If you’re seriously considering an MBA program, there are myriad factors to consider. Here’s quick checklist of issues to discuss with your business and HR colleagues, academicians, your close friends—and family.
- What are your long-term professional goals?
- Do you want to remain in the HR field?
- How could an MBA improve your professional standing in HR?
- Would an MBA increase your credibility with your current employer?
- Would your current employer support your academic endeavor? How?
- Which MBA programs seem to integrate HR into their business philosophies?
- Will the core business courses offer you knowledge that you currently don’t possess?
- Is the program accredited?
- Is the program respected by the business community?
- Is the program designed to encourage a team-based environment?
- Is the faculty’s expertise well rounded and aligned with today’s business needs?
- Has the academic institution established corporate partnerships?
- Will the program offer experiential learning?
- Is the cost of the MBA program affordable?
- Is the program designed for part-time students?
Workforce, May 1999, Vol. 78, No. 5, p. 82.