Finding the Right B-School for your Career

Dr. Kanniappan
MBA is a door to endless opportunities. It can lead to one of many outcomes all of which are equally alluring � a high paying corporate job, while for others it brings them a step closer to their entrepreneurial dream. For someone an MBA with a particular specification helps them pursue their passion while for others it is a safe bet for a decent job. This degree can help aspirants achieve their personal goals and fulfill their aspirations.

Today, putting your finger on a B-School that fits your requirements can be a rather daunting task, given the scores of colleges that have sprung up in every nook and cranny of the country. "The institution which is conducting MBA program should have quality infrastructure, quality faculty and good governance. If these three things are in place then things will move forward smoothly," says Dr. Kanniappan. Dr. Kanniappan is the Chairman of Agni School of Business Excellence, Dindigul. To help you in the quest for finding the perfect college, Dr. Kanniappan mentions a few parameters that you should consider while selecting your B-School.

Faculty

"MBA is not about theory; it needs to be learnt by practice. People from the industry must come to the institute and give their insights. The faulty also has to go and learn what is happening in the industry," says Dr. Kanniappan. Any college is only as good as its faculty. The teachers and an institution's unique pedagogy should always be looked into as it will affect the final outcome of your career in several ways. Students must also keep a look out for an updated curriculum as employers today require industry ready professionals. A college that prepares students for the corporate life will show better placement records.

Return on Interest

For a majority of students an MBA is their resort of finding a high paying job. Doing an MBA is akin to a long term investment, which will bring you returns in the longer run. Every student wants to enhance their return on investment. Fortunately, the return on investment is indeed rapid for the vast majority of graduates, with the average return being three to six years. While choosing a college, keep in mind their ROI as you will invest a rather big amount in getting the degree.

Peers

A student spends a great number of hours with his peers and in a B-School your company is very important in shaping your personality. B- Schools are also a great place for networking which helps you in your career enhancement in the future. Irrespective of whether you aspire to be an entrepreneur or work in an organization, 'contacts' will always be beneficial. When you are working closely with other students in groups, discussing cases and solving real problems, experienced peers will enhance your take away. Decide upon what you want to get out of the classroom experience and look into the demographics of the student population before deciding on a college.

Rankings

At the time of admissions every year, several respectable publications and resources come up with listings that rank B-Schools. These rankings follow standard parameters and are a reliable source that can largely help students to make their choice. Even though these listings are very helpful, one should not solely rely on them.

Apart from these parameters, you should look at the location of an institution as it affects the placements of an institute in a large way. It is also important to pay heed to the infrastructure that the college provides for its students. The university websites are a good source of information where all the key details about the institution are mentioned.

Know Yourself

Richard Branson knew from a very early age that he wanted to be an entrepreneur. So did several successful people who identified what they wanted to do in life and went ahead with full force to achieve it. So, it is important to know what you want. Once you figure that out, try to find colleges and courses that can help you bring closer to your dream. Be it specific courses like family wealth management, media planning, hospital management or socially inclined management courses, there are institutions that will equip you with the required skill set. Figure out what you want and your strengths before choosing your college.

Make Smart Choices

Getting an admission into an MBA college is actually a two way process and the institution of your dream must also accept you. Every other MBA aspirant thinks of the IIMs, XLRI, FMS, Narsee Monjee and various other top colleges as their only choice but all hope is not lost if you don't make it to these premier institutes. Just look for other AICTE approved institutes which provide good placements and have a well experienced faculty and we guarantee you, it will not be a regretful decision.

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