MBA from an institute of repute can open doors to great opportunities and career trajectory. While it may sound tough to crack the best colleges, we try our best to help you succeed. But often at such a precarious point in one’s career, the ground realities about colleges and applications and courses are very different.  While Harvard Business School, Stanford and Wharton might be on your list, you need to ensure that your application is spectacular. But before you jump onto the MBA bandwagon, get down for a minute and think. Which MBA module is best suited to your needs? A wrong choice can be a stumbling block in your career.

Not everyone might be aware of a variety of modules and although most of these answers are a Google search away, we simplify the process and save you the time. The process of making the final choice can be daunting so being informed is a blessing.

Let’s look at the various MBA program types, the content of which often overlaps.

The full-time MBA program

If you like going traditional, the full-time MBA is pretty much what it says on the label. Students often take this course up on a full-time basis instead of balancing a job and a program. MBAs in India are predominantly of this type while the same exists even in the US. A full-time MBA is a bracket term for three sub-types:

The two-year MBA: Historically, the two-year MBA was the standard programme offered in USA started by the Harvard Business School in 1908 and is still the most popular option in the US. Indian institutes or B-schools. Participants of this program tend to have more opportunities to explore program and study the basics thoroughly. Candidates tend to have less workplace experience and are mostly straight out of under graduation. This course is also beneficial for those who do not have a business background and have changed streams. Since the course offers summer internships, it helps in getting to know the industry.

The one-year MBA: Preferred by those who have professional experience under their belt. This course is suited to those who have a clear demarcation in their head about their goals. It is more intensive, condensed and hands-on. This course relies on real-life projects. The one-year MBA (between 8 – 12 months), first offered by Insead in 1959, is more popular in Europe.

The part-time MBA

For those who cannot leave their job, or must work and pay for your education, part-time MBA module is god-sent.  It is the flexible nature of the program that attracts many takers.

Classes are held in the evening to cater for this lifestyle and the best business schools now have very viable part-time MBA courses. The name of the institution is still attached to your resume while you are not financially burdened by the education. It might not seem as lucrative as a full-time MBA, it all depends of the faculty and course structure for this module.

The distance online MBA

Another part time option for those who wish to continue working or take up a job, is the Distance Online MBA. While MBA colleges these days are dime a dozen, the authenticity of a program must be ensured. Course materials is sent via the internet or even as a hard copy and interaction with the faculty or mentors or even peers take place of the internet via video conferencing, exchange of emails. University of Warwick, IE Business school are colleges with reputed online MBA programs.

Executive MBA

An EMBA, or an Executive Master of Business Administration, is also a two-year program, but it’s aimed at business executives with five years’ managerial experience. The average age of students ranges from 32 to 38 years old. These programs used to be company sponsored by of late individuals self-opt for these to ensure career growth.

EMBA students keep their full-time jobs, and typically attend classes on Fridays and the weekends. While full-time MBA students have intensive schedules, making it tough to take up a job on the side.

Aspirants can also apply to joint executive MBA programs, which are collaborations between two or more leading business schools.