MBA programs come in a great variety and choosing the right program at the right school is not an easy task. Although choosing an MBA program is an individual decision based on the candidate's dialogue with MBA schools, there are some general guidelines that one could use a framework. If we agree that leadership and career progress are the main reasons of taking an MBA, one could demand the following of an MBA program:  

-          the program should upgrade leadership skills

-          the program should provide the resources for career progress and change

-          the program should upgrade analytical and decision making abilities.

In addition, in order to secure professional and personal growth an MBA program should offer diversity in terms of the backgrounds of the participants and the faculty, significant professional experience and quality academic education.

This framework may be of help when asking questions to MBA suppliers. But before asking questions to the MBA schools, the MBA candidate should ask her/himself the first question: why do I want to take an MBA?     

Feite van Dijk
Project Manager Intrenational Programs
BI Norwegian School of Management