10 Factors to consider while selecting the right MBA program in India.

With more than 3000 MBA colleges in India, choosing a right program is always a challenge. This is especially mind boggling when deciding amongst what is popularly known as the ‘Tier-2 MBA’ program. Here are some factors that you may consider when it comes to making a decision.

1: Placement and career offerings 

“A MBA is known by the ‘company’ it keeps” 🙂  So the first thing that you should look out for in an MBA is the kind of ‘companies’ it attracts during its campus placements. 

First ask yourself these questions: After I complete my MBA, what kind of job/career would I like? In which industry would I like to work? and What is the pay package that I am expecting ? – Be realistic in your answers. Then find out the kind of placements offered by the MBA program. Don’t merely go by statistics displaced on the college’s website or brochure. The best way to find out is to get insights from current and recent graduates of the program. Try to find out the kind of companies that come to recruit on campus and the average salaries they offer for students of your profile.

2: College Accreditations  

While accreditations don’t really matter, it’s always good to ensure that the college you are selecting has the right accreditations.  If the college does not have the pre-requisite accreditations and permissions, your degree might have no value in the market.

3: Cost and Financial Aid

Understanding the cost of the program, including hidden costs if any. Also check the kind of assistance the college provides in terms of scholarships and loans.

4: Student Pool and College Culture

Do some research on the kind of students that typically join the program. A good student pool is a one that is a diverse mix in terms of past education, geographical background, and prior work experience. Avoid choosing a college where either everybody is from a very similar background as yours or where you would be the ‘odd’ person out. Try to understand the overall college culture as well, and see how it fits in with your personality.

5: Specializations the college offers and flexibility in choosing electives

An important thing to consider is whether the program offers the kind of specialization you are interested in. Also opt for programs that offer a broad range of specializations and ask if you are allowed to change your specialization mid way through the program if need be. While there is high possibility that you may not change your specialization mid way, but it’s always good to have that option available.

6: Faculty Profiles and learning methodologies

You can learn about the college faculty from the college’s website, but it will only tell you about their past education and experience. While that is a good start, ask current students about the faculty and their the teaching methodologies. Ask if the lectures and assignments are interesting enough?  Do the teacher take initiatives to go beyond the textbooks and  try to do something innovative? Do teachers follow a case study based approach and if yes are the case studies and examples more current and relevant ? Does the college attract a good pool of visiting faculty from the industry?

7: Location of the college

While the location may not be a very important factor, there is a high possibility that you may eventually get a job in and around the city where the college is located. You need to decide if you are willing to relocate to that part of the country, not just for the duration of your studies, but also later. Also colleges located in big cities, generally find it easier to attract local companies to recruit on campus. So keep that factor in mind while deciding on your MBA.

8: Partnerships and Tie-Ups

Look at the partnerships and tie-ups the college has with other institutions for ‘student exchange’ programs and with companies for projects/internships if any.

9: Alumni Network and Support after graduation.

Research on the alumni of the college. LinkedIn is a good place to find this information. See where are they placed and if possible have a word with them and understand their career graph. Understand how strong the college alumni network is, and the kind of support the college/alumni network provides it’s students even after graduation.  

10: Infrastructure

Last but not the least, look at the college infrastructure. If possible visit the campus and spend a few hours on campus. Doing so will also get you a good sense of the overall college atmosphere and culture.    

While these are just general guidelines and some factors may be more important to a person than the other. If you need help deciding on your MBA option, feel free to get in touch.