Autorenprofil
In my daily work I spend a lot of time helping potential MBA students decide when the right time is to start the Full-Time MBA programme at Frankfurt School. Of course, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question – but here are some of the main questions I think prospective MBA candidates should ask themselves before they start their MBA application.
1) Have you already gathered some professional experience?
Unlike traditional academic Master’s programmes that start right after a Bachelor’s degree, the MBA is designed for people who already have at least two years of work experience. This is especially important in an MBA programme like the one at Frankfurt School: our curriculum is based largely on international case studies, and students are expected to draw on their previous job experience to reach new understandings and methods for success.
2) Are you ready to take a step forward in your career?
Are you looking switch to a new job function within your industry? Have you reached a glass ceiling based on your current education and training? Are you looking to change careers completely? No matter what your background or industry, the goal of an MBA is to give you the skills and tools you need to be an effective manager – things like critical analysis, interpersonal competence, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Plus, it’s not only the academic courses and thesis that can advance your career – it’s also the school’s network of alumni and relationships with local and regional companies. Are you ready to take things to the next level?
3) Are you prepared to go global?
An MBA can take you to a new place in your career – and it can also take you to new places around the world. As the world of business, management and finance becomes more and more globalized, hiring managers are looking for executive staff who can understand and succeed within international environments. Choosing to study an MBA in Germany, for example, is a great way to gain a foothold in the German-speaking labour market. You can gain exposure to new countries through our modules taught abroad. Ultimately, your international MBA skills will serve you well in any country you choose, because nearly every industry today involves working in multinational teams and collaborating with clients and partners around the world.
4) Will the programme be affordable?
Let’s be honest: enrolling on an MBA programme is a significant financial investment. But your MBA studies don’t have to break the bank – and the potential increase in your post-graduation income can certainly make the investment worthwhile. But what about your financial situation right now?
Because you have already been working for a few years, hopefully you’ve had the chance to set aside a bit of savings. There’s also the advantage that the top-quality MBA programmes in Germany – including the MBA at FS – are currently much more affordable than similar programmes elsewhere in the world. And don’t forget the old saying: “the early bird catches the worm”! That’s definitely the case here at Frankfurt School – simply applying early to the MBA programme means you get an automatic 2,500-5,000 euro tuition discount.
5) Do you have enough time to meet the application deadline?
Most European MBA programmes that start in the autumn have final deadlines in the summer. For example, the final application deadline for the MBA at Frankfurt School is 1 August. Depending on when you’re reading this, you should have enough time to take the GMAT exam, take an English-language proficiency test (if you need it), request letters of recommendation, and upload your application materials.
Here’s a quick tip before I go: FS operates a rolling admissions process, which means you can submit an application at any time. We encourage you to apply as early as possible – and the earlier you apply, the better your chances for admission and scholarship funding!
Frankfurt School gGmbH
Adickesallee 32-34
60322 Frankfurt am Main
