Could an MBA be the Right Choice for You?
Many people dream of getting ahead in the business world, but few are aware of the steps they can take to make this dream a reality. If you feel like you’re ready to progress to the next level of management, perhaps an MBA would be the right choice for you. Generally taken by people who already have a few years of business experience under their belts, it is a great way to improve upon the skills you already have and demonstrate that you are ready for more of a challenge.
So what exactly is an MBA? The Masters of Business Administration is a postgraduate course that differs somewhat from others in that it would be unadvisable to apply for one directly after an undergraduate course – a prerequisite of an MBA is usually some significant work experience. If you have the required experience, then investing in an MBA will give you a highly respected qualification that is evidence of your knowledge of management, finance, information technology, ethics and marketing amongst many other things.
Generally most business schools will offer a range of MBAs so that you can pick one that best suits your situation. Ashridge Business School are one of the most respected providers of MBA courses in the country, and offer both a one-year full-time MBA and a two-year executive MBA for those who would rather study whilst remaining in employment. Whether you decide to take a year out for intensive study or to do your MBA on a part-time basis, the content of this course will be invaluable in today’s competitive market, and the inclusion of an MBA on your CV serves as proof that you are taking strides to improve your skills.
Though it all sounds irresistible, it’s worth remembering that deciding to do an MBA takes a big commitment – this is by no means a course for the faint-hearted. MBA students are expected to dedicate themselves fully to the intense schedule and maintain a competitive outlook to be top of the class. After all, the course is for those who wish to get ahead. Equally, you’ll have to consider whether you are in the right place in your life for this commitment – have you had enough experience in the world of business? Are you really ready for the next level of responsibility that may follow on from your new qualification? Also, will you be able to find the means to fund your MBA? There are various bursaries, loans and scholarships available for those wishing to apply (for example the MBA Loan Scheme financed by NatWest) but you will still be expected to pay a significant amount towards your fees.
If the answer to all of these questions is a resounding ‘yes’, then an MBA could well be the crucial step that you can take to help you move onwards and upwards in the business world. It takes time and dedication, but you’ll come away with a respected qualification that shows you have the skills for a top position.
Figures and offers are correct at the time of writing (11.09.08) and may be changed at the discretion of the provider.
About the Author
Andy Angelo is author of article written on MBA & Change Management. For more information, please visit :www.ashridge.org.uk/mba
Online MBA Degree Program - Does It Require GMAT?
Before getting to a MBA degree program, you are required to sit for the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). This has created confusion among us when some of the accredited business schools accept students without GMAT. Do you actually need to take GMAT in the first place? Generally, you should know the real objective of GMAT which is widely used as a measuring aptitude test for candidates and it is also the main criteria for admission into an accredited business study program.
Basically, there are certain reasons why some accredited business schools does not offer GMAT for MBA applicants. Instead, candidates are required to take some entry examinations administered by the these business schools. These entry examination are perfectly customized based on the needs of every distinctive business majors. For example, Swiss Business School (SBS) does not require a GMAT score due to the fact that they offer an internal entrance test similar to the GMAT. This also applies to some of accredited online business schools.
Due to some circumstances, GMAT is not required if your undergraduate degree is from a university which the school is familiar with (especially when these schools are in the same country). If you are applying for an online business course program from internationally accredited universities such as Durham Business School (UK), TiasNimbas Business School (Netherlands-Germany), Carlos III University of Madrid (Spain) and other well-known accredited business schools; they will review your application and transfer possible credits from your previous undergraduate degree program into your new MBA degree program.
In fact, there are also cases where GMAT is not necessary and there is no alternative entry exam if you have few years of related working experiences. The accredited business schools assess your application based on your employment history, undergraduate records and last but not least - letters of recommendation. In this case, you may apply for a GMAT exemption at the Syracuse University from New York, which has an Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accredited MBA program.
Get yourself a list of [http://mbaforbetterfuture.com/top-ranked-online-mba-university/]top ranked online MBA universities that offers GMAT or entry examinations. For more information about online MBA degree programs, please visit http://mbaforbetterfuture.com
Article source: http://www.juicyarticles.net/articles/Online-MBA-Degree-Program-Does-It-Require-GMAT-498
What Do I Need To Take An Online MBA Course?
Most online MBA courses are commonly put together to meet the needs of working students with undergraduate degrees in business related programs, as well as those with undergraduate degrees outside the area of business. Depending on the student’s prior education in business, most online MBA courses have a 30 credit program, that can often be completed in as little as two years. Depending on the learning institution, students may transfer in up to 6 credits towards their MBA.
In order to know what you need to take an online MBA course, you should first understand how online MBA courses work. All work in the online classrooms is completed and submitted through the computer. Written work is usually submitted as an email attachment. Just like in a traditional classroom, students are often expected to read any textbook material prior to the due date specified in his/her syllabus or course calendar. Class participation is commonly expected from each student in order to successfully pass each course.
It is not uncommon to finish an entire MBA degree program from the comfort of your own home. But if you desire to have a personal meeting with your professor, you are normally welcome to schedule one. The only thing you need in order to take an MBA course is a computer and the desire. The computer would need to be internet ready, with the capability to send email attachments. Depending on the specific institution, windows 95 or greater is necessary.
Registering for an online MBA course is fairly simple. It is basically the same process you endure when you intend to apply for your education through a classroom. You must submit a completed application to the learning institution. Your application fee, and a copy of your resume should accompany the application, as well as any undergraduate and graduate transcripts. Very often your GMAT exam scores will also be necessary. If you already have a Master’s Degree from an accredited college, you may not be required to take the GMAT exam. That will depend on the individual learning institution.
Online MBA courses can be costly, but as long as the institution is accredited, financial aid is available. Financial assistance is often available in the form of loans, grants, and scholarships. To apply for grants, you need to fill out the federal FAGSA form, as well as check with your school’s financial aid office for aid they may offer. Sometimes, even veteran’s benefits may be available to the student. After registering for the online MBA course, it is always best to visit the school’s financial assistance office, or visit that section of their web page for available scholarships and grants.
Understanding the processes and procedures of online MBA courses is important before you enroll. With an internet ready computer, a desire to learn, online MBA courses could be perfect from you. With online MBA courses, you can get the degree you desire from the comfort of your own home
Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=30976&ca=Education
Top 20 International MBA Programs
1- Penn,Wharton
2- London B School
3- Columbia
4- Stanford
5- Harvard
6- INSEAD
7- MIT,Sloan
8- Instituto Empresa
9- Chicago
10- Cambridge,Judge
11- CEIBS
11- IESE
13- New York,Stern
14- IMD
15- Dartmouth,Tuck
16- Yale
17- Hong Kong UST
18- HEC Paris
19- Oxford,Said
20- Indian School of Business
Source from The Financial Times (UK), Jan 28th. 2008
How to Get Your MBA at a Top Business School for Free
An MBA at one of the top business schools in the US can set you back a pretty penny. A business school graduate typically has about $100,000 in debt by the time he or she graduates. But there are those who manage to get their MBA for free. Here’s how they do it.
Step1
***B-School Funding*** Most business schools offer fellowships that pay a large portion of a student’s expenses, or even foots the entire bill. Make no mistake. These fellowships go to top tier students, the cream of the crop. But it’s more than just good grades that can put you in that exalted category. Your experiences and personal history count for a lot. Don’t assume there isn’t a fellowship out there for you until you’ve done your homework
. ***Start Early*** Start your research a year, or even two years, before applying to business school Find out which schools offer fellowships, when the deadlines are, what the process is for applying, and what criteria the school is looking for.
. ***Look for the Best Fit*** Some fellowships are specially targeted. they may be aimed at those with demonstrated financial need. Or women. Or people from a particular country or ethnic background. Or a particular academic or industrial interest. Or any combination of the above. See the Resources below for links to more sources of information.
. ***Lead, and They Shall Fellow*** Leadership and vision are among the key qualities that will separate you from other candidates. If you have had an impact on your community, created an innovative business of your own, published an important article, been a part of national public policy, or otherwise demonstrated your leadership capabilities…then you’re halfway there.
. ***Double Team ‘Em*** Let a school know early of your interest in receiving a particular fellowship…even in your initial application. The admissions officer may well be influential in deciding who is considered. When asking for letters of recommendation, also ask the writer to emphasize your interest in a fellowship, and the credentials that would make you a good recipient.
. ***Use Your Good Sense*** If you’re applying to a “stretch school” (one that’s a bit beyond what your grades and experience would otherwise suggest) then your odds of getting in are small enough, much less your odds of getting a fellowship. On the other hand, if you apply to a place where your record is above average, then your application for a fellowship is more likely to be favorably reviewed. I’m not saying don’t stretch. But be realistic about what’s possible, and make sure to cover the bases as much as possible. See the Resources, directly below, for more information on fellowship possibilities and strategies for getting them.
