Traditional vs Accelerated MBA Program (Quick Reads)

In this summary of Patricia Alex’s article, we analyze the format of an MBA, as well as the pros and cons of an accelerated MBA program compared to the traditional two-year option.

Published on 2018-09-20 Ina Iontcheva

Helpful for: MBA Applicants Read Time: 7 minutes

Quick Facts:

The traditional two-year MBA format is implemented mostly by schools in North America, while the one-year full-time MBA is more popular in Europe.
MBA Admission consultant Stacy Blackman reports that there is a high interest in accelerated programs. The reason behind that trend is because the format saves both time and money.
On the other hand, a short 10-month MBA program sacrifices important components such as fieldwork, internships and specialization—which might be important for career changers.
Experts agree that internships are an integral part of the MBA experience as they give way to many network opportunities. The longer the internship, the more likely it is that you will secure a permanent job offer afterwards.
HEC Paris offers a 16^th month MBA curriculum, providing enough time to try out a new business sector. Patricia adds:

Selected Quote:

In addition to serving career-changers, the 16-month format can also be advantageous to those looking to advance in their current fields or companies, as it doesn’t require as much time away from the job, but still provides context and depth. HEC has the added benefit of an international environment – 92 percent of the student body and 75 percent of the faculty are from outside France. Exposure to such cultural diversity gives business leaders an edge in the global economy.

Useful Information:

Research and compare several schools in order to arrive at the program format which will fit your professional goals best.
Do you think a two-year, one-year or 16-month MBA gives you the best return on investment?

Check Out: 4 MBA Interview Formats to Keep in Mind

Source: Forbes