How to choose a business school
January 2006

It is the decade of the reality show and no doubt the popularity of Donald Trump's The Apprentice has sent more than one business-minded viewer to consider augmenting their academic experience. And after Randal Pinkett, collector of business degrees, was the one to hear "You're hired!" no doubt many viewers started looking more seriously at business schools to see what a B.Comm. or MBA could do for them.

Whether an Apprentice fan or not, if you're one of those considering a business school, don't rush into anything without doing your homework. Not all business schools are not the same and potential students have to recognize the diversity.
Niraj Bhargava received his MBA from Western University, has studied at Waterloo and the Stockholm School of Economics, has taught business at Queens University and is now the dean of the faculty of management at Royal Roads University.
"I've seen a number of business schools from the inside," he says. "The first thing [a student] should try to do is know their own objectives - know what they're trying to obtain and then try to find a business school which best suits what you're trying to achieve."

Some people may be looking at a quick path to a higher business credential so their objective might be a shorter, less costly route to a program. Another goal might be to obtain a credential and brand name MBA "so you may want to look at rankings and see where you might get the best brand recognition," says Bhargava. This might be the case when someone is already in a job and wants to increase their credentials and recognition within their company.

A third objective might be a thought-provoking, academic experience. In such a case, prospective students should look at the research and output of the business school. "Ask if they're on the leading edge academically," Bhargava suggests.
If you're looking for a career or training as a business analyst, you need to look for a school that has a strong analytical and quantitative reputation, says Bhargava. Finally, if your objective is to be a senior manager and business leader, you should be looking for a managerial school rather than a business school.

"You should be looking for a faculty with management experience," says Bhargava. "And you should be looking for a business school that really values the experience you'd be bringing into an organization."

The first two objectives -- a quick degree or a brand name credential -- are easier to figure out but for the other three, you need to do a little more analysis: Research publications on the Web; look at curriculum, faculty and alumni; find out if they have the right courses that will send you in the right direction. A good managerial school, for example, blends analytical skills with the capacity for leadership and working effectively in an organization.

"It could be good for any leader," says Bhargava. "It could vary in terms of what kind of organization or aspirations you have."

In addition to the content of the school curriculum, potential students should consider several other factors:
• the background of the faculty -- are they pure academics or do they have world experience?
• the potential of long-distance or part-time learning, in case the student is already employed and needs to fit their academic training into an already busy life.
• where are the alumni working? Would they be proud to have graduates knocking on their door?
• the type of learning models that are used -- are there lectures, case studies and facilitated dialogues with business leaders?
• what sort of practical experience will be gained through the school?

At Royal Roads, for example, students participate in consulting projects for organizations. "You work with an organization and actually engage with them to help them with their problem," said Bhargava. "It's a safe opportunity to show them you can add value to their environment."

Finally, says Bhargava, do not underestimate the importance of doing your own personal research, not just relying on what a school’s marketing materials may say. A lot of brochures will talk about a certain approach the school takes, but a student might find something different in the classroom.