Four business schools in North America to find global success

Many of the world’s business leaders today start from the very bottom.

That consists: of burning trough and coming up with new ideas, oftentimes going to university to find your niche, and building the confidence, competence, and compassion that allow you to lead. If you’ve done all that, and now you seek the next part of your journey to get from your position today to greater, global impact — look to an MBA.

According to The Princeton Review, MBAs who left full-time positions to pursue the program saw an 80% increase in pay post-MBA. And if you’re worried about leaving a secure job now, 92% of graduates find jobs within three  months of leaving business school.

That’s because an MBA program makes you a sought-after talent. And no, it’s not just about employability. It’s about learning how to be a full-fledged team leader, working with potential business partners while at school, and supercharging the skills you already have. It’s the chance to get specific with your program, with most graduate schools offering concentrations in various fields like entertainment, health, environment, and so forth. You’re challenging yourself to become better, more innovative, and ready to change the world.

Here are three leading MBA programs to check out.

Source: Schulich School of Business at York University

Schulich School of Business at York University

Business runs worldwide.

That’s why Canada’s #1 business school — the Schulich School of Business at York University — goes the extra mile to prepare you for global stakes. Many know the value of a graduate from one of Schulich’s innovative, experiential programs, especially after its MBA program ranked no. 1 in Canada by Forbes and QS, and #1 for teaching responsible business by Corporate Knights.

The Schulich MBA combines classroom learning of fundamental and advanced management concepts with real world experience, including a two-term strategic consulting project where you work with clients on real business problems and solutions.

You can pursue the MBA full-time or part-time to suit your commitments, take on the Weekend and Evening MBA that’s designed for working professionals, or opt for the MBA in Technology Leadership if the digital and tech space aligns better with your interests. There are 17specializations to choose from in the MBA program, ranging from Business Consulting to Leading Equity, Diversity & Inclusivity (EDI).

Alongside the MBA, Schulich has a suite of one-year Specialised Master’s programs — Accounting, Business Analytics, Marketing, and Supply Chain Management, to name a few — that can provide you with the credentials you need for the career you want.

In terms of location, you can choose to study on their main Keele campus if you prefer more serene vibes, or Downtown Toronto with its dynamic urban landscape. You’ll find exposure to diverse perspectives through a student body that represents 48 countries, and an acclaimed Schulich faculty.

You will also have access to the Centre for Career Design (CCD), where you’ve got in-house career coaches and industry advisors at your fingertips. It’s a place to map out your destination of success and become one of the 36,000 Schulich graduates who are thriving across the globe.

Click here to learn more about the Schulich School of Business at York University.

Where the faculty list includes two Nobel Prize Laureates in Economics. Source: Haas School of Business at University of California Berkeley

Haas School of Business at University of California Berkeley

The Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley, ranked seventh in the Financial Times Global MBA Ranking 2023, empowers students to become innovative and impactful leaders. 

The school offers a spectrum of MBA programs designed to cater to diverse professional goals: the Full-Time MBA, the MBA for Executives, and the Evening and Weekend MBA. Or, for those interested in something specific, like finance, data science, or technology, the Master of Financial Engineering program integrates theory with practical application, preparing graduates for high-impact careers.

If you would like to expand your career and intellectual horizons, Haas allows students to combine their MBA with other top-ranked degrees, such as climate solutions, healthcare, and engineering. But the Master’s programs are not the sole reason for success; the school’s faculty also plays a large part.

The Haas School of Business is home to an exceptional faculty, including two Nobel Prize Laureates in Economics, who bring unparalleled expertise and insight into the classroom. Students get to learn in small class sizes to foster intimate connections with their professors and peers, while the school’s shared culture of leadership and support empowers personal growth.

The Professional MBA is completed online, throughout the month, during times that fit your schedule. Source: Rawls College of Business at Texas Tech University

Rawls College of Business at Texas Tech University

Rawls College of Business at Texas Tech University sees the need for business graduates to stay relevant in this fast-paced era. With its tagline, “Built on Rawls,” the college aims to provide a foundation for students to build experiences, impact the world and gain valuable insight.

The college offers programs for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. It is accredited by AACSB. It is also under university-wide accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Its excellent programs back up rankings like these. The two-year, part-time Professional MBA is a good example. Designed for driven professionals, its rigorous curriculum and flexible schedule allow students to face future challenges with confidence. Students complete online courses and only meet in person once a month.

Core classes include Financial and Managerial Accounting, Information Technology and Operations Management, Leadership and Ethics. No concentration is required, but you can create a program that meets your personal academic and career goals. Focus areas include AI and Data Science in Business, Energy Business, Supply Chain and Optimisation, and more. As the cohort is diverse, expect rich debates in classes. The Spring 2024 cohort is 35% female, has an average age of 35, and comprises backgrounds in 24 disciplines.

The Rawls Career Management Center (CMC) is another bonus to studying here. CMC helps students through the recruiting process by providing workshops, coaching and events.

The university assigns each candidate a personal recruiting manager who assists them throughout the application process until they arrive on campus. Source: Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management

Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management

The Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University offers an MBA designed to provide the knowledge, skills, connections, and support to help you achieve your personal and professional goals. This two-year on-campus program provides you with core business knowledge and skills that can benefit you in your career. You can even customise your curriculum through the various concentrations available. These include Accounting, General Management, Healthcare, Human and Organisational Performance, Marketing, Strategy, and three STEM-designated concentrations in Consumer Psychology and Marketing Analytics, Finance, and Operations and Analytics.

Graduates here earn big bucks as they continue to lead the industry across various fields. Evidently, the school’s most recent graduating class reported a record average base salary of USD$154,052 with a USD$34,591 bonus on top of that. Global companies such as Alvarez & Marsal, Deloitte Consulting, and Ernst & Young are some places where you will find Vanderbilt University graduates as they snag high-ranking positions shortly after graduation.

Located in the dynamic business community of Nashville, the university affiliates itself with its bustling economy that offers vast opportunities to expose yourself to the working environment. In addition to its business-centric district, the city is known for its endless entertainment options, incredible food scene, and beautiful greeneries. No wonder The New York Times, Forbes, and Fortune rank Nashville in the top places to live and do business.

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International