Articles

When Time Matters: Choosing The Right MBA Program

2009-10-06

Being qualified for the job has always been the key to success in the corporate world. So it's not surprising that when a company looks to employ someone in a particular field, it is going to be a postgraduate with some level of expertise. Similarly, for today's businesses, most executives are required to have an MBA degree. The MBA is supposed to ensure that the candidate is a cut above the rest of the people who apply for the same job. In fact, even the type of MBA program that the person has completed will matter just as much as the college or university from where the degree was earned.

So, if you are looking to get the tag MBA on your resume, make sure that you choose the right MBA program before you select your postgraduate college. While an MBA degree is an MBA degree, you can earn it in different time frames. There is the regular two year long MBA program, which is full time and ideal for students who don't yet have a job. In the first year, the core subjects are covered with all the students; and in the second year of the MBA, the students get to choose a specialization. Thus, by the time students have earned their MBA degrees, they have already pre-decided which department of a corporation they will be working in, such as finance or marketing.

If you have some work history and want to cut short the time on the MBA, you can opt for the one year MBA program. This is meant for experienced executives and so the admission process is strict and the work experience is mandatory. This is also a full time MBA program. Although it's called a year-long MBA, it can take anywhere from 11 to 16 months to complete, depending upon the institution. There is also a part-time MBA program for executives that can't take a break from work. This postgraduate degree is generally earned in three to five years.

As you climb up the corporate ladder, you need to enhance your skills. This is where the executive MBA program will help you improve your qualifications. To be accepted into this program, you must have at least five years of work experience. In most cases the students are already specialists in their company and are trying to acquire an enhanced portfolio.

Another option for an MBA is an online program. Made possible thanks to the great connectivity and easy access that the Internet provides, these programs help students and executives alike. Such programs can even be accomplished while pursuing another degree or working a full-time job. In the end, it's important to select and invest in a program that meets your specific needs.