Do you want to become a business leader, manage organizations, inspire people and make a difference in the world of business? Then getting an MBA degree will be the right step to reach these career goals. In recent years, European business schools have built up a good international reputation. Graduates from their MBA programs have gone on to influential leadership positions in large corporations, or successfully started their own businesses as entrepreneurs. Because Europe is such a diverse continent with many different nations and languages, it is the ideal launching pad for an exciting career. Here are the top 10 reasons why you should get your MBA in Europe:
1. Some of the best business schools in the world are located in Europe:
The MBA rankings by the Financial Times and by the Economist clearly show the excellence of business schools in Europe: Every year, about half of the world’s top 20 are taken by European institutions. Spain, France, and the UK are home to most of the best-ranked business schools in Europe.
2. MBA tuition fees in Europe are very affordable compared with the US:
Tuition fees for MBA programs have been rising everywhere. In the US, top business schools usually charge upward of 70,000 dollars. But in Europe, you can get an MBA at top schools for less money, sometimes around 30,000 to 50,000 euros; and you can even find degrees at reputable universities for much less.
You can enroll in part-time or 1-year MBA programs:
Many MBA degrees in the USA and elsewhere require you to study for 2 full years. That is not only more expensive, it also means giving up a salary for a long time. In Europe, however, you will find that 1-year MBA programs are actually the norm. And with a part-time degree, you could also work on the side, allowing you to finance your studies with ease. That gives you much greater flexibility to plan your life and career.
4. There are many specializations to choose from:
With so many MBA programs in Europe, there are also many different focuses and specializations. You can of course go for a classical general management MBA; but there are also MBAs in finance, human resources, marketing, healthcare, football, and many more.
5. You can build an international network of friends and business contacts:
European MBA classes are extremely international. With students from every continent enrolling, there is no better way to build a global network of business connections. Just imagine the possibilities you open up for yourself by knowing people all over the world.
6. You can study in more than one country:
European business schools have put a focus on internationalization in recent years. That means that in many MBA programs, exchange options are already included, and sometimes going abroad is even obligatory. Some schools, such as ESCP Europe, have campuses in more than one country. Such curricula allow you to gain valuable international experience so that you can stand out in the crowd when applying for management jobs.
7. You can learn another language:
This brings us right to another great opportunity: learning a new language. There are dozens of languages spoken in Europe. Some of these are spoken all around the world: Think of how much your CV will stand out if you manage to become proficient in a global language like French, Spanish, or Portuguese!
8. GMAT score requirements are often low, even at top schools:
To get into a top business school, you usually have to take the GMAT, which stands for Graduate Management Admission Test. The maximum score is 800; and many American top schools expect applicants with scores well over 700. In Europe, however, the average GMAT scores of those admitted - even to some of the best business schools - are often in the range of 600 to 650 points. That is because many European business schools rather look for other academic or professional achievements of their candidates. So, do not worry: A low GMAT score won’t necessarily mean you cannot get an MBA in Europe.
9. Class sizes are smaller:
In European MBA degree programs, the average class sizes are often smaller. That allows you to learn more efficiently and make a better connection with your teachers.
10. An MBA from Europe will do wonders for your career:
Many of the world’s biggest companies are European, and they seek to recruit quality candidates from local universities and institutions. With a European MBA, you are all set up for the next exciting step in your career.
