Recent admits to UK MBA and EMBA programmes told us what drew them to their business schools, and how they went about their research.
We spoke to 10 BusinessBecause members who have either recently embarked on or are about to start an MBA in the UK.
They typically researched between eight and ten programmes in-depth before narrowing down to a final two or three.
The most important part of the decision-making process for nearly everyone was the campus visit, with many people visiting the same campus more than once.
Colin Bareham, who recently started the EMBA programme at Warwick Business School, spent a Saturday there at a taster event, attending sample lectures and speaking to students and alumni. He also arranged his own bespoke visits to Warwick and several other schools.
“There’s a significant difference in the style and approach of different business schools, so it’s worth putting in the effort to make sure the one you choose is the right fit.”
One of the reasons Bareham opted for Warwick was for the option to complete his EMBA over three years, something he thought would help him balance his studies with his work and family life.
Other deciding factors mentioned by UK MBA candidates included smaller class sizes and a family friendly environment for those bringing their kids along.
The issue that came up the most often, however, was the strength of UK business schools when it comes to providing an international experience.
One recent admit to London Business School chose LBS over a top five US MBA because he thought the LBS would offer him more international exposure: “Even as a Briton having lived in
London for most of the last nine years, I think that LBS will offer me the most internationally diverse business school experience possible.”
US national Gad Wavomba looked at a mixture of UK and US MBA programmes and opted for Aston Business School, also in part for its international focus, as well as the school’s triple accreditation and affordability.
Candidates relied on tried and tested resources to do their initial research, including the FT, Economist and Bloomberg BusinessWeek.
However the most useful form of research cited by all the people we spoke to, was networking with and talking to students and alumni in a relaxed setting.
BusinessBecause came in useful here for many of them! “BusinessBecause is a fantastic resource by which to make these initial personal connections and the members there are extremely helpful,” said the LBS admit.
Warwick Business School’s Colin Bareham attended the BusinessBecause networking event at Google’s office building in London in April 2012, when he was in the early stages of his research.
He found the presentations from business schools, and the opportunity to chat with BusinessBecause co-founder Kate Jillings invaluable in helping him decide which programme would be best for him.
BusinessBecause editorial about the Bath MBA reassured current student Claus Jensen that “It was a credible school and option.”
We hope to continue to connect applicants with excellent MBA programmes, and look forward to seeing these members go on to achieve great things!
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