Recent reports say that business school rankings might not really matter as much as many applicants believe. Several articles also imply that when choosing a business school, MBcandidates need not compare measures besides starting salaries upon their graduation. Whether you already earned an MBA or you are sifting through seemingly endless options of which business schools to apply to. Regardless, your goal is going to be the same- Getting your dream job!
So does it really matter where you get your MBA from?
Getting an MBA from a prestigious B-school will put your profile in front of the right audience, but the program doesn’t really guarantee you your goals. A prestigious school allows companies to classify candidates and see who may be a good fit. Whether you have earned your degree from a top school or not, there are many other ways to make your job applications stand out against other candidates.
Why does an MBA from a prestigious school help?
Top B-Schools acquire strong alumni networks and employment pipelines. Attending a school with recognition grants more access to employers who often recruit directly, commonly known as feeder schools or core schools. As campus recruitments are an investment for employers, they’ll continue to create opportunities for students at schools where other alumni have been successful employees.
Applicants spend time researching which companies each school has a core school partnership with before deciding on which program to attend. This doesn’t mean that if you go to a school less prestigious you will not be able to be recruited by a top-tier company. It’s just that you will have less access to them.
Choosing the right MBA program is important, but not for the reasons you might expect! Choosing the right B-school can shape your career. But instead of targeting the top 25 business schools, students can think strategically when selecting their degrees.
Every applicant will have a unique need and priority which needs to be considered. MBA programs consist of various specializations, strengths, and enrollment options, with a wide range of fees. While doing your research for programs, consider your career goals, relocation abilities, internship opportunities, and flexibility. Carefully weigh out these factors that can help you find a school best fit your needs in the long run.
Do Employers Care Where You Get Your MBA?
It depends on your intended employer. Some companies focus on the MBA’s the candidates have earned, while others prioritize the specialization degree or relevant work experience.
MBA rankings can give you the impression that only if you graduate from a top business school you get a job offer which isn’t true.
Reports found that 91-97% of graduates held jobs, regardless of what school they attended. This data included graduates from full-time two-year programs, accelerated pathways, part-time cohorts, and self-paced MBAs.
Some companies can emphasize applicants having professional experience and real-world accomplishments over attending a prestigious program. For those candidates who have less or no work experience, the reputation of the B-School might matter more.
Where Should I Do My MBA From?
Figuring out where you should get an MBA depends completely upon the student. For some, a location in another country matters while others choose a program in their local area. Relocating to another location can help students reach their career goals. For some applicants attending a program that has strong ties with local companies will make more sense rather than an out-of-state program. Candidates that want to go for niche careers will benefit from choosing programs that are well-regarded within that niche.
Applicants also need to consider personal needs, including costs/fees, ability to relocate, and their schedule. Make sure you also do research on how an international program is going to benefit you over a local program. International MBA can open many different options, specifically for applicants interested in MNCs.
The Bottom Line
Getting an MBA degree can enhance your career path or help you land a high-paying job. However, the expense is only offset if the degree is earned from a top B-School. Despite the cost-benefit, many business school alumni self-report very positive and high value from their degrees. In case someone cannot afford the cost or cannot get into the top B-Schools, there are fortunately many other good B-School options to pursue an MBA degree.