Finding out which interview questions for an online MBA school you should ask can help you get a fit for the school and the program. Online programs come in various types and sizes, and MBA programs all feature different courses and experiences for its students. Some programs feature a unique design for those interested in executive options, while others offer a solid foundation for future managers. Before you sit down with an interviewer or conduct an online interview, think about the questions you should ask.
Offline Opportunities
Online programs offer much more freedom than a traditional program does. Even if you attend an MBA program designed for working professionals, you’ll still find that those schools require that all students meet on campus for classes at least once a week. Many of those courses take place for several hours later in the evening, and some programs meet all day on the weekend. When you decide to complete your MBA online, ask about the offline opportunities that are available to you. The school might give you access to the college’s library, counseling center or fitness center. Though you might not use all the offline services available to you, you’ll appreciate that those options are there.
Graduation Rate
Colleges typically list a large number of facts online, but many schools won’t list information relating to its graduates. The next time that you look at online MBA programs, look at the number of students enrolled in those programs. You might notice that one school has 200 students enrolled in an offline program and only 75 students enrolled in the online program. When preparing a list of interview questions for an online MBA school, make sure that you ask how many students graduated from the program. Also ask how many students graduate within the typical two years and how many graduated within five years. Many schools only give students up to five years to graduate.
Placement Questions
Any school can claim that its graduates work for top companies and for important businesses, but many schools won’t tell you where those students work. When writing down a list of interview questions for an online MBA school, make a note about placement rates. You want to know how many graduates find work after graduation, but you also want to know which companies hire graduates from that program. The school should know how long it takes students to find jobs and whether most students find employment right away or within six months. Take the time to ask if the school offers any type of job assistance or help as well.
Think Outside the Box
The Princeton Review, which ranks schools based on specific data, encourages students to ask questions not available elsewhere. If you ask questions that you can find right on the school’s website or with a simple Google search, your interviewer will likely think that you aren’t serious about the program. Try using the information that you find online to remove a few questions from your list.
Your college interview is your chance to shine. You can show the interviewer why you’re a good fit for the program, your business expertise and why you want to earn a degree. When writing out a list of interview questions for an online MBA school, ask about job placement, graduate rates and the other opportunities available to you.