Networking while studying can help you build strong personal and professional relationships and connect with potential employers, while many programs also offer international opportunities and experiences.
In recent years, employers have expressed growing confidence in business school graduates, citing their ability to outperform other employees, fast-track to high-level positions, and earn higher salaries as a result, according to the GMAC Corporate Recruiter Survey 2024.
Attending business school can therefore help you develop key skills that employers are searching for, gain practical experience, and offer the support required to take the next step in your career.
So, where do you start? These are the key things to consider when applying to business school.
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3 key questions to begin your business school application
1. What are my career goals?
The first step to take when thinking of applying to business school is to think about your career goals. Deciding what you value in your career can help you decide the right degree, business school, and plan for you.
“Having career and goal clarity is step zero,” says Manish Gupta, chief consulting officer at admissions consulting firm, MBA Crystal Ball. “You cannot board a flight without deciding on the destination. Many candidates apply with a vague idea of their career goals and end up having to hustle when they end up at b-school.”
This can be easier if you have a particular career in mind—studying a Master in Management can lead to roles in project management or business development, for example, while a Master in Business Analytics can result in a career in data science or technology consultancy.
But if you haven’t decided on a specific role just yet, try to determine your personal values, interests, and motivators to see where this leads you.
Factors such as salary, benefits, and location are important to consider when thinking about potential career options. If you feel better suited to a particular work culture, are motivated by new challenges and projects, or value leadership opportunities, you should also take these into account.
Whether you value prestige or are more interested in a job that provides flexibility—these considerations will aid your final decision-making process.
It may be useful to ask yourself some questions: what kind of role are you targeting? What do you want to be responsible for? What kind of team do you want to work with? Alternatively you can identify what you don’t want and rule out any career options you feel unsuited to.
“An MBA is a significant investment of time, energy, and money, so it’s worth making sure the degree aligns with your goals and life stage,” says Melody Jones, founder of Vantage Point MBA Admissions Consulting. “If you’re clear on the why, the rest of the process becomes a lot easier to navigate.”
2. Which degree should I study?
When deciding what to study at business school, you typically have two options: generalist or specialist degrees.
Studying an MBA remains the top choice for prospective business school students, according to the 2025 GMAC Prospective Students Survey, with 52% of candidates ranking an MBA as their preferred degree.
MBAs typically aim at those with at least four years of experience looking to cover the broad fundamentals of business, including strategy, data analytics, finance, and leadership.
Full-time MBAs require students to take time out of their career in order to study, with courses in the US generally lasting two years—however, part-time, hybrid, and online MBAs are widely available for students who wish to work alongside their studies, or who have other personal or professional commitments.
Studying an MBA can lead to graduate jobs including mid to senior management roles at corporates across a broad range of industries.
A Master in Management is another generalist degree that covers many of the same topics as an MBA, though MiMs aim at more early-career students. Recent graduates or professionals with one to two years of experience who are looking for a business degree can opt for a MiM to help enhance their business acumen and gain professional experience.
Also popular are business master’s in areas such as finance, business analytics, and accounting. These specialized degrees often aim at earlier career professionals and are more targeted toward specific career paths, making them good options for those with a particular career in mind.
Those targeting a highly specialized career can also find opportunities to specialize even further through programs covering topics from sustainable management to AI and machine learning.
At an earlier career stage, business master’s students will likely land entry-level roles in their target industries, with the opportunity for fast progression due to the skills and experience acquired during the program.
3. Which business school should I attend?
After choosing a degree, it’s time to consider which business school is the right fit for you. Evaluate your priorities and the factors most important to you: whether that’s value for money, academic ranking and prestige, location, or international opportunities.
Consider which study format is best suited to you and your lifestyle. Almost three-quarters (73%) of candidates prefer full-time, in-person programs, according to the GMAC Prospective Students Survey 2025—but many schools also offer online, hybrid, and flexible courses if that’s more desirable.
Equally, the values of the business school may be a priority. GMAC also revealed 63% of prospective students believe it is important for schools to actively support sustainability and include it into their curriculum. Similarly, two-thirds (67%) say it is important for a school to support and incorporate equity and inclusion into their academic experience.
Your target school’s alumni network is worth considering, as this could lead to impactful networking opportunities during your studies and can also indicate potential career paths. Some schools also provide alumni discounts for further education, alongside other benefits. Job opportunities, career placement records, and projected salaries may also be useful to look at before making your decision.
Once you’ve answered these questions and made your decision on where you’d like to study, it’s time to get started with your application.
For tips and advice on how to ace the business school application process, download our Application Guide | How To Secure Your Seat For 2026
