Lots of programmes await those wanting to pursue a postgraduate degree. People working in a corporate setting tend to view an MBA as the best option, and there is some evidence to suggest that in terms of return on investment, an MBA does look good on your resume. But for many individuals, another type of business degree could prove more effective in helping to advance their career. Perhaps they should consider a master of arts or science in a more specific discipline to make them expert in an area they are weak in. And perhaps they should consider a short course rather than a full degree to fill in a specific gap in their skills set.
Professor Richard Petty, associate dean at Macquarie Graduate School of Management, says applicants should always start by trying to work out what course would best suit their needs.
'There are many programmes on offer,' Petty says. 'Some offer a rigorous and complete management education and maintain high quality dynamics in the classroom by admitting highly motivated students and matching them with a world-class faculty. Other programmes are not as rigorous and are perhaps better suited to students seeking to achieve a qualification rather than to acquire a base of knowledge that will serve them in the long-term.'
