10 tips to select the best B-school
Selecting the best b-school for self is not an easy job for there is a range of factors to be taken into consideration. To make this job easy for you, her are 10 tips to select the best business school.
By Neha Sharma Jha
A whirlwind of questions pop out when a student sets out to select a B-school for a career in management. Several important words hover over the mind including ‘faculty', ‘campus facility', ‘reputation', ‘convenience', ‘best fit' to name a few. Several other words such as ‘confusion' and its siblings ‘anxiety' and ‘uncertainty', also pour in during the contemplation process. The architecture of a successful career depends on the right choice because a well-researched and informed choice leads to a wise decision. While offering tips to select the best b school, some experts put ‘ranking' of the institute as the numero uno criteria, they also emphasize on the ‘stream of specialization' as a significant guiding factor. For instance, if someone opts for a specialization in Human Resources, XLRI Jamshedpur is better option than IIM Ahmedabad. To select a good b school for self, one should keep in mind some key parameters like:
Although, there is no substitute to a personal visit to various shortlisted schools in your wish list it is important to carry a few pointers in order to prune out a school of your choice from a long list of top MBA colleges in India. The following parameters can be the basis of selection of the best B-school.
10 tips to select the best B-school
1. Rank, Accreditation and Specialization
A consistent rank and UGC, AICTE, NAAC or NBA accreditation speaks volumes about the credibility of the school. However, the rank of a B school can also be measured with reference to its specialization. For instance, IRMA is one of the best B-schools to pursue rural management because it specializes in the said course.
2. Course Curriculum and Teaching methodology
It is crucial to have first-hand information about the pedagogy of the desired course. For instance, case study is an effective teaching methodology for management. In addition, if the course curriculum entails both class room and outside the classroom teaching; it can be a potential ‘best fit' school. Also read: How to choose your specialization in MBA
3. Industry Interface
The frequency of industry - academic linkage multiplies the opportunities for advanced learning. A regular exchange between students and industry experts allows greater insights into the workings of the corporate world. It would be wise to enquire about the number of corporate interface workshops held each year in the campus.
4. Placement Record
While the return on investment can be judged by placement record of the school, it is equally important for a student to not only learn but also hone his/her industry relevant skills such as soft skills. However, a successful placement track can be inferred from the number of companies that visit the campus year after year, average salary offered and the number of students selected from the campus each year.
5. Infrastructure
Infrastructure of a B-school should not be interpreted from the visual appeal but from the course relevant facilities. For instance, a well maintained architecture should be supported by lab facilities, seminar room, etc.
6. Type of Course: Degree/Diploma
A degree course is often rated above a diploma course. It would be apt to ask about the type of degree offered by the school. Unless the diploma is recognized and well accepted in the job market, it is advisable to opt for degree courses.
7. Fee
Fee structure of a particular B-school can be compared with other schools but Fee should not be the principle guiding factor since several colleges also offer merit based scholarships. Rank, Accreditation, Specialization and Pedagogy should take precedence over fee.
8. Alumni
A wide Alumni base is self-explanatory. However, the statistics of the number of Alumni offered jobs in reputed companies is worth a consideration.
9. Extra-curricular activities
Does a school invest effort and energy in organizing extra-curricular activities that may add diversity to student life in the campus? , is a question worth asking the school authorities.
10. Location
The location of the B-school should not be a priority factor of consideration because if quality education is situated a little away from home, it is still worth all the distance. Isn't it?
Remember, it is not the paint on the walls but the people, their words of wisdom, an environment of rich experience and the life lessons they provide that adds vibrancy to a B school and makes it the best ‘A' grade B school!
Read more:
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8 Steps to Ensure Your Selection in top MBA Colleges
