How To Find A Good MBA Program

As important as it is to establish proper fit in your applications, you must first select the schools to which you will apply. The game is reversed, as you must decide which schools fit you rather than having the schools decide that you fit them.

Selecting schools should be an introspective process. You should be warned, however that people who don't even know your name will have an opinion on where you should apply.

Also remember that school rankings are just one piece of information to consider. Certainly rankings can be helpful tools in getting familiar with the schools' perceived strengths and weaknesses. Still, it's important that you do your own research.

After all, no magazine or newspaper knows what really matters most to you. Do not be enticed by prestige alone. While it certainly may be a factor in making your selections, there are plenty of other criteria that should be considered.

Some of the selection criteria that you may want to use in evaluating schools include:

• Curriculum emphases
• Typical career paths of graduates
• Teaching style
• Student culture
• Compensation upon graduation
• Financial aid opportunities
• International perspective and access
• Geographical location
• Facilities
• Diversity
• Cost of tuition and living
• Class size
• Use of technology

So how exactly do you determine what a school wants in its applicants? Fortunately, there is an abundance of resources available to help you evaluate these criteria. Some of the steps you should undertake are:
 

The school's Website
 

This is a no-brainer these days. Here you can get high-level information on the school, learn about its curriculum and faculty, and start to get a sense for what it's known for (or what it wants to be known for, which is sometimes more important).

Third-party Websites
 

For different perspectives on business schools and the application process, check out Websites that dedicate content to the b-school applicant audience.

Brochure and application
 

These are readily accessible on any school's Website. It can be painful to look at brochure after brochure of what seems to be the same material, but you should really spend some time with these. More than many applicants realize, schools are fairly explicit about what they are looking for, and these materials are a natural starting point for finding this information.

Rankings
 

Rankings are notoriously overused, but they can give you a good high-level flavor for each school. While the brochures may tell you what the schools want to be known for, the rankings issued by periodicals are sometimes a good reality check that let you know what a school is actually good at.

Campus visit
 

You should plan on visiting each school in which you're truly interested, unless geography makes it impossible. Walk around, meet some current students, sit in on a class, and at least visit the admissions office to let the school know you came. Whether or not you get any good face time with an admission officer, make sure to mention your visit somewhere in your application to show your sincere interest in the school.

Current students
 

Students are probably the most underutilized resource. Find one with whom you have something in common and send her an e-mail. Some students are just too busy to have a real heart-to-heart with you, but odds are that you'll easily find someone who's willing to give you the skinny on the school. Think of a few things you want to know about life at the school and fire away. This is a safe way to ask candid questions about the school.

Alumni
 

Alumni are especially helpful in answering questions about what life will be like after business school. Ask them about their experiences in school, but realize that schools evolve over time. Someone who graduated 15 years ago probably had a pretty different experience than what you would face.

MBA Forums

Martin Chandra www.mbalive.net runs an informational website that provides guides to business school and business education. To take advantage in preparing your MBA admission, make sure you visit www.mbalive.net/admission

MBA Forums, hosted by the GMAC, provide applicants with an informal environment in which they can learn more about business schools and the admissions process. Over 200 b-schools typically attend these forums, which take place in cities around the world. MBA Forums also host workshops that assist applicants in selecting their target schools and in exploring their career options.

Distance Learning for Your MBA

In today’s job market, a bachelor’s degree often isn’t enough to give you the edge over other job applicants. However, getting your MBA at a local college or university may be just too much for a full-time breadwinner with a home and family to care for. There are still ways to advance your education, though, and one of the most popular is getting your MBA through distance learning.

Distance learning via internet is a relatively recent phenomenon. Usually, a student will enroll in an online university and take the all of the classes online. Sounds like a great deal, right? There are many pitfalls for the distance learner.

Be sure to choose the right school. As with every other category of business, there are good and there are not so good distance learning programs. Don’t waste your time and money on a school that is not accredited by a nationally recognized agency. Your diploma needs to be from an accredited university or school to help you advance, so do some homework up front and check the credentials of the school. They should be accredited by one of the nationally recognized agencies (New England, Middle States, North Central, Northwest, Western and Southern). These are the valid accreditation agencies.

Verify that the classes are all online. Don’t enroll in a distance learning program across the country, only to realize later that you’ll need to attend one or two sessions in the classroom.

Check out the technical capabilities of the classes. Are the classes available through technology that you can access, like websites, email or bulletin boards? Will you have to use complicated, proprietary software? Steer clear of programs that are not simple and easy to use. After all, isn’t that why you want an online degree program. Just in case there are problems, make sure that technical help is available when you’ll be working.

Look for programs with a proven track record. Even though the idea of internet learning is new, you should look for a program with a good success rate an satisfied graduates. Ask if you can email or talk to some of the graduates, or read recommendations. Ask about the school’s completion rate.

Does the school offer adequate financing? If the school is accredited, they should be able to participate in the federal student loan programs and offer financing to distance learners.

Finally, investigate who is teaching the classes. Do they have experience in online teaching? Managing a virtual classroom is different that teaching the typical college course, so the teachers should be experienced in this type of learning.

Of course, distance learning is not for everyone. In order to succeed at this type of coursework, you will need to be self-motivated and dedicated to getting your MBA. You will need to be organized and disciplined. Procrastinators have a difficult time working at their own pace, because they can always finish an assignment “tomorrow”. Of course, this can turn a 2-3 year program into 6-8 years.

Investigate online distance learning to pursue you MBA, but first, make sure that you are ready to commit to self-directed learning.

Jay Moncliff is the founder of http://www.distancelearningreviews.info a website specialized on Distance Learning, resources and articles. This site provides updated information on Distance Learning. For more info visit his site:Distance Learning

How to Choose Your MBA Specialization

Most students getting their MBA in popular fields such as finance, marketing, and management, but these are not the only the specialization of MBA programs offered by colleges or universities. There are far more specializations in MBA offered for individuals in various industries; any fields that you can think off, there will be an MBA specialization for it. By knowing the full range of MBA options, you have better chances to pick the best MBA that best fit your career goal.

In most career paths, people are planning to achieve their highest career achievement in managerial positions or become entrepreneurs who are going to run their own business. Although an MBA is not the ultimate requirement for managerial positions, employers generally prefer to promote or hire people with an MBA degree for higher position because MBA degree holders generally have better leadership and communication skills which are important in managerial position. MBA programs also prepare students to have the ability to think analytically and strategically. Hence, if you are combining your undergraduate degree or non-business degree with an MBA in your career field specialization, you will sure obtain higher marketable skills that are desirable to employment of your career field.

Let's look at some of common MBA specializations:

MBA in Health Care Management

Health care industry is one of highest growth fields with 2 digits growth rate projected toward 2010 by US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This indicates a good career opportunity if you are interested to start your career in health care field.

An MBA specialized in health care management will prepare you for mid- to upper-level management positions in health care facilities, pharmaceutical firms , insurance companies, long-term care facilities, and public health agencies.

MBA in Marketing

If you are working in marketing, advertising or public relations, you know that these fields are very competitive. You need to have good marketing knowledge and skills in order for you to be success in this challenging career. MBA with marketing specialization can increase your knowledge and enhance your skills so that you are well prepared to face the challenges along your marketing career path.

MBA in Communication

If you work in communication fields such as media & advertising, journalism, public relations and you are looking to advance your career to next level, an MBA that specialize in communication will prepares you for mid- to upper-level management positions in these communication career fields.

MBA in Entrepreneurship

You don't miss understood that MBA in Entrepreneurship is only for people who want to be an entrepreneur. Many organizations especially companies in dynamic industries such as technology and media require degree holders with MBA in Entrepreneurship for their managerial positions to lead the companies toward continued development. Basically, this MBA courses will focus on business administration strategies that encourage innovation and flexibility.

MBA in Hospitality & Tourism

Beside the health care industry, service industries such as hotels, restaurants and tourism focus areas are booming as well. The high demands in these fields require people with expertise that can employ management techniques in all levels to lead the industries to go inline with the boom. MBA in Hospitality & Tourism can be your open door to move your hospitality or tourism career to a higher level with better earnings.

MBA in Human Resources (HR)

Employees are the most important asset for an organization. HR department is responsible to select, recruit, train and cater to the needs of employees. Hence, management personnel in HR department require to good management of people, effective communication with employees, and good labor relations.

An MBA in Human Resources will combine the generic MBA with specialized human resources training such as employee training & recruitment, planning and mediation. You will also learn how to integrate HR strategies with the company overall human resources allocation plan.

Summary

You must select the right specialization in your MBA program in order for your MBA degree to carry the most value that can help in your career move. By knowing the options of MBA program's specialization, you will have better chances to select the best MBA program that best fit into your career goal.

Amelia Turner, an educational article writer for http://www.your-online-degree.info You can find more details information and free resources about online MBA programs, distance learning universities, financial aids and other online education programs that can help you to make decision to earn your degree online.

Tips on Taking A Distance Learning MBA

Although the concept of distance learning is not a new one, many professionals who already have bachelor's degrees are taking advantage of off-site learning opportunities to attain a distance learning MBA.

Many accredited universities are beginning to offer distance learning MBA courses in an attempt to reach students who are not able to attend on campus classes for a wide variety of reasons. Many institutions that offer distance learning MBA courses are considered a distance learning college, but many traditional educational institutions are also offering distance learning courses that allow alumni to get a distance learning MBA from their alma matter. However, many times a degree from a distance learning college carries the same weight as a degree earned by students who had the opportunity to attain the same degree in a traditional classroom setting. In fact, some employers and industries actively recruit graduates from a distance learning college because of the ability and discipline it takes to graduate from a distance learning program, especially a distance learning MBA. Graduating by taking advantage of distance learning courses also shows a lot of determination and the drive to succeed, which are the kind of qualities many companies like to see in their new recruits.

However, because of many factors, there are many different distance learning formats you can take advantage of to get your distance learning MBA. Correspondence courses have always been very popular, but many distance learning colleges also offer e learning courses, which mean that it is a strictly online class. Many professionals with busy schedules prefer e learning courses because of the convenience and the ability to access class information from any location with an internet connection.

Other programs take advantage of a technology called Live Interactive Television. Live Interactive Television allows students to view a real time lesson by an instructor in a distant location. This technology makes it possible for students to ask questions and interact with instructors, which bridges the distance that separates them. Although this format takes some time to get used to, it can allow an instructor to reach a very large audience, as well as exposing students to instructors and guest speakers that they normally would not have access to. It also allows much of the structure that comes along with a traditional classroom.

Many distance learning MBA programs may televise the lectures so that students can watch or record lectures without physically being in class. In many ways, televised courses are better for many students than Live Interactive Television although they do not have the opportunity to ask the teacher questions.

Although many people settle for a bachelor's degree, getting an MBA can open a lot of career doors and provide better pay for nearly any job. For many people, a distance learning MBA is the only option that makes sense.

Nic Haffner helps his readers to learn more about online accredited degrees by providing them excellent online degree information.

What's More Important: an MBA or Experience?

Experience is definitely one of the most important factors in a recruiting process. Actually, enough work-experience is also a requirement for all good MBA programs.

The MBA is the certification that you have also learned all the important tools that are necessary for a management position. Of course, through years of experience, through self-documentation, failures and successes you might have learned what others learn during 1 or 2-year MBA programs. And, of course, one can become the CEO of a Fortune 500 company without an MBA, or even without complete studies (see Mr. Gates).

In the end, it all depends on the person. For a person which is less entrepreneur and not planning to start his/her own business but to apply to a large company, I would definitely recommend doing an MBA.

The HR departments get hundreds of applications a day, many of them are automatically selected by using database searches, so for certain jobs, CVs not containing "MBA" might not even pass the first recruiting step. We're living in a global world with thousands of applications, from everywere and world ruled by technology, where people are often preselected by a computer.

On the other hand, MBA without experience, is also not the ideal candidate which companies want, maybe for an entry-level management position or traineeship.

So, as always, balance is the solution, but it is recommendable to first have the experience before deciding upon the strategy of an enterprise or the faith of hundreds of employees.

Ioan Hepes - Technology Consultant, Hamburg, Germany

MBA Schools Hone Business Skills

Students looking to obtain a Master's of Business Administration Degree, or MBA, can choose from numerous MBA Schools in the U.S. and Canada. These colleges and universities offer a post-graduate education that emphasizes practical skills and concepts demanded from today's professionals. MBA degree programs allow students to focus on general master’s degrees or to concentrate on specializations in various areas of business.

Those who possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited college may be eligible to enroll in MBA Schools; however a bachelor's degree is just one consideration. One must also score well on the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test). In addition, application essays, work experience, academic performance (GPA), references, and personal interviews are all factors weighed by admissions teams. They also deem extracurricular activities and community service to be significant features of a potential candidate's character.

The master degree program develops and enhances skills for taking on management roles in business and in public service. Students will have opportunities to develop skills applicable to management in areas of accounting, finance, human resources, information systems, telecommunications, public administration, and project management.

The MBA degree programs presented at MBA Schools aim to sharpen decision-making skills, improve creativity, develop management skills, and instill effective business ethics for effective leadership. Students should anticipate developing proficiencies for management, assessment, and applications of theories and principles that shape successful businesses.

It’s a well-known fact that applicants possessing an MBA degree are highly sought after by employers. The MBA degree can increase your employability by leaps and bounds, as well as your overall income.

If you would like to learn more about MBA Schools and even Online Master’s Degrees, you will find in-depth information on our site.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.

Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Visit our Traditional School Directory and find Schools, Colleges, Universities, Vocational Schools and Online Schools at SchoolsGalore.com, your educational resource to locate schools.

Five Ways To Excel In An MBA Program

Like most graduate school programs, business school can be difficult. You must find ways to excel. This will help you get top grades in your courses and lead to that high paying position you desire. There are several ways to excel in an MBA program.

Manage your time. This is an important point to remember when going through an MBA program. MBA programs take anywhere between one and two years to complete. If you decide to go into a part-time MBA program, it will take you a bit longer.

Students entering an MBA program usually have a few years of work experience under their belt. Working in a real business environment will help you prepare for the MBA journey. You probably already know how to prioritize your schedule and learn quickly.

Managing your time is even more important when you’re still working. Many students cannot afford to miss work for a couple of years to further their education. Working and going to school can be a difficult task. Take time to organize your schedule and try to make as much room for study as possible.

Utilizing good study habits can lessen the time it takes to prepare for you essays or exams. Attending lectures and taking good notes is always helpful. You can take notes by jotting down key points in your spiral notebook or take your computer to class if you have a laptop. Research good note taking habits. There’s no need to try to write down your teacher’s lecture verbatim. Learn to summarize information as you listen.

Working with other people can help you through the program. Join a study group so that you will have the support of peers while you study. Study groups are great places to engage more fully with the course materials. It is a good place to ask questions about certain topics or participate in debates. It’s also a great way to make friends and network.

If you feel like you’re falling behind, consider getting a tutor. Many programs provide free tutoring services for anyone who seeks help. A tutor can help you get through hard subjects. Sometimes your classes can be so large that there are too many distractions throughout the lecture. Maybe you just don’t like your teacher’s presentation style. These factors can hinder your ability to learn the course material. A tutor will help you become interested in the subject matter and set academic goals.

Mastering the art of group work will also help you excel in an MBA program. You cannot run a business on your own. Business is a collaboration of many minds. Business schools understand this. You’ll have many group projects throughout your education. Learn to be patient and work with other people. Even if you don’t have the same views, you can still find a way to ace the presentation. Make sure everyone has a duty and set a deadline.

Lastly, have some fun. Go out with friends and family as much as you can. Taking little breaks will help you come back to your studies refreshed. Pretty soon the two or so years will fly by and you will be in the position you want.

Catherine Zandueta is a frequent contributor to CareersandEducation.com Catherine Zandueta is a feature writer that covers topics relating to MBA Programs and online colleges

What are the Benefits of an MBA?

The more appropriate question is, how will an MBA benefit you? To answer that, you need to have a clear understanding of yourself and your career goals. There are many career benefits of an MBA and people get the degree for different reasons. Some of the most common reasons fall into these general categories...

Advancing your career:

An MBA can help you move up in your current job in regards to responsibility and/or pay. You might have to pay for the degree on your own in hopes of a promotion, but sometimes employers will encourage more education and reimburse your tuition costs. An MBA can also increase job security with your current employer or within your current industry. If nothing else, MBA programs can provide good networking opportunities. Getting an MBA is an excellent way to advance your career.

Changing your career:

Often getting an MBA can lead to a career change. The MBA is considered a management degree and can prepare you for management-level positions. Good management is needed in every industry, and an MBA can give you autonomy to move across industries. Also, many programs have specializations or are specialized in their industry focus (ex: Healthcare MBA). Getting a specific MBA can make you more marketable within that specialized area.

Starting your own business:

A significant number of the students that pursue an MBA do it to eventually start their own business. While an MBA is not required to be an entrepreneur or to start a business, it can be a huge benefit. The MBA, by its very nature, covers a broad set of business topics. It is good to know a little of everything if you own a business. There is no doubt that what you learn in an MBA program will be applicable to running your own business.

Developing your business expertise:

Earning an MBA will increase your business knowledge and add to your expertise. While some people do not have a specific career goal in mind, they know that an MBA will help them. An MBA is a very versatile degree. Most programs welcome and even prefer applicants with non-business backgrounds. An MBA combined with just about any other field of study will enhance the degree holder's business savvy or management skill within that field. An MBA is also acceptable if you plan on going on for a PhD. Most schools recognize it as a professional degree as well as an academic degree.

This is not a comprehensive list of all the benefits of an MBA. Certainly there may be benefits that are not mentioned here. Again, the key is to not just look at the MBA benefits, but how these benefits match your career objectives. Doing that will really make these benefits of an MBA, benefits to you.

Christian LeCheminant is an advocate of the Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. He holds an MBA from Southern Utah University (SUU). For more MBA information, visit http://www.mba-options.com

 

Distance Learning MBA Basics

If you've ever tried to earn a degree, no matter where or how, you know what it takes to reach your goals. If you've already achieved an Associate or Bachelor's degree, why not take your education, and your earning clout, to another level by earning your Master's degree? What? You don't have the time with your job and family commitments to attend a traditional campus any more? No worries! Earn a distance learning MBA degree from the comfort of your own home or office.

Master of Business Administration degrees will open doors that you thought might be permanently closed. Today, there's no reason for anyone not to be able to attain the education dreams they've always aspired to, with the wealth of distance learning colleges out there. More state university systems are also adding online or distance learning curriculum to their rosters, because they understand the needs of today's students and adults who would like to pursue further education goals.

Because traditional campus learning requires a major portion of any person's time, and one must often perform feats of magic to blend school time with work, job and family responsibilities, the concept of distance learning has taken education to a new level in the 21st century. If you have a computer, you can attend online classes from anywhere in the world. No longer are you limited to state or community college systems that are within driving distance of your front door. Taking advantage of a distance learning college or university to pursue your Master of Business Administration can get your career on the fast track. Work is available within just about every job sector market when it comes to degrees in business administration. You don't have to work in a bank or other financial institution to put a MBA degree to good use. Every industry in the world needs gifted and educated men and women in their ranks to take care of the finances, legalities and day to day running practices of their companies. The health industry is one of the largest growing fields around the world these days and is expected to hire millions before the year 2014. No matter which sector you enter, there are positions open and waiting for business administration graduates in health care management, billing, recording, and administrative. The same goes for the law enforcement field, within both private and governmental sectors.

Distance learning colleges and universities or extension programs should be fully accredited, so make sure they are before you fill out applications. You may also want to check into student financing and student support services before you decide. A distance learning MBA is one of the degrees that can be used in the widest variety of job sectors. Distance learning opportunities offer the courses you need, fully accredited and ready for you to start. Finding the college or university that offers the MBA course you are looking for is your decision. Completing coursework can be done as quickly as you want, or you may take your time. That's the beauty of distance learning. It's your decision when to sit down and study, not the other way around.

Find out more about earning your distance learning MBA and get tips and more on distance learning at www.DistanceLearningRevealed.com

Is An MBA Necessary For Managers?

Do MBA’s make better managers or business leaders? The MBA debate continues furiously. So is the popularity of MBA programs worldwide. Though popular the management studies might be they make a very miniscule percent of successful CEO’s and business leaders compared to legendary leaders of business who are non MBA’s.

An MBA degree is at best a degree which due to its expensiveness and academic entry barriers attracts the top 5% of the students who are generally good in disciplined academics. The HR fraternity mistakenly thinks because they constitute the top of the academic populace, especially the premium Management Educational Institutes in the world, they must be good.

The usefulness of the management education program has been hard to measure and evaluate. While it cannot be denied the stress on analytical abilities and concepts does give a broad view of what constitutes management, one can also learn the same through self studies easily if one can only exercise the disciplines of the academics into one’s own lifestyle.

While we may have some big names who are business management graduates from the top global institutions, we also have the legends like Bill Gates, Michael Dell, Steve Jobs to mention a few while no major names who are MBA’s come to mind as easily. Even Jack Welch of GE fame is a non MBA.

If business success is a matter of knowledge which is what the expensive management education business is touting, the knowledge industry itself is dominated by people who have hardly been to a management school and made a big success of it.

The legendary Peter Drucker does not come from a management educational background. Most of his management thought comes from practical observation of the business in action as a consultant and researcher. The management principles and theories propounded by him are taught in the management schools. His managerial thinking is at least 30 years ahead as some of his thoughts written even in the 50’s is only now recognized as indispensable to running a business.

On the other side of the coin is the MBA’s running companies like the GE, entire nation as in the case of President George Bush or the top global consulting organizations. How successfully is a moot point?

While the contribution of the MBA’s cannot be denied in the mid levels, the leadership abilities are questionable. The phenomenal salaries and perks associated with the MBA’s and the HR skewer towards them ignores the potential available and learning ability of the entire workforce. If the same amount of money and resources are spent in training and developing the non MBA workforce, organizations may be able to develop more leaders at a lower cost.

R.G. Srinivasan is a managerial professional, Writer and Author. He writes a regular blog on management thoughts with interesting articles, resources, personal experiences and links useful for any manager at http://management-thoughts.blogspot.com

Life After An MBA Program

Life after an MBA program is an exciting time. You will see opportunities open up for your future. In the past, you may have been rejected by employers for lack of experience. Now you are embraced as top candidates for many positions. There are different paths you can take after graduating with an MBA.

You can attain a new position in your present company. Many workers go back to school to get their MBA while they are still working. Some companies pay for your schooling. Once you’ve graduated with your MBA you can apply for positions in your company that you weren’t qualified for before. You will be able to rise to the upper echelons of your present company.

You can also leave your present company and apply for a new position. An MBA gives you the professional know-how to succeed in many different industries. New employers value your MBA and you will earn much higher salaries than you’ve previously experienced. Now you can apply for those jobs that you never thought you were qualified for in the past.

A number of MBA graduates go on to do consulting work especially if you already have years of working experience. Consultants can do business with small organizations or large Fortune 500 companies. People will pay for insight into their current business practices and ways to work more efficiently. In this area, you have the ability to set your own fee. When you have successfully built consulting relationships with businesses you will see the demand for your services rise.

Another path after business school is to start your own. Starting a business is difficult but you now have the education to think beyond the fear of failure. You have learned accounting skills, marketing skills, management skills and other important skills you need to start your own company. You’ve read countless cases of businesses that have succeeded beyond anyone’s imagination and cases that have shown how promising companies have gone bankrupt. You are more prepared than most to start your own project.

Some students enjoy the life of academia and go on to get their PhD in business administration. This can lead to a career in teaching or research. Further education can take five years or so depending on the program. If you have great research and analytical skills and want to contribute to the subject of business and its practices, consider acquiring a PhD.

Many opportunities present themselves after you graduate from an MBA program. If your desire is to work in top managerial positions, then you have taken the right path. Be confident that you have the skills to work at a high level. Your learning and experience will be a great asset to any company

Review more industry related articles by Catherine Zandueta at CareersandEducation.com. Catherine Zandueta is a feature writer and often covers topics related to Campus Degree Programs and Career advice.

India's MBA Gold Rush

In India is seeing a gold rush for MBA. In India privatization is making its feet stronger day by day. In toady’s India there are much more opportunities, as compared to the earlier years. Especially after 1990’s liberalization policies India has seen a big boom in privatization. That why MBA which was not much not sot after carrier option in India till 1985, has seen a big boom in this segment. The number of applicants for IIM’s has increased many folds, knowing that only one percent of them can make for it. That’s why today there are more than 1000 MBA colleges in India. About 100 of them are well recognized worldwide.

The rush for the MBA is because of the good status symbol associated with it. For middle class students this offers a very good opportunity for growth. Only by getting an admission in leading MBA College, they can land up in big posts. More to this, MBA courses provide big challenges for young generations. They got lot of challenging assignments in their tenure. The other reason is obvious the big pay cheques associated with jobs offered to MBA’s. Recent years there is huge increase in salary offered to average MBA student. Last year one of IIM, Ahemdabad MBA graduate was offered salary more then 1 core/year. Which is the highest ever salary offered to an Indian MBA. If we compare this with the average Indian earning, most of them are not even able to earn 1 crore in their whole life.

The main raise in the salary is due to the coming up of MNC’s for recruitment in India. Every year lot of MNC’s visit Indian campuse and offer attractive packages. This is due to the success of lot Indian MBA’s abroad. Not only the MNC’s, what the Indian companies are also offering good salaries. Indian companies have shown significant growth in world today. Also the liberalization has opened new business opportunities in India. New businesses are coming up and they require good managers to run their business.

Today MBA is good sot after carrier option in India. More and more student opts for this. The rush for MBA is clear from the fact that today even doctors, engineers and all field graduate are opting for MBA. Therefore more and more colleges have started offering MBA courses. If students doesn’t got seat in big institutes, then they are even opting for foreign countries. In recent year the number of students going abroad for MBA has increased many folds.

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MBA Admissions - 12 Steps to Success

These are the most important things to consider when applying to an MBA program. If you do nothing else, focus on these twelve things:

1. Show self-knowledge. If you know who you are, where you're going, and why it requires an MBA, you're more than halfway to getting in.

2. Show past success. Admissions committees have to rely on your past successes and referees, as a shorthand indicator of your future success.

3. Show leadership experience and aptitude. Leadership is the ability to motivate and coordinate others to achieve a common goal. It is the key management skill and the key to management success.

4. Prove it with evidence. You think you're great, and you surely are. But what counts is the evidence. The strongest evidence is concrete: promotions, awards etc, but stories and anecdotes will do the trick too.

5. Position yourself away from competitive categories. Look for ways to separate yourself from the herd.

6. Have clear, interesting, ambitious goals that fit with your past record and require an MBA.

7. Focus on telling your own story and don't try to give them what you think they want to hear. If you get your profile right you can get in anywhere.

8. Don't praise the school. They are fully aware of their value and their charms. What they want to know is why you are valuable and how you will add value to them.

9. Don't try to be too competent. Success is good. Perfect is highly dubious. If you are too good, not only is it suspicious, but you leave them no role to add to your skills and build your profile.

10. Be personal. Give the admissions committee a real insight into your character, passion, personality and self-understanding.

11. Be unique. If what you say could be said by the next applicant or the one after that, it's generic. If what you say could only be have been said by you, it's unique.

12. Be likeable. People always choose people they like as colleagues and co-workers and the admissions committee is no different.

Excerpt from A.V. Gordon “MBA Admissions Strategy: From Profile Building to Essay Writing” McGraw-Hill-Open University Press http://www.mbastudio.net

Avi Gordon, MBA, is Director of the MBA Admissions Studio (http://www.mbastudio.net), a specialist admissions coaching and essay editing practice for MBA and executive MBA applicants. He is the author of MBA Admissions Strategy: From Profile Building to Essay Writing published by McGraw Hill/ Open University Press. He has been the resident expert on MBA admissions essay with The World MBA Tour. He writes and consults in various aspects of business coaching and communication strategy.

The MBA Conundrum

A colleague on my MBA programme here at the BI in Oslo questioned me somewhat aggressively the other week: “You seem very relaxed about the process of studying. Is this something you really want to do?”

Over the last few years, there has been a lot of scepticism surrounding the true value of MBAs once inside an organisation. As the first term of my MBA programme comes to a close, and I begin to look forward to a week absent of work and full of long Mediterranean dinners and hot evenings, I can’t help reflect as I sit in class now on the validity of all the scepticism. First of all, I am sympathetic to the cynics. For a long time I was a cynic myself of the validity of MBAs – after all, they are usually twenty-somethings like myself who think they know all the answers based on what has to be a fairly limited amount of real, practical experience.

From my experience on this MBA programme here at the BI in Oslo, the scepticism is not unjustified but it is misplaced.

When I chose to study an MBA, it was predominantly for the intellectual process of reasoning and studying that I wanted to do it. Unlike some, for me graduating in the top ten of the class is not an all-consuming goal – it is rather the acquisition of knowledge and the opportunity to be back in one of my favourite places, the classroom, again that are the pivotal reasons I am studying for this degree. It seems I am part of a minority, however. I may be fortunate in not finding the task of getting high grades overly demanding and actually enjoying the process of studying, but putting it diplomatically, there are certainly a number of less than congenial individuals on the programme who are clearly studying an MBA for one sole purpose: because they can’t rise any higher in their careers without one. The problem with these individuals is that studying an MBA is not what they need: what they need is a lesson in how to get on with people. Most of the types I am speaking about ironically have quite outstanding qualifications already; it is certainly not for lack of academic kudos that they have encountered a limit to how far they can rise within their respective organisations.

The problem is in the classification of “MBA’s” as a general categorical statement. It is immediately evident on this programme at least that those who are going to climb the ladder in an organisational context would do so anyway, without an MBA. All the programme does is to sharpen the intellectual process so that those who have been “winging” subjects like accounting for the past four years, like myself, can now talk about it with a sense of meaning. On the other hand, an MBA won’t teach those who have a personality disorder how to acquire a personality. Ironically, it is these students who are the most “grade” focused, and who therefore immediately, at least, come across as the most ambitious: because they have found themselves in the unenviable position of having to be. However, once these individuals assume management positions, they quickly find themselves at square one.

Management is more of an intuitive process than an intellectual one. The problem with studying an MBA for the students who are doing it with the sole purpose of advancing their careers in mind is that, while being somewhat more intuitive perhaps than most degrees, it is still predominantly an intellectual pursuit. MBA’s are great degrees, they are just being used for the wrong purpose.

Daniel M. Harrison is currently studying for a MBA at BI, Oslo. Prior to this he was Head of Private Client Services at St. Helen's Capital, and has been responsible for a number of small company fundraisings and IPOs in the U.K.

Daniel has written and lectured in the United Kingdom on Corporate Finance in the small company market as well as on cultural issues including the literary and music scene.

He has a blog at http://danielmarkharrison.blogs.com

What is an MBA Worth?

This is purely and individual question. You can look at the pros and the cons as well as the personal and lifestyle factors, but one of the most important issues is the financial impact. That is, the cost and the return on investment (ROI) related to the MBA.

Costs of the MBA

What is an MBA worth? First you need to look at the costs. There are both "hard" and "soft" costs involved with pursuing an MBA. The soft costs include the many personal and lifestyle factors involved. Sometimes, these can be the biggest costs. However it is difficult to quantify soft costs.

There are two types of "hard" costs when it comes to the MBA. See the following explanation:

* Direct Costs - tuition, fees, books, and supplies (such as a laptop). These costs are derived by the school. That is, the costs are directly incurred as a result of the your MBA program. These costs are often the most visible too.

* Indirect Costs - travel, relocation, living expenses, and opportunity costs. These costs are incurred indirectly as a result of pursuing an MBA. These costs are not always as visible and make up "the rest of" the costs.

MBA Return on Investment

What is an MBA worth? You also have to look at the return on investment (ROI). ROI simply means that invested resources (such as MBA costs) should return an even greater amount of resources. Financially speaking, ROI should be considered in any investment decision.

There is really one "hard" return on investment involved with the MBA. See the following explanation:

* Greater Earning Potential - This is usually what MBA students are after in one form or another. A graduate degree will often prompt a promotion or enable you to move to a better job. While often expensive, an MBA degree can greatly increase the graduate's earning potential. The earning potential should be viewed in the long-term rather than the short-term (it is likely that you will be working for a long time).

There are "soft" returns on investment also. These may include greater prestige, enhanced knowledge, or even the sense of accomplishment. But because these are hard to quantify, I have not included them on the ROI list.

What is an MBA worth? Add up the costs and see what kind of future earnings it will bring. If this result is favorable, then the MBA may be worth it for you.

Christian LeCheminant is an advocate of the Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. He holds an MBA from Southern Utah University (SUU). For more MBA information, visit http://www.mba-options.com

MBA Sports Marketing

MBA sports marketing is a post graduate program designed to provide students with an understanding of the products and services applied in sports events and contemporary marketing principles. Basically, MBA sports marketing is a specialty of general marketing providing an in-depth knowledge in the sports industry.

Nowadays, sports marketing is one of the fastest growing industries. With an aim to provide students with a solid foundation in sport marketing, an MBA sports marketing program offers a comprehensive curriculum which combines both classroom and practical experience. The curriculum is approximately same to that of a general MBA curriculum, but the exception is that, additional subjects in marketing of sports are included. In addition to competitive and creative business tricks, the curriculum covers accounting, decision sciences, management, finance, and general marketing. Year long weekly sports programs and strategic planning projects are also included. Besides this, the sports marketing students can participate in internship programs and learn the economic aspects of sports marketing and law.

The program is specially designed for those students who are planning to enter the sports management positions in the private or public sectors. Many positions are waiting for these MBA sports marketing graduates in professional sports, education, recreation, and leisure fields. These professionals will be able to pursue careers in intercollegiate athletic departments, conferences, sports agencies, professional sport organizations, sport marketing firms and various other organizations. Some of the major functions of sports marketing professionals are planning and facilitating exchange of sports related properties and non-sports property items, creating opportunities to promote sports and sports-related activities, and handling of the business angles of sports. The program enables the students to efficiently manage a wide range of sport-related programs including amateur and professional sports, intercollegiate athletics, special-event management, and facility management.

There are a number of schools and universities offering specialized MBA programs in sports marketing. Most of them offer flexible time schedules for students, including full time regular course and evening classes. Throughout the year, these schools arrange sports events by coordinating fellow students, alumni and industry professionals.

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