With so many schools and programmes on offer, picking an MBA programme can feel pretty overwhelming. Rankings can be a useful starting point, but bear in mind that these are changeable and should only be considered alongside other factors.

Here are my top tips on choosing an MBA programme:

1. Format – consider whether you want to study full-time or part-time, over 1 year or 2 years, online or in-person. Some schools will offer multiple options, others will just have one format. Are you willing and able to take time out from work to study, or do you need a more flexible programme that will fit around other commitments? There’s no point in focusing on a school that doesn’t offer a format that is right for you.

2. Location – this is more significant if you want to do a full-time programme that will involve you relocating. Firstly, do you like the place where the school is located, and would you be happy to live there at least for the duration of your studies? Secondly, do you want to work in a particular location after graduation? Schools will typically have better links with employers in the geographic region in which they are located. Consider where graduates of the programme typically go on to work and where there is a strong alumni network. It’s worth reaching out to alumni in your target post-MBA region.

3. Career outcomes – it is essential that the programme aligns with your career aspirations. Schools usually publish data on employment outcomes each year – take time to review this and look at where their graduates went on to work and the post-MBA salary information. An MBA is a big investment, so you need to be confident it will pay off.

4. Course content – take time to review the curriculum and make sure it includes topics that are of interest to you, and relevant to your career aspirations. There will of course be overlap between programmes here, but there will be differences. If the school has a particular strength, does that align with your interests and goals? I recommend looking at the specialisation options, projects and internship opportunities on offer.

5. Fit – this is perhaps the most difficult one to assess. There are a few things you can do to help determine whether a school is the right ‘fit’ for you. Attending an open day is a great way to see the campus, meet staff and talk to current students. Many schools also offer online events. I highly recommend reaching out to current students and alumni, as they will be able to tell you about their experiences first-hand. Finally, you can meet school representatives at MBA fairs worldwide – see if there are any upcoming events near you. Through these interactions, you should start to get a sense of whether a school feels like the right place for you, and somewhere you could really thrive.

If you’re unsure where to start and would like some support or reassurance, why not book a free initial consultation and see how I can help.