Forget About Business School Rankings… What is the Best Full Time MBA Program for You?

So you’re thinking about advancing your education and making the plunge into pursuing a full-time MBA. What is the first thing that comes to mind when considering all of your options? “Check the rankings.” Right?

Rankings are the primary way prospective students think about their education options, particularly when it comes to the MBA. But why do we think that way? It’s not the best way for you to understand your options in business schools and full-time MBA programs. Nor is it the best way for schools to communicate what they offer. Business school rankings have flourished simply because they are a great business model for publishers.

So when you’re thinking about which full-time MBA program to choose, get away from the “best business school” mentality. Shift your thinking towards, “Which school has the best full-time MBA program for me?”

Most business school websites offer similar information, when in fact there are a plethora of differences between schools. These differences are hard to perceive just by visiting a website, or even talking to an admissions counselor. To find the best full-time MBA program for you, make sure you evaluate the following:

•    Alumni networks
•    Regional cost of living
•    Regional culture and lifestyles
•    Social Media Self-Representation
•    Faculty teaching style
•    Curriculum

By looking closely at each of these factors, you will be able to reach a more personal decision about your MBA education.

All of this being said, it’s important to note that rankings do provide some value for sure, otherwise they wouldn’t exist. There is no doubt that the #1 ranked school or full-time MBA program has many high-quality characteristics that ultimately led to its high ranking. However, the majority of people pursuing an MBA are not going to go to a top-20 ranked school.  Finally, the whole concept of ranking, or qualifying these schools to a single number, is highly arbitrary and does not typically help students find the best school for them.

Some schools even give prospective students the opportunity to connect with current students. This is an excellent way to get an insider’s perspective on your top schools of choice. For example, Thunderbird School of Global Management encourages prospects to make a T-bird connection with one of their current students by filling out a simple form which you can view here: http://www.thunderbird.edu/meet-t-bird

Choosing a full-time MBA program is a complex decision. So rather than focusing your efforts on increasing your test scores and paying for coaching to get into the highest ranked school, it’s best to think about what you personally need and want out of a business school.

Speed up your degree with a One-Year MBA program

An accelerated MBA program or a one-year MBA program is the answer to many people who do not have the time to go through the full program of two to four years. This works well for working individuals who cannot afford to take more than a year off from work to get their MBA degree.

Whether you are doing distance learning or the traditional classroom training, accelerated classes help you to earn credits faster through intensive courses. The goal is to finish in one year; however the path taken to achieve this goal by different universities may be different. So the duration of a course in an accelerated MBA program can be anything between 2 to 6 months.

One-year MBA programs offer the same specialties such as Accounting, Marketing, Finance, Human Resources and Management that an extended MBA program would offer. So you would have the same opportunities to specialize and then look for a job that matches with your qualification.

It is less expensive to go through a one-year MBA program than the full program. If you add to this the cost of living that is saved for an additional number of years then the savings achieved becomes quite substantial.

The one-year MBA program is accredited and has strict admission criteria that look at the work experience and educational record of the student. The accreditation of the university you are applying to must be checked thoroughly at the time of admission. You can have a look at their curriculum making sure that all the main subjects are covered.

Enrolling in an online shortened course decreases the waiting time to start the program since you may start in the same month rather than wait for the start of term. Besides this you can complete your study from home and not have to leave your family to pursue your studies. Working professionals who are aiming to complete their MBA can do so without quitting their jobs or having to travel to another city or country. They can easily adjust their courses according to their current schedules.

The accelerated learning means that each course will be done faster leaving little time for students to be bored of any given course. However this also means that students will have to keep up with the fast pace of the program and complete projects and assignments that much faster. This is not an easy job and requires a lot of commitment on the part of the student enrolling for this program.

A one-year MBA program from an accredited university will be considered a full time Master’s degree and will serve the student well in terms of accelerating career opportunities and improving self growth.

The popularity of the shortened courses has compelled many universities to offer abbreviated MBA programs. However there are some drawbacks as well and these include the missed chance of gaining a summer internship which could have led to a full time job, fewer networking opportunities and missing out on immersing in a subject completely.

Brighten your career opportunities with a global MBA

MBA is probably one of the most sought after degrees in the world. An MBA from a reputable university puts you on course for a good career and it is primarily for this reason that so many students opt for this course. Even people who are already working take time off from work to get an MBA as they feel this will propel their career into new heights.

So what are the advantages of a global MBA or an MBA from an international university?

First and foremost global MBA programs are based on teaching students how to apply the theory they learn into actual business practices by reviewing case studies of real businesses. This hands on learning approach is more practical, keeps the interest of the student as well as reinforces the knowledge attained in theory.

International MBA programs use psychometric testing to analyze the aptitude of the students. This is conducted by highly qualified professionals for the benefit of the students. With this they can assess which specialization will be most suited to them and also gives an analysis of their skills. This scientific self-assessment method helps students to go into the right specialization areas and excel in them.

One of the biggest advantages of a global MBA is the cultural diversity that students encounter during their studies. They are able to interact with and learn from students all over the world. This builds understanding and tolerance towards other cultures, something which is really needed in the world of today. This will also help them when they work in multinationals where people from different parts of the world work together. Some students also bring prior work experience with them and they can contribute very positively towards a good environment in the university.

International MBA from a reputable university increases the chances of getting good jobs suited to your area of expertise. Since the MBA is recognized internationally, multinational companies are eager to hire young talent from these universities and graduates do not have to wait long to find a good career opportunity.

An international MBA program widens the networking base and allows students to interact with alumni who are working in good companies. This can open up good job opportunities for them. Some companies hold seminars and workshops at the universities and recruit students even before they finish their graduation. So once they graduate they already have jobs waiting for them.

Students also get the opportunity to earn while they learn by enrolling in paid internships. Not only do they earn something while keeping up with their global MBA program, but it also gives them an opportunity to learn about the workplace and it may open up job opportunities for them once they graduate.

Overall a global MBA opens up many opportunities for students from all over the world and builds their personalities to be the leaders of tomorrow. With all these advantages it is no wonder that it is the most sought after educational program in the world.

Top 5 Benefits of Pursuing a Full-Time MBA Degree

Are you debating whether or not getting your MBA degree is going to be worth your time and money? You’re not alone. With the cost of higher education increasing every year along with the cost of living, it’s time to get down to business and decide what you want to do with your future. Is a full-time MBA program right for you?

Here are the top 5 benefits of getting your MBA degree:
1.    Higher salary
According to the Idea Crossing blog, “In 2012, the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) reported the annual median salary for MBA degree-holders was approximately $95,000, with $18,123 in annual bonuses, for a total of $113,123.”So if you want to get a reputable job with nice pay check, you can’t simply ignore this course as students pursuing this MBA course are known to get salaries far above mean averages.

2.    Better career opportunities
Once you get your MBA, you instantly become more qualified for high-level management positions across a variety of industries. It is very important to have a degree in some excellent program from a reputable institute if you want your employers to entrust you that you are capable enough of handling additional responsibility and notches above your other fellow employees.

3.    New skill and knowledge acquisition
Yes, school in general is all about learning new skills and gaining knowledge. However, those that choose to pursue an MBA have a unique situation at hand. These are typically professionals who have been in the work force for at least two years. It is our human nature to become comfortable in our work after a couple of years, which often leads to a feeling of stagnation and lack of motivation. Pursuing a full-time MBA degree forces you to get out of your comfort zone, deal with the latest issues, apply the newest management techniques and constantly challenge yourself and your approaches.

4.    A sharper perspective on international business
Many working professionals unfortunately get stuck thinking about one market or one product or one specific audience. Attaining an MBA provides you with a greater perspective on how business works on an international level. This skill has never been more important as it is today. Modern technology has helped create a world where people can work together no matter where they are located easier than ever before. This is a must if you want to gain edge over others and want to show your employers that you are entirely different from rest they know or have interviewed.

5.    Build your network of connections
The final benefit of enrolling in a full-time MBA program is the opportunity to build your network of connections. Not only will you be going to class with some of the brightest young professionals, you also get practically unlimited networking opportunities with business-savvy professors and business school alumni. So if you really want to pursue a MBA of your dreams where success is guaranteed then look no further and without a second thought, enroll for full-time MBA program by ThunderBird.

Getting a Full-Time MBA from the best schools

An MBA is considered one of the best degrees to get into the job market. There are distance learning courses also available to get this degree but many prospective employers prefer graduates of full 2 year program full-time MBA courses are the best way to attain the practical knowledge that is necessary to succeed. Every student aspires to get into the best school available. Having a full-time MBA degree is a good long term investment as it insures a good career in a reputable company.

According to the Bloomberg Business week the top full-time MBA schools are rated as below:

1.    Thunderbird School of Global Management: This school is consistently ranking #1 for its international business full time MBA program since many years. It was founded in the year of 1946. Also, the school is among top 10 schools worldwide when it compares to quality of executive education.

2.    Booth School of Business, University of Chicago:  Established since 1898 in Chicago and produced a global body of 47,000 accomplished alumni, this school is on top of the listings of best schools. The program costs $116,969 and 94% of graduates from this school get job offers within 3 months mostly in financial services.

3.    Harvard Business School, Harvard University: This 40-acre campus located in Boston since 1908 offers full time MBA programs. They are very selective as only 12% of applications are accepted into this program which costs$133,961.Results are high as89% are successful in this program. 93% graduates get job offers within 3 months of graduation mostly in financial services.

4.    The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania: Founded in 1881, this school located in Philadelphia boasts alumni of 91,000 graduates from the full-time MBA program. At a cost of $127,176, this program produces results and fast as 96% of graduates get job offers within 3 months.

5.    Stanford Graduate School of Business, Stanford University: This elite school which only accepts 7% of its applications costs $122,400. 6 full tuition scholarships are offered for this program.94% of its graduates get job offers within 3 months of graduation mostly in the technology industry.

30-40% of students at these schools are international students. That figure alone goes to show that these top schools are drawing the best students from all over the world.

The application process in these schools is more or less the same. In order to apply for one of these programs you must be holding a bachelor’s or equivalent degree from an accredited college or university. To assess each application the student’s scholastic ability, leadership ability, personality, motivation, interpersonal skills and management potential are evaluated in addition to GMAT/GRE scores, academic record, personal essays, resumes and interview report. Full time professional experience is also given value.

The evaluation of applications is very strict in all the schools mentioned above that offer full-time MBA programs and only the best students get in. But once they do the success rate is high for graduation and for the future as students from these schools get the best jobs all over the world.

Invest in Your Future with a Full-Time MBA Degree

We live in an increasingly globalized world. One where it’s easy to do business from anywhere and communicate with anyone no matter their location. In recent years, technology has changed management education by making it more accessible and flexible for professionals all over the world. Globalization has led to fierce competition in the professional marketplace as well, which is why many individuals are seeking to set themselves apart from the competition by earning a full-time MBA degree.

Many important publications such as the Financial Times, Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg Business Week, and U.S. News and World Report keep the pulse on all of the MBA programs offered around the world by publishing yearly MBA rankings. These rankings are based on student surveys as well as stats such as cost of the program compared to salaries earned as well as employment rates at time of graduation.

Time and time again, Thunderbird School of Global Management ranks as one of the top schools in business education. Located in Glendale, Arizona, the school has a long history in global leadership and has developed high-calibre programs such as its Full-Time MBA program, online MBA program, and Executive MBA program.

Here are the latest rankings for Thunderbird’s Full-Time MBA and you can decide yourself why they are considered best:
•    #1 "International" Full-time MBA, U.S. News & World Report 2014
•    #1"Best in international Business" Full-time MBA, Financial Times 2012
•    #2 "International" Full-time MBA, U.S. News & World Report 2015

Delivered in Phoenix, Arizona, Thunderbird’s Full-Time MBA program is designed for working professionals interested in broadening their global outlook and network. This program offers students a comprehensive education in all global management disciplines while at the same time incorporating cross-cultural insight, regional studies and foreign language components. Thus, their courses are termed as complete packages for those who want to make a career for themselves. The level of education and practical exposure offered in these MBA programs are second to none and can’t be compared with any other course.

With a format designed for individuals wanting to commit to a full-time program, Thunderbird’s Full-Time MBA is a three-trimester program that is typically completed in 12, 15, or 21 months depending on internships and concentration terms.
At Thunderbird, students study real-world business cases, learn from the best practices of professors and cohort members, and even address individual professional challenges in class. All of these practices make them well equipped to handle every kind of professional challenge and pressure which are going to face in coming future.
Most students who enrol in this program have an average of 4 years of work experience and an average age of 29 years old. The full-time MBA program is campus-based with intakes in the fall and spring. Finally, students are required to be proficient in a second language before they are able to graduate. These programs are immensely popular as those who do it, for them new dimensions in career open up and they are able to pursue their goals quite successfully.