4 answers
4 answers
Updated
Swapnil’s Answer
I'd say get at least three independent data points to get an idea. (1) First and foremost, you need to have a solid understanding of what "good" means to you. No program is ideal in all ways - top ranked programs are expensive and may be lengthy, online programs are usually not able to offer networking opportunities, compressed programs lack functional details, etc. (2) Several reputed resources publish annual listings of colleges for various types of business programs based on a variety of parameters, and is a good data point. Check which ones match with your definition of "good". (3) Once you have a manageable pool of colleges that you are targeting, reach out to people you know who went there or connect through second or third connections - ask them their experiences, what they liked (or disliked) and how it may relate to your specific scenario. Hope this helps and all the best for finding a business program that matches what you are looking for!
Updated
Joe’s Answer
I had a professor at Stanford Graduate School of Business who made fun of how often the answer we give to questions is "it depends."
But as often is the case - "it depends".
What is almost always true is that if you aim for the best overall program you can get into, bring incredible hustle to your success in that program with focus on building alumni connections, and are strategic with internships and extra-curriculars, you can launch a great career in business - regardless of the school.
Business is vast and a successful career in business is about CONSTANT learning. So if you go to school for business, there's ultimately no certain way to ensure that you're getting a "good" education for what your career is actually going to be.
That's why lots of people go back to business school after 4+ years of work (I went after 9), and why many professionals in business do continuing studies, go to industry events, and read constantly.
That's also why some of the most successful people studied fields totally un-related to business - because that outside expertise and broad-based skills can be incredibly helpful, while so much of what you learn about business happens on the job.
Explore why you want to study business. List out the criteria for what YOU would look for in a program
Consider what other studies you might pursue that would help you build your critical thinking and communication skills
Evaluate programs based on the above two criteria. Create a "ranked" list
Find 3 people in business doing work you'd want to do someday. Take your ranked list to them and ask for feedback
Keep going!
But as often is the case - "it depends".
What is almost always true is that if you aim for the best overall program you can get into, bring incredible hustle to your success in that program with focus on building alumni connections, and are strategic with internships and extra-curriculars, you can launch a great career in business - regardless of the school.
Business is vast and a successful career in business is about CONSTANT learning. So if you go to school for business, there's ultimately no certain way to ensure that you're getting a "good" education for what your career is actually going to be.
That's why lots of people go back to business school after 4+ years of work (I went after 9), and why many professionals in business do continuing studies, go to industry events, and read constantly.
That's also why some of the most successful people studied fields totally un-related to business - because that outside expertise and broad-based skills can be incredibly helpful, while so much of what you learn about business happens on the job.
Joe recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Michael’s Answer
There are many great business schools in the US. It depends on your choice - whether full time, part-time, online, weekend or an MBA executive program. There are many resources online that will provide rankings of business schools by various categories and states. You can also search by countries if you want to study abroad.
Updated
Ashton’s Answer
I recommend looking up the top 50 business school in the country. From there you will be able to sort through the colleges in different cities and identify where you are comfortable going to school at. I know for me, I went to college out of state and had a great time. I was a business major and know that being a business major has a lot of job opportunities. Also look into a college that has business clubs or organizations, that is a great way to get involved to.