What to Look For in a Business School

So you’ve made the decision to get your MBA. Great! So how do you decide which Business School is best? It’s real easy to get caught up in Business Week’s “Best Business Schools” ranking list and want to limit your search to only the top schools. But that’s not the best way to go about the process nor is it likely to produce the best results.

Aside from the obvious things you need to look for in a business school, like credentials and accreditation, the most important thing to look at in my opinion is the type of network you’ll be able to graduate with.

Look Beyond Bricks and Mortar

Sure, in some industries, like investment banking for example, getting an MBA from a Top-10 university carries a tremendous amount of weight, but not really for the reasons you might think.

Of course, it is important that whichever university you attend have the “infrastructure” – the resources, the teaching staff, etc – to provide a good education. Having a beautiful campus and a national reputation also helps. However, what makes going to these schools so attractive – and their graduates so valuable – is the network you build while you’re there.

Think about it. If you went to Harvard Business School, you’d probably get to meet, and possibly become lifelong friends with (or classmates, or roommates, or frat “brothers,” or sorority “sisters,” etc) with the son or daughter of a Bank President, several CEO’s of major corporations (foreign and domestic), 2 or 3 Senators, a State Governor or two, several Real Estate Developers, and maybe even the occasional Saudi Prince. Do you see what I’m getting at? These are not the types of people you’re likely to meet at a local Community College (although it’s not impossible — and this is NOT a jab at Community Colleges!). Can you imagine what this kind of network can do you for your career?

Want to start your own business after graduation? Sure. Just call up your frat brother who’s father is also a high-level bank officer. Need Venture Capital? Sure. Call your sorority sister who is now working at a leading Venture Capital firm. Got a legal issue? No problem. Just call your old roommate who is now a lawyer.

The network you build while you’re going to business school is by far the most valuable thing you will take with you when you graduate. Sure sure, the diploma will nice on the wall and your mother will be so proud and will want to take lots of pictures of you in your cap and gown. However, nothing will open doors for you like your network.

Judging a School Based on it’s Network

So how do you find out what kind of networking opportunities a business schools has to offer? One of the first places to visit is the Alumni Center. One clue to a successful network is a strong and active alumni.

I’ve seen Texas A&M grads who were complete strangers recognize each other by the class rings they all wear and start talking like they were long-lost friends. Why? Because they belonged to the same network. They had something in common — and they were anxious and willing to do anything they could to help another Aggie. THAT’s the kind of network you want to be a part of.

Another clue is to visit the campus and try to get a feel for the type of culture that’s there. You’ll know what I mean. If the school has the right type of culture, you’ll know it almost immediately. You’ll rarely students by themselves in the common areas. They’ll all be in groups (ie: in networks) and there will be lots of back and forth discussion going on.

Top credentials and national standing are important, but in the end, your network is what is going to help make things happen for you. Make sure you develop the best network you can.

Hiram
MBA, University of Houston

[tags]mba, network, university, reputation, business week, top business schools, relationships[/tags]