get an MBA, but which type of program I want to go to and the type of post MBA work I want to do has always been a little bit of a mystery for me.

The biggest reasons I want an MBA are because I want to learn more about business, and I want the challenges that both the MBA program and my post MBA work will bring. I realize that right now I am not challenged enough in my current position. Unfortunately, there is not much room for me to quickly advance in my current company, nor in my current location. A big hindrance to my professional advancement is a combination of a lack of high level education and professional experience, and I strongly believe that an MBA will help me to achieve my professional goals.

My original plan was to attend either a part time or distance learning MBA program while continuing to earn a salary in my current workstream. I would be able to receive my education and graduate from a respectable MBA program. The advantage would be little to no debt upon graduation. (I do not have tuition assistance from my employer, but I do have the GI Bill, which would cover a substantial amount of my tuition for a distance or part time program).

However, lately I have been thinking about taking time off from work and going through a full-time MBA program. I believe there are distinct advantages and disadvantages to both forms of education, so I will begin a multi-part series going over what the options are, and how they relate to my personal decision. I know I will learn a lot about the MBA school selection process, and hopefully others will too!

Please feel free to leave comments, ask questions, or share your experiences!

Here is my plan of attack for the series:

Note: Right now I am still in the process of deciding my goals. I know getting an MBA is the direction I plan on going, so wish me luck, and as mentioned before, feel free to leave comments, ask questions, or share your experiences! ;)

{ 2 trackbacks }

Determine Return on Investment of an MBA Program | Cash Money Life
October 2, 2007 at 9:01 am
sharpen your soft skills
May 19, 2008 at 8:03 am

{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Brian August 8, 2007 at 3:43 pm

The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) has a report you should take a look at regarding the ROI of various types of MBA programs. I have a quick synopsis of the report on my blog in the MBA category.

It won’t answer all your questions, but may answer some!

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2 Patrick August 8, 2007 at 3:54 pm

Thanks for the head’s up, Brian!

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3 SHACHI AGRAWAL May 22, 2009 at 12:34 pm

hello ,
YOUR ARTICLE IS VERY HELPFUL TO ME AND I THANK YOU FOR THAT. CAN YOU SUGGEST ME WAYS TO WRITE RESUME OBJECTIVE ? I AM A GRADUATE (BACHELOR’S OF FOREIGN TRADE) AND SEEKING FOR ADMISSION IN A GOOD B-SCHOOL.

Reply

4 Patrick May 22, 2009 at 1:31 pm

Shachi: I recommend searching the web for examples of a good resume objective. Each objective and school has a different style, and you should taylor your application for the specific program to which you are applying. Best of luck to you.

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5 Chaitanya September 21, 2009 at 3:13 pm

Brian,

Information that you have provided is very helpful. I wish you all the best for your MBA degree.

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6 Donny Ve January 31, 2010 at 3:35 am

Patrick,

I’ve loved business from the time I was a kid, and plan to pursue my MBA beginning next year. Needless to say, I really have/had no idea what direction to go to. This was a good start though. I’m obviously going to have to do a lot of research before I pick an MBA program. Either way, thank you.

I wish you luck in your higher education and getting your MBA.

Donny

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