How to Choose the Right MBA

If you are scratching your head wondering which MBA course to choose from or how getting that MBA will help you achieve your career goals then read on.

An MBA (short for Masters of Business Administration) is an exceptional postgraduate qualification that not only puts you ahead of the pack but also is one of those qualifications that employers consider truly valuable. An MBA says you know exactly what you want and where you are going. Committing to do an MBA is probably one of the largest investments (both financially and time) you're going to make, so be sure to choose wisely.

If you're here, you know an MBA is right for you and the key to helping you achieve your career goals, but how do you know which MBA course suits you?

Why Consider an MBA in Australia?

If you've been out of studying action for a while, you should know that undertaking such a course isn't what it once was. Yes, you require dedication and commitment, but with flexible online study options and part-time courses available, you no longer need to take time off work, be away from family, or stop other commitments. You can study your MBA and graduate with an esteemed qualification that'll be recognised worldwide.

Since an MBA demands an investment of your time – at least 24 months (depending on specialisation), finances and effort, it is important to get it right the first time.

There are 4 important considerations that you need to keep in mind when deciding which MBA to choose...

1. MBA Study Mode

The flexibility of learning makes studying your MBA in Australia far easier and worthwhile. You don’t have to do one thing and drop the other - you can combine or alter your mode of study to suit your current situation. Some of the available modes of study include:

• Online learning: An online form of learning allows students who cannot attend the campus physically, for one reason or another.
• On-Campus learning: This traditional mode of learning has students attend classes physically, whether full-time or on a part-time basis. If a campus is just not viable to get to, then that pretty much rules that course out.
• Blended learning: This is a combination of online and traditional classroom forms of learning. The student gets to choose the time, pace, and place of learning.

2. Career Objectives

Having come this far in your education, you pretty much have an idea of which career path you want to pursue. (If not, don't sweat it... you're one of many.)

Being certain of the MBA course you have chosen and knowing what exactly you want to achieve will give you the drive to pursue learning even on those days when none of it makes sense.

Your choice will depend greatly on your career objectives.

Do you want to get into corporate leadership? Make more money? Are you interested in starting your own business or perhaps increasing your knowledge in your field so you can manage it skillfully? Perhaps you want to change your career path, say, move from technical work into a management role. An MBA qualification is not just about equipping you with the technical skills, but also about developing your personal interests.

Find an MBA course that allows you to be flexible and select the course modules that'll help you achieve what you set out to learn. Before settling on a course, look at the MBA subjects and the electives available. If it's HR, Marketing, Finance, Consultancy, or more you want to focus on, then be sure there are the right electives in place for you.

By knowing where you want to be, you can help develop the best route on how to get there. Some of the careers that can benefit from an MBA include:

• Marketing Manager
• Information Systems Manager & IT Managers (and Directors)
• Management Analyst
• Financial Analyst
• Business Operations Manager
• Human Resources Manager
• Project/Product Managers
• Finance Managers
• Accountants
• Entrepreneurs
• Clinical Research, among others

3. Course Reputation

Business schools and universities have carved reputations in certain areas such as entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, IT management, or healthcare. Consider this reputation and their ranking when weighing up different MBA course options. Check if your provider has any close connections in the industry and how well-developed their faculty is.

Students who undertake MBA courses develop invaluable skills that make them more effective team members. They learn about the requisite factors needed to move their companies or business to the next level.

4. MBA Cost

This may be last, but it's definitely not least! The cost of your MBA may have a huge sway on which MBA you choose. The average price of an MBA in Australia is $50,000, so if you're going to make such an investment, it's important you not only choose the right course for you but also work out a plan with your provider on how to fund it. See what your school offers in terms of payment plans and scholarships, and be sure to check if you're eligible for any government study assistance.