So, you have already narrowed down your choices of MBA providers.
You have found and registered for one of your Business Schools upcoming MBA Events. If not, we have a calendar of events, information sessions and webinars here.
Now it is time to prepare.
10 Questions to Ask During an MBA Info Session
1. What is the faculty and student experience like?
The value of an MBA isn’t solely about what you learn, networking is a vital component of the degree. Are they experienced professionals, if so, what kind of experience? What is the Dean of the Business School like? Are there any events that cater specifically towards the MBA Cohort? What is the breakdown between international and domestic students (if that matters to you)?
If you are studying online, you need to know what opportunities are available for networking with your peers, particularly in regards to group assessments.
2. How flexible is your MBA?
Will your Business School be able to fit with your personal/work lifestyle? Can they flex on session times from morning to evening or weekend classes? How long are you able to defer a unit for? What happens if you need to go away urgently, or have changed jobs (particularly if your work is sponsoring you)?
3. What is the Online/On-campus experience?
What facilities are available to you as a post-graduate student? Are those same facilities available to you if you are studying online, or is there something else for those students?
4. How are classes assessed?
Some people excel in exams. Others prefer group work or assessments. Different MBA providers offer different means of assessing your performance. While some providers will combine all three, others will only offer exams, or submitted assessments. In most cases, asking is the only way to find out.
5. What are the typical MBA class sizes?
Nobody wants to be lost in a sea of people. If you have completed an undergraduate degree, you know that sitting back in a lecture hall is not an intimate, learning conducive environment (or perhaps it is for you). Find out the average class sizes to ensure your education is going to be a focus among a group of elite students, rather than being a grain of sand on a beach.
6. What accreditation do you hold?
The Master of Business Administration degree is an internationally recognized degree, but for some that isn’t enough. Knowing that a Business School meets the strict criteria to be AMBA, or any other, accredited may be what drives you. You will need to note, that a lot of Business Schools may not be able to become accredited with these international groups for several reasons, including having their faculty working part-time (working while also being a lecturer).
7. Can you recognise my previous study/work experience?
The Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit for Prior Learning and other policies may exist for you. If you believe you have extensive management experience or your previous studies have already covered some of the proposed MBA units, asking for the recognition of your prior learning can be an effective way to not only reduce the time it will take to get your MBA, but also the cost.
8. Are Scholarships available?
Not everyone will have the opportunity to have their work sponsor their studies, or want to utilise FEE Help. You may be able to apply for Scholarship, and many Business Schools offer a multitude of partial or full scholarships. If there are no scholarships, it would be good to know what other payment support methods are available.
9. What are the benefits of being an Alumni at your Business School?
You don’t want to invest thousands of dollars and potentially years of study into a degree to come away with a piece of paper. An MBA should be considered and investment, so you want to make sure your investment will pay off in multiple ways. If you enjoy going to thought leadership events, having access to Business School resources or simply want to be able to enjoy the campus as a graduate, you need to find out how your MBA provider will be supporting you into the future.
10. Why should I choose you?
If you are attending an information evening, you probably have already heard the answer. If you have attended multiple information evenings, you may have heard very similar claims. Asking what benefit they have over your second MBA provider you are looking at will also indicate whether they are on the pulse of the industry or not.
Asking the question around “why you” will let you know whether they think student engagement, alumni network, practical assessments or student diversity is their primary difference. Some of these events will also allow you to meet some existing students and alumni. Double check the provided points of differences with the actual student experiences.
Final Tips
If you don’t think you can remember the questions you need to ask, write them down and take them to your MBA info session. Just because you have a list of the questions to ask, don’t discount the fact that there will be another prospective student who will ask a question you haven’t yet thought of.