Selecting schools

Selecting the right school is one of the important things in the application process. I consider the following aspects important in the selection process.

Curriculum and Electives: Check what a school has got to offer as a part of the curriculum. Do the electives offered meet your career goal and aspirations?

Placements: How good is the recruitment in the field of your interest. If you are an international student make sure to know the companies that are willing to sponsor work permits. Not all companies are inclined to recruiting international students.

Teaching style: Teaching methodology is typically a mix of cases and lectures although some schools only practice the lecture based method. Personally, I think cases give a real time experience and schools that promote it are a better choice.

Networking: Know how good are the school's ties with its alumni and the kind of events and fairs arranged. Networking is very important for intern and post-MBA jobs as well. One of your main line professional networks will be through the school you graduate from.

Location: Location can be of concern to many because of family ties, weather or other interests.

Student body: What is the student body composed of? What is the extent of diversity in terms of work-ex, age, nationality etc. How enthusiastic and participating are the students?

Outside classroom: Student organisations and cultural clubs enable you to pursue your interests and develop extra-curricular activities. Learning about the various clubs will help you understand what you get to do outside class.

Hands-on experience: Many schools encourage their students to work for companies even during their course work. That helps you hit the ground running.

The various sources to know about schools would be their students, staff, alumni, websites, MBA fairs and class visits. Class visits are more advisable after an initial shortlisting. They will help you to zero down on your choices.