Using MBA Rankings to Find the Perfect MBA Programs

This article is sponsored by IMD Business School.

Learn more about the IMD program.

MBA rankings can be a useful point to begin your search for the right MBA program. So what do you need to consider when using them? Lisa Piguet, associate director of MBA admissions and marketing at IMD Business School, offers some pointers.

A dedicated focus on MBA careers          

Without the right career services team and the right kind of guidance, candidates may find they’re shooting in the dark when it comes to considering MBA careers after graduation.

Piguet points out that MBA rankings should reflect placement rates for MBA careers. You should also ascertain if the school has a network of reputed recruiters.

“I would encourage candidates to make sure that the schools they are considering have a strong careers services team, one that is really supportive, and one that has a really good record of placement success. Another important aspect to consider is whether it has the recruiters in the right places that you’re interested in going to,” says Piguet.

It’s important that candidates look for schools that live up to their promises when it comes to MBA careers. “At IMD Business School, for example, we have a very unique recruitment process, we know for a fact that we are able to provide people in the program with what they thought they were going to get out of the program. Candidates should look for schools that can meet their expectations realistically,” says Piguet.

An opportunity for global mobility

You can also use MBA rankings to see how schools measure up in terms of global mobility after competition of MBA program.

“We have a high rate of people being able to switch geographies. For example, in the 2012 class at IMD Business School, 99% of the class changed geography, industry or function. And 72% changed at least two of those criteria,” says Piguet.

One of the main things candidates need to look for is a course that will provide them with the business skills that are applicable or adaptable to anywhere in the world.

“We know that our candidates are capable and ready to work in any business environment because that is how we train them from the beginning, right from when they enroll in our MBA program. I would advise students to look closely at MBA rankings and choose a program that gives you the scope to gain the skills required to work anywhere in the world when you complete your program.”  

Finding a footing in international business

Choosing a course with an international flavor can help candidates build both the networks and skills required for international business.

IMD’s one-year program has 90 participants from over 40 different nationalities, creating an atmosphere rich in cultural variety that offers immense networking possibilities.

“Choose a program that’s going to be internationally diverse, that will allow you an international focus, not just in theory but also when working with people on teams and in groups. This is going to be a major skillset to have when you work in international business. It’s useful to pick a school that reflects these specializations from the MBA rankings.”

Return on investment: Getting it right from the start

Getting the right return on investment is a major concern for MBA candidates thinking about how to finance their MBA programs.

Piguet points out that according to market research firm CarringtonCrisp, the number one thing people are looking at in relation to an MBA degree is the return on investment.

You can look to alumni for an authentic picture of what the return on investment might be. “I would say don’t look at the short term, look at five years down the road. If you’re going to do an MBA, use the MBA rankings as a compass and do it at a good school,” says Piguet.

A definite emphasis on leadership

Another aspect to think about when applying for an MBA program is whether or not the school you’re applying to offers a focus on leadership and personal development.

Encompassing the entire program, IMD’s leadership stream ensures MBA participants understand their personal decision-making processes and maximize their leadership potential, Piguet explains.

Piguet emphasizes the need for a school to integrate leadership into the MBA program, and not treat it as a separate entity, and encourages students to look at MBA rankings that reflect this.

This article is sponsored by IMD Business School.