10 Reasons Why I Chose a Business School
There are many benefits to attending a business school, and if you’re interested in furthering your education as well as learning more about how to start a business and make money from it, then you should certainly consider doing it. There are plenty of reasons why I chose to pursue my MBA from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business; here are just 10 of them!
1) Relevant Education
Attending business school will teach you many different skills, including economics, finance, accounting, marketing and organizational behavior. These are important skills to have in any industry, especially entrepreneurship. Not only will you learn these valuable skills at business school but you’ll also be equipped with so much more knowledge than most other job candidates. That gives you an advantage over your peers and affords you with more opportunities in your chosen field of study.
2) Alumni Network
Graduates of business schools are part of a vast network, with some graduates staying local and others moving across state or international borders. It’s not uncommon for alumni to remain connected in some way after graduation, frequently through social events like classes and sporting events. Since these former classmates often have similar goals and professional experiences—or at least understand what you’re going through as you pursue your own goals – they can be valuable allies for job-seeking tips or inspiration.
3) Global Network
There’s no reason why you can’t build international contacts to get your idea off the ground. In fact, business schools have increasingly become hotbeds for entrepreneurs—not just because they foster opportunities for cross-cultural collaboration, but also because it helps prime students to think about globalization and cross-cultural communication from day one. And that’s good news for you: If you want to do business internationally, chances are your new company will need these skills in spades.
4) Teaching Methods
A business school is an academic institution designed to teach students about business and management. For some MBA students, attending a business school is mandatory in order to receive an MBA degree. For others, however, it is optional. With so many different options out there when it comes to selecting a business school and pursuing an MBA program, how do you choose?
5) Job Placement & Internships
Working as an intern in your chosen field provides you with vital real-world experience and makes you more competitive when it comes time to look for a job. At business school, I’ll be able to land an internship at Google and really make myself stand out when it comes time to apply for full-time positions after graduation.
6) Reputation & Rankings
Business schools are ranked by US News & World Report (USNWR), which bases its rankings largely on surveys of business school deans and senior faculty. The USNWR methodology is constantly evolving, but here’s how it works: for each program surveyed, USNWR gathers data about graduate salaries, GMAT scores, acceptance rates and other factors on which applicants tend to focus when making their decision.
7) Flexibility & Concentration Options
In most b-schools, you’ll have plenty of flexibility to craft your own study schedule. This can come in handy for those with hectic work and personal lives—it may seem less disruptive to take an evening class than waking up at 7am every day of the week. And while online classes are becoming more common, many schools still offer face-to-face learning experiences. Many business programs also incorporate internships into their curriculums.
8) Career Services & Guidance
In today’s highly competitive job market, students who enter into a business school program can rest assured that they will receive top-notch career services and guidance. Networking opportunities, informational interviews and workshops on everything from cover letters to presentation skills are all available at many schools. Many grads also tout career services for helping them land jobs after graduation – long before those expensive networking lunches start paying off!
9) Teachers with Experience in the Field
A lot of people apply to business school because they want to move up in their current company, or they’re interested in gaining knowledge on how to manage people. A big selling point for many schools is that professors are not only highly educated, but also have experience working in various industries. That way, they can give you a taste of what it’s like when you walk out of business school and into your first management position.
10) Intensive Programs on Specific Topics
The curriculum is much more in-depth than what you’d expect from an undergraduate course, and it offers students specialized knowledge and insights that they won’t find anywhere else. Students who study law or medicine often choose to go to business school, because they can learn about different disciplines at once. While you may not have time to pursue a double major during your undergraduate studies, studying both at once is not only possible but highly encouraged at many top business schools.
