Choose The Right MBA Course

Choosing the right MBA course isn’t just about where you want your career to go in the future, but also about where you currently stand in your career. Factors like age, business experience, and current position are all crucial in determining whether you should pursue full-time, part-time, or distance learning.

Dr. John Colley, Director of MBA programs at Nottingham University Business School, explains that an average full-time MBA student is around 29 years old and in the early stages of their career. In contrast, an executive MBA student averages between 39-40 years old and are senior-level professionals transitioning from specialist to generalist roles.

Michael Shulver, an assistant dean at Warwick Business School, notes that learning alongside other students with similar experience and age will help you get the most out of your course. From this, Shulver recommends full-time MBAs with in-person interaction as this will allow you to learn from colleagues as well as tutors. However, distance learning MBAs can be beneficial as they’re more flexible to fit your lifestyle.

Specialist MBAs geared to a particular industry can also be beneficial. For instance, ESSEC Business School in France offers an MBA in luxury goods and brand management, while Warwick has an MBA program in global energy. Moreover, public service and charity-focused MBA programs are now available in schools such as Nottingham and Brighton.

Before making a commitment, consider the method of teaching, class sizes, caliber, and experience of the staff, as well as the school’s connection to the business world for networking and hands-on experience. Ultimately, the MBA is a unique qualification on global management that requires you to find the right fit for you and your career goals.

Recruitment consultant Julian Anthoney found a new business venture following his MBA studies- he opened up an artisanal bakery. Through his MBA, Anthoney established a French bakery with his wife while continuing his recruitment consultancy. The course taught him various skills, including creativity, innovation management, and entrepreneurship in practice. His MBA also provided him with the confidence needed to ensure his recruitment business would continue to thrive alongside his bakery.