MBA: How the ‘where’ affects you..

When deciding which school to attend in order to pursue an MBA degree in a foreign country, the topmost thing that students consider is the reputation of the school, and with good reason. The standing of the institution in the market directly decides the kind of jobs that shall be available to you. However, the location of said educational establishment is a prime point to consider, as well. At first glance, it may seem like a trivial thing to pay attention--a good school is a good school, location notwithstanding, right? Wrong.

Attending any institution does not just mean going to class and learning the material. It is a well-rounded process that involves many aspects outside of the classroom as well. Here are a couple reasons why you should pay due attention to the location of the school:

● Academic Experience:

Where your college is located has significant bearing on your overall academic experience, including your life inside the classroom. If your college is located in a remote area where travelling is not the easiest, it affects the quality as well as frequency of speakers who may visit your college. This may cause you to lose the opportunity to learn from the best in the industry.

● Industry Proximity

Obviously, before you join the MBA programme at any college, you are quite clear about your career goals as well as the path that leads to said goals. Therefore, choose a college which is located in an area that allows you to pursue opportunities that support your career growth.

For example, for anyone who is inclined toward the technical industry, California is the place to be.

This is important to consider because majority of the MBA programmes require students to complete an internship off-campus to successfully complete the course. Being situated in an area that provides you with these opportunities is a major plus, since it would not involve extensive travelling (and saves money).

● Outside the classroom

You will not be spending all your waking moments in class, so it is equally important to ensure that your environment outside the classroom is comfortable and safe. Is the city where the college is somewhere you see yourself living? Do you see yourself working their, after graduation?

Deciding whether the city is right for you is a fairly personal process, because you need to consider your personality and your likes and dislikes while making that decision. If you are a homebody who prefers peace and quiet, big cities that do not sleep are not an ideal choice for you.

● Financial constraints

Living anywhere requires money, and you need to be assess the overall costs of living in the city your college is in. Piling up debts of living costs on top of the expenses of a graduate degree is not a smart move.

Apart from the above mentioned key points, the location of where you pursue your MBA also affects your career progression, so it isn’t as trivial a decision as it may seem.