Choosing the right programme is an education in itself
CHOOSING AN MBA programme that truly meets your needs and will one day help you achieve your goals is as essential as holding in your hands the final product, your degree certificate, because the knowledge you accrue amounts to much more than a single piece of paper.
'There are three main criteria for classifying a good MBA programme,' said Warren Chiu Chi-kwan, professor and MBA programme director at Polytechnic University. 'Firstly, the curriculum, secondly, the teaching quality and, thirdly, the quality of the students.'
Most students tend to instinctively gravitate to what would best match their needs.
'Most students know how to search for a good curriculum that suits them,' Professor Chiu said.
'In the case of teachers and teaching quality, good teachers not only know how to teach but are able to learn at the same time. The quality of the intake students is also important. Good MBA programmes accept only good and outstanding students.'
Determining your primary goal is an essential first step, even before you select an MBA programme. For example, if you are looking for in-depth knowledge in finance, eliminate universities that lack the range of courses you need. Similarly, focus on universities that are feeders to the major investment banks and the financial services firms that attract the best finance graduates.
Location is an often overlooked point that can affect the effectiveness of study.
Michael Chu Wah-cheung, who graduated from PolyU in 2003, said the university's location was the key reason he chose to study there. 'I had to both go to work and study, so I had to find a university close to my office,' he said.
Elaine Wu, who starts her full-time MBA with the Chinese University of Hong Kong at the end of this month, said: 'I will be living on campus, which would make it easy for me to go back to the university at weekends for revision work.'
The reputation of the university is, of course, a deciding factor. Ms Wu said she balanced what she had read and heard about the university. She said word of mouth had much to do with her choice.
Doing research on MBA programmes requires time, with many hours spent going through university websites and visiting libraries. Meanwhile, feedback from those who have completed an MBA is also invaluable. They have been there, are familiar with the process and are in a strong position to give advice.
'I had a lot of positive feedback from friends who had graduated from Polytechnic,' Mr Chu said. 'This helped me to make up my mind about studying at Polytechnic.'
Tuition costs are also high on the agenda in the MBA decision-making process. If you plan to study full time, make sure you have enough money to pay the tuition for at least a year or two and that you can set aside the time required. Also, make sure you have the determination and the enthusiasm to do an MBA, which will take from two to five years to complete.
Chan Wood-ming has chosen part-time distance learning after a long, hard look at his financial status. 'I would not be able to support myself if I were to study full-time abroad,' he said. 'I would need full-time work to do that. But it would be a mistake to lower your standard just to pay lower tuition fees. You are making a long-term investment with an MBA, and you should think in terms of value rather than just price.'
A visit to the universities can be a great spur to help you make up your mind. Open days and information sessions are good ways to get a feel for a campus; you meet and talk with the MBA faculty and prospective MBA students, which can be stimulating and inspiring. Mr Chu said he made up his mind after talking to the professors.
