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15 Best Online MBA in International Business Degrees for 2021

Last updated: May 18, 2021

Ready to find the perfect business program?

The decision to go for an MBA in International Business online is going to a very personal decision with several factors playing a role. For some students, getting an MBA in International Business online might sacrifice the experience of campus life and but for most, it would be a very practical choice. With improving technology, getting an MBA in International Business online is only going to get more popular, and that will improve the quality of the students in the program. To know more about the advantage of an online MBA, you can read this article from Forbes.

The popularity of doing an MBA degree through an online platform is increasing. With improving technology it is becoming easier to connect people online. In the academic world, teaching is often thought of as an interaction between the teacher and the student. However, in an International Business MBA online program, the interaction between the students with each other is equally important.

Methodology: Ranking the Best Online MBA in International Business

Online MBA students are looking for a program that will have a positive impact on their career, and that is first and foremost on the minds of Great Business Schools editors. We feature only accredited, legitimate institutions according to verifiable data from IPEDS and Niche: Cost, Salary Potential, and Student Reviews.

1. Lehigh University

Lehigh University offers an MBA in international business that can be completed 100% online. Lehigh University’s best online MBA in international business program is offered as a flexible part-time program, with the international business concentration requiring nine specific semester credits. The classes for Lehigh University’s best MBA in international business online program include international finance, global marketing strategies, plus a variety of immersion trips covering special topics. This best online international business MBA program has received accreditation from AACSB.

Lehigh University is a private higher learning institution that was established in 1865. Lehigh University is a research-oriented school that serves more than 6,600 students from its 2,000+ acre campus in Bethlehem.

Highlight Lehigh University’s campus is centrally located and about the same distance to NYC as Philadelphia.

Degree International Business MBA

2. University of Delaware

The University of Delaware’s Lerner Business & Economics offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on international business that is considered among Pennsylvania’s best online MBAin international business programs and can be completed entirely through the university’s distance learning platform. UD’s best MBA in international business online program prepares students for careers as an analyst, account exec or marketing director, among others. The best online international business MBA program from UD requires the completion of international accounting, globalization business, and international marketing, among others.

The University of Delaware, the largest of higher learning institutions in Delaware, was established as the result of the Morrill Land Grant College Act in 1833. UD is also a space-grant and sea-grant school with a student enrollment that exceeds 24,000 students.

Highlight The roots of the University of Delaware can be traced to a free school that was founded almost a century earlier

Degree International Business MBA

3. Tufts University

Tufts University’s Fletcher School of Business offers a Master of Global Business Administration that can be completed 100% online and is considered among the world’s best online MBA in international business programs by Foreign Policy Magazine. As one of Pennsylvania’s best MBA in international business online programs on the globe, the Tufts program has alumni hailing from more than 126 countries. This best online international business MBA program can be finished in sixteen months as a full-time student or two years as a part-time student.

Tufts University, with a motto of Peace and Light, was established in 1852. In Medford, Somerville, Grafton, and Boston, the school’s campuses serve more than 11,700 students.

Highlight Tufts University is recognized as a highly selective higher learning institution with a recent acceptance rate of about 15%.

Degree Master of Global Business Administration

4. Arizona State University

Arizona State University’s W. P. Carey School of Business offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an emphasis on international business that can be completed 100% online, one course at a time every five weeks. This best online MBA in international business program from ASU has received accreditation from the AACSB. Students enrolled in this best MBA in international business online program can opt for international experiences for just study online. ASU’s best online international business MBA program includes classes like statistics for managers, leading people, ethical issues for managers, and a strategic management capstone, among others.

Arizona State University (Arizona State) was established in 1885 as a result of the Morrill Land Grant College Act. ASU operates four primary facilities at the regional level throughout the state, with more than 100,000 students served on-campus and online.

Highlight What began as a one-room school for teachers before Arizona in the state has now become one of the largest institutions of higher education in the world.

Degree International Business MBA

5. Washington State University

Washington State University’s Carson College of Business offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an emphasis on international business that is ranked among the best online MBA in international business programs available. Students graduating from Wazzu Carson’s best MBA in international business online program enter the workforce as sales directors, management analysts, or operations specialists, among others. Wazzu’s best online international business MBA program includes classes in international finance, business management across the globe, and international marketing management, among others.

Washington State University (Washington State) was established in 1890 under the Land Grant Act. Wazzu operates multiple campuses throughout the state of Washington and serves a student enrollment that exceeds 29,900 students.

Highlight Washington State University holds the distinction of being one of the oldest of higher learning institutions located on the American west coast.

Degree International Business MBA

6. University of Houston-Victoria

The University of Houston-Victoria offers an MBA in global business that is considered among the most affordable and best online MBA ininternational business programs available. UHV’s best MBA in international business online program has received accreditation from the AACSB. This best online international business MBA program from the University of Houston – Victoria offers five concentrations – marketing, management, finance, general business, and human resources.

The University of Houston—Victoria was established as a public higher learning institution in 1973. UHV operates dual campuses in Victoria and Kay with a student enrollment that exceeds 4,400 students studying online and on-campus.

Highlight The University of Houston—Victoria is one of the four member schools that make up Houston’s university system.

Degree Global MBA

7. University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota offers an MBA in international business ranked among North Dakota’s best online MBA in international business programs. North Dakota Business’s best MBA in international business online program can be completed entirely online or on-campus in about 18 months. Students enrolled in North Dakota’s best online international business MBA program are required to finish 34 semester units to meet program requirements.

The University of North Dakota (UND) began a number of years before North Dakota achieved statehood in 1883. More than 13,200 students attend classes on-campus and online offered by UND.

Highlight The University of North Dakota holds the distinction of being the only higher learning institution in the state with a medical school and law school.

Degree International Business MBA

8. University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater offers an MBA in international business ranked as the best online MBA in international business program in the state for single institution MBA programs. UW Whitewater’s best MBA in international business online program prepares degree candidates must complete nine credits from this major’s curriculum. Students enrolled in UW Whitewater’s best online international business MBA AACSB accredited program (the largest MBA accredited program in the state) must complete 36 semester credits to meet program requirements.

The University of Wisconsin—Whitewater is a member school of the state’s university system that was established in 1868. The school’s rural campus in Whitewater serves more than 10,900 students.

Highlight The University of Wisconsin—Whitewater was originally established as a school to train teachers in the state.

Degree International Business MBA

9. University of Massachusetts-Lowell

The University of Massachusetts-Lowell’s Manning School of Business offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an academic focus and emphasis on international business ranked among the best veterans and the best online MBA in international business programs by US News. This best MBA in international business online program has received accreditation from AACSB. UMass Lowell’s best online international business MBA AACSB accredited program is a model-program for a student exchange on a global network of partnered schools.

The University of Massachusetts—Lowell was established as a normal teacher’s school in 1894. UMass Lowell is a member school of the state’s university system with dual campuses in Massachusetts’s Merrimack Valley.

Highlight The University of Massachusetts—Lowell holds the distinction of being the second largest higher learning institution in the commonwealth.

Degree International Business MBA

10. University of North Carolina at Greensboro

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro’s Bryan College of Business and Economics offers an MBA with an academic track in international business considered among the state’s best online MBA in international business programs. UNCG Bryan’s best MBA in international business online program offers additional benefits for students that are affiliated with the military. Students enrolled in UNCG’s best online international business MBA program are required to complete 42 credit units, of which this includes a culminating capstone consulting course.

The University of North Carolina (UNC Greensboro) was established as a teacher’s training school in 1891. Although a member of the state’s university system, UNC Greensboro operates an independent institution. More than 19,800 students attend classes at UNC Greensboro.

Highlight The Weatherspoon Museum, on UNC Greensboro’s campus, holds the distinction of owning one of the largest modern art collections in the nation.

Degree International Business MBA

11. Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University’s Strome College of Business offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an academic certificate in international development that is considered among the nation’s best online MBA ininternational business programs, according to US News. ODU’s best MBA in international business online program with this certificate requires the completion of 40 semester credits. ODU Strome’s best online international business MBA program has received accreditation from AACSB and is available on-campus, online, and through a hybrid delivered method.

Old Dominion University (Old Dominion) was established in 1930 as a division of the College of William and Mary. Old Dominion University is a sea-grant and space-grant institution of higher learning with a student enrollment that exceeds 24,800 students.

Highlight Old Dominion University has grown from a satellite facility to one of the largest higher learning institutions in the state.

Degree MBA with International Development Certificate

12. University of Central Missouri

The University of Central Missouri’s Harmon College of Business offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an academic track in international business that is ranked among Missouri’s best online MBA in international business programs. UCM Harmon’s best MBA in international business online program is also available on-campus and as a hybrid program. The University of Central Missouri’s Harmon College of Business’s best online international business MBA program is only one of six in the state to receive AACSB – International accreditation.

The University of Central Missouri was established as a public higher learning institution in 1871 that began as a normal school, the second in the state. UCM is a state school that serves more than 10,000 students on its 1,500+ acre campus in Warrensburg.

Highlight Degrees awarded by UCM Harmon College of Business have received accreditation from the AACSB – International.

Degree International Business MBA

13. Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville State University offers an MBA in international business that is considered among North Carolina’s best online MBA in international business programs. Students enrolled in FSU’s best MBA in international business online program offers several concentrations within the degree – accounting, finance, business management, business law, and marketing. Students graduating from FSU’s best online international business MBA program enter the workforce as global business managers, marketing managers for international companies, or international development management, to name a few.

Fayetteville State University is an HBCU higher learning institution that was established in 1867. More than 5,700 students attend classes on the school’s Fayetteville campus or online.

Highlight Fayetteville State University holds the distinction of being the 2nd oldest of all state funded institutions of higher learning.

Degree International Business MBA

14. Tennessee Technological University

Tennessee Technological University offers an MBA in international business that is recognized among Tennessee’s best online MBA in international business programs. Tennessee Technological University’s best MBA in international business online program prepares students for rewarding careers in government, research, education, city development, international trade, or import/export, among others. This best online international business MBA program is available as a part-time or a full-time student and requires students to complete 30 semester credits to meet program requirements. Additionally, international business MBA degree candidates are offered an international business practicum experience.

Tennessee Technological University was established as Dixie College in 1909. The university’s campus in Cookeville covers more than 200 suburban acres and serves more than 10,200 students.

Highlight When Tennessee Tech first opened, students, worked the gardens and fields to produce their own food.

Degree International Business MBA

15. Anderson University

Anderson University’s Falls School of Business offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on international business that is among Indiana’s best online MBA in international business programs. Anderson Falls’ best MBA in international business online program requires degree candidates to complete 41 semester credits to graduate with an MBA concentration. Coursework for Anderson University’s best online international business MBA program includes business plan development, organizational behavior, leadership seminar, strategic accounting, leading organizational change, plus and international seminar or trip, to name a few. Anderson’s MBA program is available entirely online or in Anderson, Carmel, Fishers, or Lawrence.

Anderson University was established in 1917 as a private Christian higher learning institution. Anderson University’s campus in Anderson serves more than 1,700 students and covers more than 100 suburban acres.

Highlight Anderson University was originally developed to be a bible training school.

Degree International Business MBA

Why Should You Get an International Business MBA Online?

There are several advantages of getting an online International Business MBA degree. One of the greatest benefits of an online MBA is flexibility. Most of the MBA students leave their full-time job or their business to focus on the MBA. They also have the option of going part-time but that might take longer to complete and it can become stressful for certain professions that require traveling or have an unpredictable work schedule. With an International Business online MBA, students are allowed much more flexibility. With an online MBA, students can connect from anywhere that has internet access, whether that is at home, in a hotel, or on an airplane. The other advantage of an Online International Business MBA is cost. For most programs, going through the online channel is significantly cheaper than attending classes on campus.

Whether the MBA focuses on International Business, Marketing, Finance, or any other discipline, the key to a successful MBA program is allowing the students to collaborate, sharing their experience through discussions, case studies, assignments, presentations, group projects, and more. With today’s technology, it is possible to have a seamless experience of an International Business MBA online program on the online platform.

How to Choose an Online Business MBA Program?

One of the first factors to consider in an online business MBA program is to choose an AACSB accredited International MBA program. With an accredited international MBA program, you get validation of the quality of the program. If the business school has been accredited that means they have passed the requirements of AACSB, which is very selective in their approval process. The accreditation is also important for post MBA job prospects as recruiters also look at AACSB accreditation is an important factor in the recruitment of MBA graduates. With an AACSB accredited International MBA online program, you will have the confidence that you are investing your time and money in the right place.

Another important factor to consider when choosing an online MBA program is the format of the program. Does the program require you to attend live classes? Will you be able to meet this schedule? You should look for a program that allows you to have direct interaction with your classmates, as they are an extremely important part of the MBA program. The networking you do during your MBA is one main reason why many students want to do an MBA. Not only does it help your job prospects but also allows you to connect with your classmates for information and advice regarding their areas of expertise throughout your career. You should also analyze the overall cost of the online MBA program. You can quickly do an ROI calculation to determine the financial impact of the MBA. Typically, an online MBA program should provide a faster ROI compared to conventional on-campus MBA programs.

What is an MBA in International Business?

To understand what is an MBA in International Business, you need to first understand that the dynamics of the business world are changing. The global market is becoming one large interconnected economy and it requires dynamic, versatile, and multi-talented leaders. The future of the business world needs leaders that embrace change, are comfortable in a multi-cultural environment, and thrive under pressure. The International Business MBA focuses on preparing the students to develop skills that are relevant to the increasingly global marketplace of the world. In an International Business MBA program, the students are given a strong foundation of business subjects such as finance, accounting, and marketing, but they are also given courses that help improve their soft skills, which are extremely crucial to their success as a future business leader. With a degree in International Business, students get the right combination of business fundamentals and people skills to be able to work with people from any part of the world. Generally, the student body of an International Business MBA program is culturally diverse, providing the students with a multi-cultural exposure similar to the real business world.

Carrie Morris
Author

Warren Dahl
Editor-in-Chief

Ready to find the perfect business program?

10 Most Affordable Business Doctorates for 2021

Last updated: May 18, 2021

Ready to find the perfect business program?

A doctorate in business can increase your earning potential enormously, and it doesn’t have to put you in lifelong debt. Saving money on a DBA program can be accomplished in several ways. While you can always shop around to find the best tuition prices, many are set at a comparable price depending on the learning institution and its location. Colleges and universities often have access to grants and scholarships that are specifically available to students who are working toward their DBA in a specific industry. These grants and scholarships are gifts that do not need to be repaid. Many grant programs offer repeating gifts that will pay out each year the student is enrolled in their chosen degree program.

Another way to save money on a DBA program is to enlist the help of your employer. If you have worked with your company for several years and are looking forward to being with them for several more, they may be willing to reimburse you for the cost of your education. Every time you successfully complete a course and receive a passing grade, submit the paperwork to your employer and they will pay you back for the cost of your tuition.

Methodology: Ranking the Most Affordable DBA Programs

The Great Business Schools ranking of the most affordable DBA programs is not just about cost – editors feature only accredited, reputable institutions. But the ranking itself is simple: cost, according to IPEDS data.

1. University of North Carolina at Charlotte

The Doctorate in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte tops the list of the most affordable DBA programs. This program is for students who want to be among the best of the best in business. Students prepare for careers in consulting or management or to teach business at the college level. This is a face-to-face program that requires one weekend per month in Charlotte. The program takes three years to complete. Students who want to enroll in the DBA program must have 5-10 years of work experience as well as a master’s degree.

The Belk College of Business is deeply connected to a major business center. The school has nearly 100 full-time faculty members, and there are more than 31,000 alumni around the world. Belk has partnerships with many business leaders in and around Charlotte.

Highlight This is the only DBA program in the Carolinas with AACSB accreditation.

Degree DBA

2. Baruch College

Students searching for the most affordable DBA programs may be interested in the affordable Doctor of Professional Studies in Business (DPS) degree from Baruch College’s Zicklin School of Business. This program is intended for senior executives who have at least seven years of executive experience. Graduates possess the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the C-suite. The school’s curriculum is highly customized and uses research and experimental design to address business issues. The program takes three years to complete and is AACSB accredited.

The Zicklin School of Business has some of the best business programs in the country. U.S. News & World Report has rated the school as the #1 public business school in New York City and its evening MBA program as the best in both New York City and New York State. Money Magazine ranked the school as the #1 business college for business majors.

Highlight This program includes multidisciplinary courses that encourage strong executive decision-making.

Degree DPS in Business

3. LIGS University

Next on the list of the most affordable DBA programs is the online DBA from LIGS University. The program gives students the knowledge and skills they need to advance their careers and teaches them to put those skills into practice in the real world. Students can enroll at any point during the school year, so you can start your studies whenever you’re ready. There are many specializations to choose from. Students gain knowledge by attending webinars with experts online. LIGS has experienced professionals on the faculty who share their knowledge and experiences with their students.

LIGS University offers an affordable, high-quality education that innovative technologies for delivery. The school aims to exceed the expectations of its students in delivering its online content. The school values leadership, innovation, growth, and success. LIGS University is a highly professional institution with outstanding faculty members and staff.

Highlight The DBA program at LIGS University is 100% online.

Degree DBA

4. University of the Cumberlands

The Doctor of Business Administration from the University of the Cumberlands is one of the most affordable DBA programs in the country. The program is designed for students who want to be leaders and innovators in the business world. The DBA degree is a career-changer for graduates. The program helps students develop advanced levels of mastery in understanding applied and theoretical literature and conducting research. Students should already be working and gaining experience in a business profession. This program will help them advance their careers by making them more marketable to employers.

The University of the Cumberlands prepares students for a lifetime of service. The school is dedicated to making sure every student achieves success. Hands-on learning opportunities are an important part of the curriculum, enabling students to gain real-world experience while still in college.

Highlight This online program is designed to be accessible to working professionals.

Degree DBA

5. Bellevue University

The Doctorate of Business Administration from Bellevue University is another of the most affordable DBA programs in the US. The program transforms students into leaders who are competent decision-makers, making strong decision that impact entire communities. The students are business professionals who want to gain insights and expertise that will allow them to move up to a higher level in their careers. The program prepares students to be able to address the challenges they will encounter in today’s global business world, regardless of their industry.

Bellevue University is a non-profit institution that was founded in 1966. The school has over 50,000 graduates and is a leader in providing an affordable education that prepares students for a lifetime of success. Students don’t just learn the material; they gain mastery of the skills and knowledge they will need to be successful in the real world.

Highlight Bellevue’s online learning format was designed specifically with busy adults in mind.

Degree DBA

6. University of South Florida

The Doctor of Business Administration from the University of South Florida is an affordable DBA program that is designed for senior-level executives. The program teaches research methods that students can apply to solve real-world business problems. Students can work together with faculty members on research projects that interest them. They are also able to network with other students who are top-level executives. The program focuses on helping students achieve publication by authoring articles, papers, case studies, and even books. The DBA is the highest degree available in the business field.

The Muma College of Business has world-class research facilities, a highly-ranked MBA program, an innovative entrepreneurship center, and one of the best accounting schools in the nation. The school is AACSB accredited and holds many top rankings, including its online MBA program being ranked #25 in the nation.

Highlight This program is flexible enough to accommodate the needs of busy executives.

Degree DBA

7. University of Missouri-St. Louis

The Doctor of Business Administration from the University of Missouri-St. Louis is another of the most affordable DBA programs. This program is for senior executives and managers who want to gain expertise in research and learn to apply that research to solve complex business problems in their industries. The program improves students’ analytical and methodological research skills. It is a cohort-based program that takes three years to complete. Students visit the campus one weekend per month throughout the duration of the program. The third year is spent on the student’s dissertation research.

The UMSL College of Business Administration is AACSB accredited and is ranked among the top business schools in the nation by The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report. Its graduate business program was ranked as one of the best programs for veterans by Military Times.

Highlight This is the only DBA program in Missouri that offers research concentrations in every area of business administration.

Degree DBA

8. California Southern University

The Doctor of Business Administration from California Southern University is an affordable DBA program that transforms executives into strong leaders. Students develop strong writing and research skills as well as learning advanced decision-making techniques that will help them as they move into the highest levels of management. The program prepares students to succeed in today’s dynamic, ever-changing business environment. They learn to anticipate and react to change. Students develop strategic management and leadership skills and become adept at dealing with change management.

California Southern University offers 100% online programs that allow students to complete their education on their own time. The school is affordable and regionally accredited. There are monthly start dates, so you don’t have to wait long to get started. The school’s self-directed approach is great for independent learners.

Highlight Students can transfer up to 30 credits.

Degree DBA

9. William Howard Taft University

The Doctor of Business Administration at William Howard Taft University is another affordable DBA program. This program features independent study, with coursework in management and leadership. It is designed for mid- to senior-level managers who seek a higher level of knowledge in the practical and theoretical aspects of running a business. This program focuses on US business operations but is open to students from other countries. Students learn operational practices and management and leadership skills that they can use to get ahead in their careers.

William Howard Taft University has been offering graduate degrees through distance learning for decades. The school offers programs in education and business, and its programs are designed to meet the needs of working adults. WHTU strives to offer an innovative and unique distance learning experience at an affordable price.

Highlight This program is completely online, with no seminar or classroom attendance required.

Degree DBA

10. Columbia Southern University

This list of the most affordable DBA programs would not be complete without the Doctor of Business Administration from Columbia Southern University. The program helps students improve their leadership and decision-making skills while providing them with new methods to solve problems in their industries. The program emphasizes research and the application of theory to real-world problems. Students us data analysis and investigative skills to contribute to the expansion of knowledge in an area of business administration. Each student must complete a dissertation and be able to defend it.

Columbia Southern University seeks to improve the lives of its students through higher education. The school focuses on helping its students achieve their full personal and professional potential. CSU offers online programs at every level from associate to doctoral. The school provides responsive support services that help students achieve their educational goals.

Highlight The program has no required login times and students can complete their work at their own pace.

Degree DBA

How Much Can I Make with a Business Doctorate?

Earning a business doctorate will oftentimes put your wages at six figures if you are willing to continue to establish yourself as a business professional. With any type of business degree, your starting wage will be relatively low for the first few years. The more experience you gain as you prove your value in the workplace will boost your earning potential. In most cases, a proven professional with a business doctorate and a few years of hard-earned experience can begin to earn an average yearly salary of over $100,000 or more to start.

As you continue to move forward gaining new experiences in different areas of your career, your earning potential will continue to increase. The more you know and are able to utilize through your day to day responsibilities, the more likely you are to be offered upper management level positions as time passes. Showing an interest in moving forward is great as long as you strive to learn as much about the position as possible. Don’t wait for new opportunities to find you. It is up to you to continually seek them out.

With a business doctorate, you have access to the highest level of knowledge available in the business world. It is up to you to use it to your advantage. Learn as much as you can both in school and in the workplace. It’s this type of tenacity that will allow you to move upward and advance through the ranks in a shorter period of time.

Once you have graduated, you may be able to consolidate any student loans you may have and pay for them with a loan that will reduce your interest rates. Private student loans can be quite expensive over the years, consolidating them will allow you to pay them off faster without paying the high interest rates that some institutions charge. You have several options where student loans are concerned. Make sure to do your research before choosing one.

Will I Make More with a Ph.D. or a DBA?

In most cases, a graduate will make more with a DBA than they will with a Ph.D. There are a few reasons for this. A Ph.D. focuses on the educational or research aspect of business practices. While it is beneficial to have, it works more toward developing strategies and projecting new trends. A DBA focuses more on the tangibles of a business operation. Practical applications that involve managing the day to day operations of a business or organizing assets and human resources so that they function with maximum efficiency are essential in any business.

A person with a DBA degree is a problem solver. Many times, they may find themselves as CEOs that are in charge of every aspect of a large company. They must deal with company matters quickly, efficiently, and with a sense of authority. It is up to them to ensure that every department within the company works hand in hand with one another to keep the entire operation moving forward.

Earning a Ph.D. does have its benefits. Many professors who have been prominent in management positions go back to school, earn their Ph.D., and then become professors. By passing on their knowledge, they are able to help new business professionals become effective leaders and managers. Educators who teach from past experience can impart concepts and insights that cannot be learned straight from a textbook. While graduates with a Ph.D. may make less money in the workplace, they have an extremely high value when it comes to passing on what they know in terms of uncovering new business concepts or teaching business students the value of experience. Their wealth often comes in knowing that they are helping to create the future careers of many new business professionals.

Carrie Morris
Author

Warren Dahl
Editor-in-Chief

Ready to find the perfect business program?

25 Best MBA in International Business Programs for 2021

Last updated: May 18, 2021

Ready to find the perfect business program?

Earning an MBA in International Business will open the door for a wide variety of opportunities. An International Business MBA can be used in many different ways. Government agencies and large non-profits require individuals who are incredibly versatile and have the skills that are needed to work within expansive global markets. Working on an international level requires advanced abilities that allow the professional to utilize global resources in an attempt to broker lucrative business deals.

An MBA in International Business makes it possible for a graduate to choose a career from one of many different fields including logistics, finance, and trade development. International business is much different than domestic forms of business. With an MBA in International Business, graduates will learn about trade negotiations, tariffs, customs, shipping regulations, and many other types of transactions and dealings that are not part of domestic business practices. By earning a degree in International Business, students have an advantage over their competitors because they are already familiar with many of the best practices associated with global markets and trade.

Methodology: Ranking the Best International Business MBA Programs

Great Business Schools puts the needs of students first, focusing on degree programs that will have a real positive impact on students’ careers. We feature only reputable, accredited institutions, ranked according to practical factors like cost, potential salary, and student satisfaction, using data from IPEDS and Niche.

1. Rutgers University

Rutgers University offers one of the best MBA in International Business programs with its Global Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. This full-time best international business MBA program also offers degree candidates the option of earning a STEM degree with this MBA concentration in Global Business. Coursework for the international MBA business program includes leading across cultures, managing organizational diversity, Global procurement/supply management, international financial markets, executive leadership, and managing technological breakthroughs, to name a few. This is available on Rutger’s campuses in Newark and New Brunswick.

Rutgers University is the New Jersey state school founded in 1766. Rutgers University is one of the few higher learning institutions that are space-grant, land-grant, and sea-grant schools. More than 68,400 students attend classes at Rutgers.

Highlight The school is named to honor Colonel Rutgers, a revolutionary war hero whose financial help kept the school afloat in lean times.

Degree Global Business MBA

2. University of Southern California

The University of Southern California Marshall School of Business offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in international business that is ranked among the best international business MBA programs by Poets & Quants. USC Marshall’s best MBA in International Business program can be completed in twelve months. This The University of Southern California Marshall program includes an international experiential learning trip to international economies, as well as two short trips to Seattle and Silicon Valley. The average age of degree candidates is 35 years old.

The University of Southern California (Southern Cal) is a private sea-grant and space-grant institution of higher education that was founded in 1880. More than 48,100 students attend classes at the University of Southern California, which is known as the birthplace of the internet domain name system.

Highlight Student athletes at the University of Southern California are known as Trojans and have brought home more than 300 Olympic medals.

Degree International MBA

3. Northeastern University

Northeastern University’s D’Amore-McKim Business School offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an academic emphasis in International Business that is recognized as one of the nation’s best international business MBA programs. This NEU best MBA in International Business program required degree candidates to complete 28 graduate credits – 15 from the MBA curriculum and another 12 credits in the international business curriculum. Elective coursework offered includes international marketing, advanced topics in global management, doing business in emerging markets, and cultural aspects of international business, to name a few.

Northeastern University is a research higher learning institution that was established in 1898. Northeastern University is internationally renowned for its innovative cooperative ed program in which students have the opportunity to earn salaries while earning their degrees.

Highlight Northeastern University operates multiple campuses in Maine, North Carolina, Washington, California, and Canada.

Degree International Business MBA

4. Florida International University

Florida International University offers an MBA in International Business that ranked among the top ten best international business MBA programs by US News & World Report. FIU’s best MBA in International Business program can be completed in only one year and offers degree candidates opportunities to study abroad. The core curriculum includes business analysis, legal environment of business, global financial strategy, business processes, marketing management, and information systems management, to name a few.

Florida International University is a space-grant higher learning institution that was established in 1965. Florida International University’s campus in University Park covers more than 550 acres and serves more than 58,300 students.

Highlight Florida International University has been recognized by the state’s legislature as one of South Florida’s most eminent universities.

Degree International Business MBA

5. Temple University

Temple University’s Fox Business School offers a Global MBA that can be completed in two years. Temple University’s best MBA in International Business program provides students with competencies in the areas of ethical management, communication, business acumen, and business reasoning, among others. This on-campus best international business MBA program has been developed for professionals with work experience looking to enhance their work opportunities. Degree candidates will participate in an internship opportunity and two global immersion experiences during the spring season each year.

Temple University is a public higher learning institution that was established in 1884. Temple University serves more than 38,900 students on its urban campus in the City of Brotherly Love.

Highlight Russell Conwell, a lawyer, and Baptist minister, founded Temple University after he began tutoring at night.

Degree Global MBA

6. University of South Carolina

The University of South Carolina’s Moore School of Business offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an academic emphasis in International Business that the best international business MBA programs by US News & World Report for the past several decades. UofSC Moore’s best MBA in International Business program can be completed in just under two years and offers degree candidates two academic tracks – a language track and a global track. Both international business MBA programs include international immersion programs.

The University of South Carolina is the flagship campus of the state’s university system that was established in 1801. Additionally, this sea-grant institution of higher learning serves more than 51,000 students across its multiple campuses in South Carolina, including its main campus in Columbia.

Highlight Several buildings on the University of South Carolina’s campus are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Degree International MBA

7. American University

American University’s Kogod Business School offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an academic focus in Global Business that is considered among the nation’s best international business MBA programs. American University’s best MBA in International Business program requires degree candidates to complete 49 semester units to graduate. Coursework for this graduate degree from AU Kogod includes business leadership, international financial management, business insights through analytics, negotiations strategy and tactics, leading change, applied managerial statistics, and applied production &operations management, to name a few. Additionally, students must complete a global project practicum experience.

From its urban location in the nation’s capital, American University, a space-grant school serves more than 8,400 students. American University is one of the few in the country that was established by a Congressional charter.

Highlight Among AU’s alumni are a US senator, Nobel Prize, and Pulitzer Prize, winners.

Degree Global MBA

8. East Carolina University

East Carolina University offers an MBA in International Management that is considered among the nation’s best MBA in International Businessprograms. East Carolina University’s best international business MBA program has received accreditation from the AACSB for over four decades. East Carolina University’s graduate MBA programs are consistently recognized among the best buy programs in the United States. Degree candidates have the option of completing this MBA degree online, on-campus, or a hybrid combination of both.

East Carolina University began as a teacher’s training academy in 1907. East Carolina University has grown to be the fourth largest of higher learning institutions in the state of North Carolina, with nearly 30,000 students and more than 1,500 acres.

Highlight East Carolina University operates three primary campuses located near each other in Greenville.

Degree International Management MBA

9. George Washington University

George Washington University offers an MBA in Global Business that is ranked as one of the country’s best MBA in International Business programs. George Washington University Business’s best international business MBA program requires the completion of 53 semester credits, which includes core courses, electives, and a study abroad project that can be finished in only 21 months. Classes for the core curriculum include business ethics, operations management, marketing, business improv, leadership lab, strategic management, and organizations & human capital, to name a few.

George Washington University is a research institution of higher education that was founded by an act of the US Congress in 1821. The university’s campus in the nation’s capital is home to more than 26,900 students, vying for academic degrees offered by the university’s fourteen schools.

Highlight Many prominent politicians are proud to call themselves George Washington University alumni.

Degree Global MBA

10. John Brown University

John Brown University offers an MBA in International Business that is recognized as one of the state’s best MBA in International Business programs. John Brown University’s best international business MBA requires degree candidates to complete 36 to 45 semester credits – contingent upon the student’s undergraduate/work experience in business. Students enrolled in JBU’s MBA in international business program is available entirely online, on-campus, or a combination of both. Classes include global leadership, global supply chain, strategies for an emerging market, plus a practicum in international business.

John Brown University is an interdenominational Christian higher learning institution that was established in 1919. The university’s campus in Siloam Springs (northwest Arkansas) covers more than 175 acres and serves more than 2,400 students.

Highlight John Brown University operates multiple satellite facilities in Rogers and Little Rock, AR.

Degree International Business MBA

11. St. John’s University

St. John’s University’s Tobin College of Business (SJU Tobin) offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in international business that is considered among the best international business MBA programs in the marketplace. Coursework for St. John’s University Tobin’s best MBA in International Businessprogram includes risk management, business analytics, financial management, law and ethics, and seminar in business policy, plus a capstone project. Students enrolled in St. John’s University’s s international business MBA program have the option of studying abroad and completing parts of their program at the school’s campus in Rome, Italy.

St. John’s University is a private higher learning institution that was established in 1870. This Vincentian university serves more than 20,900 students vying for degrees offered by the university’s eleven schools/colleges.

Highlight St. John’s University boasts an international student alumni network that nears 200,000.

Degree International Business MBA

12. University of Central Arkansas

The University of Central Arkansas offers an MBA in International Business that is considered among Arkansas’s best international business MBA programs. This best MBA in International Business program from the University of Central Arkansas offers students study abroad opportunities in China, France, Italy, Belgium, Spain, and Thailand, among others. Degree candidates enrolled in the University of Central Arkansas’s international business MBA program must complete 36 semester credits to graduate. It is noted that the electives chosen by the degree candidate must be taken internationally.

The University of Central Arkansas was established in 1907 as Arkansas’ only teacher’s training academy. This space-grant institution of higher learning serves more than 11,300 students from its suburban campus in Conway.

Highlight The University of Central Arkansas is recognized among the state’s largest higher learning institutions.

Degree International Business MBA

13. Park University

Park University offers an MBA in global business or global executive that is recognized among the Midwest’s best international business MBA programs. The best MBA in International Business program offered by Park University has received accreditation from the ACBSP and is available online and on campuses in five different states. Students can complete this MBA degree in only fifteen months. Classes for Park’s global business MBA concentration include doing business in Asia, European business environments, and business strategies for Latin America, to name a few.

Park University was established as a private institution of higher education in 1875. The school’s campuses overlook the majestic Missouri Rivers and serve more than 11,100 students. Park University uniquely offered education without tuition in lieu of work done for the school.

Highlight Park University operates more than 40 facilities in more than twenty states.

Degree MBA in Global Business or Global Executive

14. University of Scranton

The University of Scranton’s Kania School of Management offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an academic emphasis in international business that one of the best international business MBA programs available in the marketplace. This best MBA in International Business program offered by the University of Scranton requires degree candidates to complete 36 semester credits, which includes a culminating capstone project. Additionally, the MBA programs offered by the University of Scranton have received accreditation from the AACSB – the only AACSB approved program in the Wyoming Valley.

The University of Scranton was established as a private learning institution in 1888. This Roman Catholic university serves more than 5,200 students from its urban campus in Scranton vying for degrees offered by the university’s three schools/colleges.

Highlight The University of Scranton offers more than 85 undergraduate and graduate major options.

Degree International Business MBA

15. Dallas Baptist University

Dallas Baptist University offers an MBA in international business that ranked among the state’s best international business MBA programs available in the marketplace. Dallas Baptist University’s best MBA in International Business program requires degree candidates to complete 36 semester credits but does not require a thesis. Core coursework for this MBA degree program includes international economic and legal environments, international finance, international marketing, and global initiatives in management, to name a few.

Dallas Baptist University was established in 1898 as a private Christian higher learning institution. The university’s campus in Dallas serves more than 4,200 students and covers more than 350 acres. The school maintains affiliation with the Texas Baptist Convention.

Highlight Dallas Baptist University operates satellite facilities in Hurst and Plano as well.

Degree International Business MBA

16. Wright State University

Wright State University’s Soin Business College offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an academic track in international business that is recognized by US News among the best international business MBA programs. Wright State University’s best MBA in International Business program prepares degree candidates to address the various challenges that arise from a global business environment. Classes for this MBA concentration include financial management and international economics, plus a study abroad opportunity. MBA core classes include leadership and ethics, economics for managers, strategic cost management, and developing competitive strategies, among others.

Wright State University was established in 1967. The university’s suburban campuses serve more than 12,100 students, with more than 10,100 students studying at the school’s main Dayton Campus.

Highlight Wright State University initially began operating as a satellite facility for Ohio State University and Miami U of Ohio.

Degree International Business MBA

17. Kent State University

Kent State University offers an MBA in international business that is accredited by the AACSB and considered one of the best international business MBA programs. Students enrolled in Kent State University’s best MBA in International Business program can select from a number of study-abroad opportunities that generally last from ten days to one semester. Previous study abroad opportunities include France, India, Brazil, Ireland, and Switzerland, among others. Students enrolled in Kent State’s program have the opportunity to select from a number of internships through the career services division.

Kent State University is a public, state-funded higher learning institution that was established in 1910. KSU is a member school of the state’s university system and operates multiple campuses that serve more than 35,700 students in Ohio.

Highlight Kent State University maintains academic facilities in New York and Florence, Italy.

Degree International Business MBA

18. Ashland University

Ashland University’s Dauch College of Business & Economics offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in international business that is considered one of Ohio’s best international business MBA programs. Ashland University’s best MBA in International Business program can be completed in only twelve months. Full tuition includes two study abroad trips to understand business from an experiential level. Students applying to this program can request the waiver of a GMAT or GRE, which is reviewed by school personnel. This program from Ashland University is available on two campuses – Columbus and Cleveland, Ohio.

Ashland University is a Christian higher learning institution established by the Brethren Church in 1878. The university’s suburban campus serves more than 5,400 students vying for degrees offered by Ashland’s four colleges/schools.

Highlight Ashland University operates a theological seminary that offers graduate theology degrees.

Degree International Business MBA

19. Oklahoma Christian University

Oklahoma Christian University offers an MBA in international business that ranked among Oklahoma’s best international business MBA programs. Classes for OCU’s best MBA in International Business program include international marketing, international management, and international trade & finance. The core curriculum for OCU’s MBA program includes managerial ethics, leadership effectiveness, business intelligence, and financial management, to name a few. Students can attend night classes on OCU’s campus or complete the required coursework through the school’s distance learning platform.

The Churches of Christ founded Oklahoma Christian University in 1950. The university’s campus in Oklahoma City serves more than 2,100 students and covers more than 190 suburban acres.

Highlight Oklahoma Christian University was the first campus in the state to provide each student with a laptop and campus-wide internet in 2001.

Degree International Business MBA

20. Keiser University

Keiser University offers an MBA in International Business that is ranked as one of the best MBA in International Business program and offered on more than ten campuses through Florida. Keiser University’s best international business MBA program has been accredited by the Council for Business Schools & Programs. It is noted that Keiser University offers this program in Spanish and Mandarin. Coursework for this international business MBA degree is offered in eight-week classes. Degree candidates must complete 36 to 45 semester units, depending on the exact academic track chosen.

Keiser University is a private higher learning institution that was established as a business career school in 1977. The university serves more than 19,200 students from its Florida and international campuses.

Highlight Money Magazine recognizes Keiser University among the top bang for the buck colleges in the Sunshine State.

Degree International Business MBA

21. Concordia University Wisconsin & Ann Arbor

Concordia University Wisconsin offers an MBA in international business that requires the completion of 36 semester units to graduate. This best MBA in International Business program from Concordia University is available online and in seven campuses in the state of Wisconsin. Students graduating from Concordia University’s best international business MBA program enter the workforce as business intelligence analysts, international marketing managers, and business educators, among others. Concordia boasts a student to faculty ratio of 12 to 1.

Concordia University was established by the Lutheran Church in 1881. Concordia University operates eight campuses, with dual management for the Wisconsin and Ann Arbor Facilities.

Highlight More than 7,500 students attend classes offered by Concordia University’s five colleges/schools.

Degree International Business MBA

22. Mercy College

Mercy College offers an MBA in international business that requires the completion of 36 semester units to meet program requirements. Mercy College’s best international business MBA program can be finished in about one year and is available on all three New York campuses. Classes for Mercy College’s best MBA in International Business program include financial accounting, financial management, managerial economics, international trade, and international finance, to name a few.

Mercy College was established as a private higher learning institution in 1950. The college operates several campuses – one in NYC and two to the north in Westchester County. More than 11,100 students attend classes offered by Mercy College.

Highlight Students attending Mercy College hail from more than 50 countries.

Degree International Business MBA

23. Tiffin University

Tiffin University offers an MBA in international business that is considered among the best international business MBA programs available on the market. Students enrolled in Tiffin University’s best MBA in International Business program must complete 36 semester credits to meet program requirements. Classes for this concentration include international trade, global marketing, transactional management in a global environment, innovative decision making, managerial ethics, strategic analysis in a global industry, and international finance, to name a few.

Tiffin University (Tiffin) was established as a commercial college in 1888. This private higher learning institution serves more than 4,100 students on its 100+ acre suburban campus in Tiffin. The ACBSP has accredited the business programs offered by Tiffin University.

Highlight The Tiffin University Dragons compete in the Great Midwest Conference.

Degree International Business MBA

24. University of Hartford

The University of Hartford’s Barney Business School offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in international business that is considered among Connecticut and New England’s best international business MBA programs. UH Barney’s best MBA in International Business program can be completed in about two years and is considered the third largest MBA program in the greater Hartford area. The University of Hartford’s international business MBA degree has received accreditation from the AACSB as both a full and part-time program.

The University of Hartford (UHart) was established in 1957. The university’s suburban campus covers several parts of West Hartford, Bloomfield, and Hartford. More than 6,500 students attend classes offered by the University of Hartford.

Highlight The University of Hartford was created when a number of local schools combined to create this chartered institution of higher learning.

Degree International Business MBA

25. City University of Seattle

The City University of Seattle offers an MBA in Global Management that is recognized among the west coast’s best international business MBA programs. Students enrolled in the City University of Seattle’s best MBA in International Business program are required to complete 48 to 54 semester units, depending on the exact academic track selected. Classes for this global management MBA degree include international human resource management, global leadership, and international business, plus a global management internship, among others. This program is available on the Seattle and Renton campuses and online. Core MBA classes include strategic financial management, business strategy, law for global business, and project management & prioritization, to name a few.

The City University of Seattle is a private higher learning institution that was established in 1973. The university’s campuses are located in the United States, China, Europe, Mexico, and Canada. More than 6,500 students attend classes offered by the City University of Seattle.

Highlight The City University of Seattle was originally developed to serve working learners.

Degree Global Management MBA

Why Should I Get an MBA in International Business?

International business can be very complex and requires an in-depth knowledge of trade and shipping laws. Individuals who choose to pursue an MBA in International Business must be very detail-oriented and enjoy traveling. Many individuals who take jobs on an international level travel abroad, some more than others. Those who do not travel, often times spend hours on the phone placing international calls. With today’s technology, video-calls make it easy to have a face-to-face meeting with other professionals located across the world. Understanding how to use this advanced technology makes international business much easier to transact.

How Do I Choose an International Business MBA Program?

In order to choose one of the best MBA programs for International Business, you will need to know what type of career you want to work in. Finance, logistics, investments, and public relations are just a few of the positions you can choose from. Within each field, you will be able to find different specifications. Logistics, for example, deals with shipping, receiving, customs, and understanding how to move large shipments in the most cost-effective manner.

Earning an MBA in International Business will provide you with every advantage you will need to succeed in this highly professional field. The best International Business MBA programs are able to provide students advanced lessons on how to negotiate international business deals and trade agreements. This type of degree will allow you to work on both a domestic level as well as on an international level. International trade requires someone who is capable of negotiating an agreement that meets the legal and professional expectations on both sides.

Other aspects of choosing the best MBA in International Business program includes finding one that fits into your budget. If you are already working and can’t give up your job, you will also need to find one that allows you to complete your coursework online. Online courses offer flexible schedules and an option to study when it is most convenient for the student. Enrolling in an online degree program allows a student to continue to work, honing their business skills, while they continue to learn as much as possible about international business.

Are Global Business and International Business the Same Thing?

Even though global business and international business mean technically the same thing, it’s important to understand how doing business on a global level is much different. Globalization means doing business across the globe. A good example of this has to do with international trade. In order for a company to trade on an international level, all they have to do is trade between two companies that are located in two or more different countries. Globalization isn’t needed. Both do go hand in hand, though. Learning to understand one will help you grasp a better understanding of the other.

Globalization involves building influence or generating business across the world. Business on a global level means working with companies or brands that already are established across the world. While international business does not need globalization, globalization is established by international trade. Small businesses are more often associated with international business transactions. Large corporations, on the other hand, are more likely to be involved in transacting business on a global level with companies that have offices in many different parts of the world.

When it comes to international business vs global business, it’s important to understand what role you want to play. If you want to be part of a large international operation, you will need to learn to work with other professionals from all over the world. If you are interested in economics, you may want to explore the global markets and learn how investment brokers transact business across the world. Your options are endless when it comes to working on an international level.

Carrie Morris
Author

Warren Dahl
Editor-in-Chief

Ready to find the perfect business program?

40 Zoom Activities to Connect While Learning Remotely

Last updated: May 18, 2021

Ready to find the perfect business program?

It takes 43 hours to turn acquaintances into casual friends. It takes another 57 hours to transition a casual friend into a close friend. And to turn a close friend into a best friend, it takes another 119 hours. That totals 219 hours to find a best friend.

When it comes to making friends in college, the time spent in-person at school is incredibly important. Between classes, extracurriculars and dorm room living, it’s no coincidence that the average age most people meet their best friends correlates with their time in higher education.
Things look different this year due to remote education. With a free Zoom account, you get 40 minutes of video time. So, how are you supposed to find best friends at school while learning online?

Zoom has become the place where people get married, graduate from high school and go to work — and it can be the place where you meet friends for life. Suggest these activities to do during your class or meeting to bond with peers and create meaningful relationships despite being at a distance.

Jump to the infographic below on how to connect with peers through Zoom!

Icebreakers

Duke professor, Dan Ariely, knows how to foster relationships between strangers. A study he performed underscored the importance of cutting through small talk and getting to deeper conversation topics quicker.

The experiment asked some to make conversation organically and others to use meaningful prompts.

It was found that people with the prompts had more engaging discussions. Use these activities to break icy small talk by establishing a connection with peers faster.

Say hello in different languages. Thinking globally is important in business. So, kick off the conversation by saying hello! in as many languages as you can.
Describe your life’s story in six words. It can be a metaphor, a list of things you love or words about your hometown, but whatever it is, make sure it’s only six words!
Draw a picture of why you’re going to school. While art might not be your passion, this icebreaking activity will be a fun way for people to learn about your studies.
Share your school trepidations. Take the social risk and talk about your greatest anxiety about school. You’ll likely find that people relate.
You’ve won the lottery, what do you do with the money? Test your peer’s decision-making and cost-analysis skills with this fictitious prompt.
Explain your childhood dreams. Have you always dreamt of going to business school? Or did you want to become an astronaut instead? Exchange childhood dreams to get a sense of your new friends’ aspirations.
Walk through your morning routine. Steve Jobs started his mornings by asking himself, “If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I’m about to do today?” Some say it was the cornerstone of his business success. What’s your morning routine?
Dress up as your spirit animal. Do you have a feisty, lioness attitude or maybe you herd your relatives together like a cattle dog? Show that side of your personality by dressing up on Zoom.
You’ve invented a time machine, now what? Is there a future Albert Einstein in your cohort? Ask your friend what they’d do if they invented a time machine— maybe they have an invention of their own.
Give a personal TED Talk. Sharpen those presentation skills while telling a personal anecdote by giving a bite-sized TED Talk.
Talk startups. Have a business idea? Run through a mock pitch with your peers.

Making a Connection

You’ve broken the ice, now what? The introduction was aimed at starting meaningful conversations so that you can enjoy the discussion. Below we’ve laid out some activities to help build relationships with peers in the virtual classroom:

Listen to a podcast together. Movies you’re watching, music you’re listening to and shows you’re bingeing are all talked circularly in your day-to-day. Put a spin on that by listening to a new podcast together and sharing insights as a group.
A 30-day personal growth challenge. Leaders are constantly adapting and growing. Do a 30-day personal growth challenge. You could quit complaining for 30 days or meditate for 30 days. Pick a positive habit for self-betterment and do it with your partner for 30 days!
Get active. Studies have found that exercise immediately improves our cognitive function. Adjacent research showed that having a workout companion increases the amount of time you exercise. So, make your workout better while improving your brainpower by working out as a group through Zoom.
Compete in Scattergories. Sharpen your vocabulary by playing Scattergories online. You can easily play online here.
Have a 30-second dance party. Release those endorphins by having a 30-second dance party. Drop that hard academic facade and let loose!
Share your baby photos. You’re only seeing someone through the lens of a computer camera, but they have a whole life story. Exchange baby photos to get a peek into that life story.
Vet each other’s resumes. You’ve reviewed your own resume time and time again. Get a fresh pair of eyes by taking the time to look at each other’s resumes.
Host a virtual bake-off. Gather all the ingredients for your favorite recipe and set a timer. You and your classmates can go head-to-head (or computer-to-computer), in a virtual cooking contest. Make Gordon Ramsay proud!
Start a book club. There’s a book for everything. Whether you want to start a clothing line or break into social media marketing, you can learn a lot from books. Start a book club so everyone can learn and share their thoughts. You can kick it off by going through Harvard Business School’s recommended reading list.
Talk politics. Get into a heated discussion about politics. While this is usually off-limits in some social settings, keeping up with the political climate is important at school. So, get debating!
Release your inner geek with Kahoot! Test your knowledge by playing Kahoot! There are quizzes on movies, cities and even one on the emoji language.
Meditate. School is stressful. Take a moment to go through a guided group meditation. A few deep breaths can help focus and energize the conversation.
Plant show and tell. Boast your green thumb (or lack thereof) by showing off your house plants, or choose another theme based on your friends’ favorite things (for example: throw pillow show and tell).
Talk gibberish. Not really, but with the game Gibberish. Can you make sense of these random words?
Lip sync karaoke. It can’t be all work and no play. Lighten the conversation by suggesting a karaoke lip sync battle. May the best lip syncer win!
Play virtual Olympics. Playing a virtual game is fun, but making a series of games into a competition can get really intense. Host a virtual Olympics with some of the above virtual games and hand out online medals to the victors!

Asking Questions

Questions can be difficult to balance in a conversation. You don’t want to ask too many, but you still want to ask some to prompt good conversation. Here are some ways to ask questions to facilitate an engaging conversation, without being overbearing:

Try “would you rather” questions. Preference questions are good things to know down the line. There is also an infinite number of topics here, so the conversation will never fall flat. Would you rather sit in silence or ask would you rather questions?!
Talk about likes and dislikes. Favorite sports teams, colors, foods, etc., are not only fun to talk about, but can be telling of someone’s personality.
Ask for anecdotes. People like to tell stories. One way to frame a question is by asking about someone’s experience on the topic.
Get your imagination going with “what if?” questions. Let your imagination run loose with “what if?” questions. What if a global pandemic hits and you have to attend school virtually? These are good questions to work out!
Frame your questions as curiosities. Organically bring up questions by spinning them as curiosities. Saying, “I’m curious about X, could you talk more about it?” is a genuine and gentle way to probe.
Ask clarifying questions. Whenever something is confusing, ask for clarification. You can better contribute to the conversation if you know exactly what is being talked about.
Throw in one curveball question. Questions fall into predictable patterns. It’s either a who, what, where, when, why or how? Change things up by coming with a really creative question.

Saying Goodbye

You’ve had an amazing conversation with your peers and now it’s time to close. In any traditional class or meeting, you’d simply go out the door, but with Zoom you don’t have anywhere to go. Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be awkward. Here are a few ways to say goodbye while not giving excuses:

“We’ve covered all the bases.” Once the conversation has hit its natural end, it’s okay to point that out. Saying that you’ve had a wonderful time and gone over everything you wanted to is one way to end and reinforce that it was a good discussion.
Put the onus on Zoom fatigue. Too much time behind the screen isn’t good for anyone. End the conversation by saying, “I’m going to take a screen break now, I have to rest my eyes, talk soon!” Simple and relatable.
“Oh, looks like we’ve hit the end of our session.” Depending on your membership, you might not have all day to talk. If it’s a basic plan, you’ll only have 40 minutes. When the Zoom notification pops up that you are over your allotted time, that’s a natural exit.
“I don’t want to hold you up.” Be cognizant of everyone’s time. If you notice that anyone needs to leave, give them the option to. “Thanks for the talk, I don’t want to hold you up, but let’s connect again soon!”
Recap the discussion. When conversation runs out, simply summarize the conversation as a way to close. “It was wonderful to talk about X, Y, and Z, look forward to next time!”
Simply say you need to go. You don’t need a reason to leave if the conversation has reached the end — it’s fine to wrap it up. “I’ve got to go, enjoy the rest of your day!”

Connecting on Zoom can be hard. After all, you’re talking into your computer, instead of face to face with someone. However, making the extra effort by using these Zoom activities can make your remote learning experience a meaningful one.

Even as we transition back to normalcy and return on campus, if you’re looking to attend online business school, learning to build relationships can be transformative.

Sources: The Motivational Grid

Closing the Gap: The Rise of Women in MBA Programs

Last updated: May 18, 2021

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In 1963, President John F. Kennedy signed the Equal Pay Act. This was the first significant step toward righting gender discrimination in the workplace. It aimed to eliminate wage discrimination based on gender and mandated equal pay for equal work. However, it fell short in achieving that goal.

In 2016, 53 years later, women were still paid significantly less than men. According to Fortune, in that year women were paid 80.5 cents for every dollar men earned.

Now, in 2020, the original intention of the Equal Pay Act is being realized as the gender wage gap shrinks and a rising number of women are attending business school.

The strides made in women’s enrollment in MBA programs over the past five years is an optimistic indicator of the long-sought-after goal of gender parity. Learn about the enormous effort that made this shift possible and how you can capitalize on and add to the progression by attending business school.

You can also jump to the infographic below to read about the rise of women MBAs.

The Historic Gender Gap in Business

Based on research on the Bureau of Labor Statistics, women made up the majority of the American financial services workforce (54 percent) in 2019. Despite making up the majority, fewer than a quarter (21.9 percent) of senior leadership roles within financial services firms were held by women in the same year.

This disparity carries over economically. Based on the average full-time wages reported in 2019, women make around $9,600 dollars less than men.

This amount compiles when you look at the financial literacy gap. According to Merrill Lynch, twice as many women as men in the U.S. have no money in the stock market, and 41 percent of young women versus 28 percent of young men say their biggest fear is not knowing what they are doing (not market volatility).

Getting business education helps level this playing field and many women are recognizing that. In recent years, there has been an encouraging uptick in women’s enrollment at business schools around the world.

The Rise of Women in MBA Programs

The historic gender gap in business can be attributed to the mirrored gap in business education.

In 1978, women earned more associate’s degrees than men; in 1982, women earned more bachelor’s degrees; and in 1987, women earned the majority of master’s degrees, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Additionally, 50 percent of law and medical graduates are women.

This tilt to a female majority has yet to extend to MBAs, despite it being the most popular graduate degree. However, there is promise that in the coming years, the tides may turn to favor women in business school classrooms.

According to data collected by the Forté Foundation, the percentage of women enrolled in full-time M.B.A. programs continues to climb, growing to an average of 39 percent at more than 50 of the top business programs across the globe.

This momentum is thanks to a few factors:

Improved recruiting efforts. Business schools have increased their efforts to get women through their doors by hosting events, putting in place more supportive systems, providing financial aid and tapping into their alumni networks. MBA programs have adopted parental-leave policies and founded support groups for students who are mothers. By putting in place efforts to support women who want to become mothers, business schools are sending a message that it’s acceptable to have a family and that it’s not a disadvantage.
The versatility of an MBA. Fifty years ago an MBA was seen as a one-way track to Wall Street. Today, that’s no longer the case. A modern-day MBA can be used for an array of different things, such as starting a consumer goods business, becoming an accountant or getting into investment banking. The opportunities an MBA provides have expanded in recent years, incentivizing more women to pursue the degree.
Formation of women-centric student organizations. Women are claiming their own space at business schools by defining communities that specifically cater to their success. Student organizations led by and for women are one reason for this rise in women enrollment in business schools. The University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business has a women-led student group that hosts “conversation pods” to address gender issues on campus. “Manbassadors” at the University of California Berkeley’s Haas School of Business is an effort to bring men into the push for gender parity. The organization sends out a guide to bring awareness to the unintentional behavior patterns that they believe most men share.
The change from GMAT to GRE. Quartz has accurately termed this change from the GMAT to the GRE as “the great broadening.” The GRE is the typical standardized test required for most graduate programs. On the other hand, the GMAT is the standardized test specifically designed for business school applicants. But as more business schools shift to accepting the GRE on applications, they have opened up the pool of candidates.

Best MBA Programs for Women

We’ve ranked five MBA programs for women based on the top reputational schools with the highest representation of women.

Stanford University Graduate School of Business. Women made up 47 percent of the class profile in 2019. Notable alumni include Mary Barra, the CEO of General Motors.
University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Women made up 40 percent of the class profile in 2019. Notable alumni include Susan Wagner, co-founder and director of asset manager at BlackRock.
Harvard University Business School. Women will make up 44 percent of the incoming 2022 class profile. Notable alumni include Sheryl Sandberg, Chief Operating Officer at Facebook.
University of Pennsylvania Wharton. Women will make up 41 percent of the class in 2022. Notable alumni include Ruth Porat, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Google.
Northwestern Kellogg School of Business. Women will make up 43 percent of the class profile in 2021. Notable alumni include Roshni Nadar Malhotra, CEO and Executive Director of HCL Enterprise.

The rise of women enrollment in business school programs is an exciting one. Gender parity in business (a goal that would’ve been once laughed at in “boom-boom rooms”) is now closer to becoming a reality. Want to be a part of achieving that goal? Start by getting an MBA.

How to Network Online: Tips and Tricks

Last updated: May 18, 2021

Ready to find the perfect business program?

All it takes is an introduction. A harmless greeting is how most wonderful things start. How you find your spouse, how you meet your best friends and how you land your dream job. It starts with basic human connection.

Networking, in theory, is a simple hello, but psychologically, it’s puzzling. In a study about networking, it was found that it can make people feel physically dirtier. The study went so far as to name this phenomenon the “Macbeth Effect,” after the infamous scene of Lady Macbeth scrubbing make-believe bloodstains off her hands in a guilt-ridden frenzy.

With the new norm of online networking, the same stress is now digital, and there’s a whole new networking world to learn. Thankfully, there are some useful tips and tricks you can keep up your sleeve to make the whole process go smoother. We’ll go over how to successfully network online, from the best tools to how to use them effectively.

Tips for Successfully Networking Online

The pandemic has constrained networking to online-only. However, online networking and social media networking were on the rise prior to the COVID-19 outbreak. With platforms like LinkedIn and social networks like Instagram, there are many opportunities to meet new people. And these new people could possibly advance your career.

Learning how to effectively network online comes down to using the right platforms, engaging strategically and attending the right virtual events. Below, we’ve outlined some tips for successful networking online.

1. Use Online Networks to Make Connections

Considering the amount of online content, finding the right network can seem like a needle-in-a-haystack situation. However, tapping into the right network can help focus your search. Lean on these platforms to connect with a niche that matches your career objectives.

Four out of five people on LinkedIn “drive business decisions,” according to a report by Hootsuite. That means it’s highly likely that the people you connect with on the platform have some pull in their company to advocate for you, if you connect with them effectively. By building an active personal brand on LinkedIn, you set yourself up for successful connections. Follow this four-step formula to cultivate this personal brand: establish, find, engage, build:

Step 1: Establish your digital presence by building out your profile. Include buzzwords and statistics that resonate with your industry. Also be sure to add a professional profile picture, which can lead to 21 times more profile views and nine times more connection requests according to LinkedIn’s reporting.
Step 2: Find people to connect with by joining LinkedIn groups. A few with the highest engagement are A Job Needed – A Job Posted, Corporate Recruiters, Linked:HR and PersonalBrandingNetwork.
Step 3: Engage by posting content and talking to industry influencers. Out of the 500 million LinkedIn users, only 3 million share content, according to Foundation Inc. Forming opinions and discussing relevant topics will position you as a voice in your industry. You also want to engage with the top figures in your industry by leaving insightful comments on their posts.
Step 4: Repeat until you amass a strong following. Optimize your profile, connect with different people and continue to produce relevant content — you’ll find that people take interest in who you are and what you have to offer.

Meetup

Meetup, a networking platform centered around events, is perfect for connecting with local communities that represent your interests.

The unique value of Meetup is that it isn’t solely an online service. It’s heterogeneous model involves both online interaction and offline participation. You have the ability to sift through groups and pick and choose which might fit your interests. Once you elect to join a group, you can start attending their events.

Meetup is also ideal for skill-based professional networking. For example, if you’re learning to code and want to score your first job in the field, try connecting with people in the industry by attending a coding Meetup

2. Take advantage of social media networking

Social media started as a fun way to share experiences with your friends. Now it’s an opportunity to craft a personal brand. It has incredible reach, making it essential for online networking.

Social media has a few unique advantages when it comes to networking. It allows you to keep on top of trends, connect with audiences in creative ways, drive attention to your work and enhance your personal brand.

You need to be intentional about which platforms you use to achieve your specific goals. We’ll break down four social media networks to get involved in and how to optimize them for your career.

Instagram

Much more than a photo-sharing app, Instagram is a good way to connect with B2C companies and brands.

While “DMs” are infamous for flirtatious comments, you can leverage them for networking. Start by following a brand’s page and getting a sense of what they post. Observe what you think could be improved on their page and drop them a note on your observations. This way you’re adding value, not simply sending them a compliment.

Here’s a sample way to “slide into their DMs” professionally:

Hey, X. I’ve been following your page and really enjoy the content you put out. It’s great to see an account that [insert compliment].

I was wondering if you’d be open to the suggestion [insert observation]. Let me know your thoughts, and you can see my work by heading over to my page [insert Instagram handle]. Thanks!

Facebook

One of the original social media platforms, Facebook’s reach presents a huge opportunity for getting your ideas out there. With 2.7 billion monthly active users on Facebook as of June 2020, it’s a perfect stage for online networking.

A unique aspect of Facebook is its live feature. You have the ability to shoot video live, cast it out to your audience and get comments in real-time. This is great for journalists, politicians, business leaders and entrepreneurs to share their thoughts on a hot-button topic.

Twitter

Ideal for instant connection, Twitter gives you the chance to send out tweets and get immediate engagement. One great feature to use is Twitter threads. They allow you to connect one tweet with another to string together a narrative. For example, if you want to discuss the upcoming election and your initial tweet goes over the 280 character limit, simply break up your commentary into a twitter thread.

3. Attend virtual networking events

Virtual events are here to stay. According to Cisco’s Annual Internet Report, by 2021, video, including web conferencing, is projected to account for 80 percent of all Internet traffic. So you’ll need to get used to doing things virtually.

That means attending virtual networking events, where you’ll likely be using Zoom or other video conferencing tools. You want to come across as professional, so here’s a quick checklist to go over before you hop on a networking Zoom call:

Enable computer video and audio
Wear professional attire
Position your computer near natural lighting
Put your computer on eye-level
Make sure your background is clean and not distracting
Do a test meeting before the real one

On top of looking the part, you want to speak the part. Communicating is hard via video, especially if you’re in a large group of people and there’s no structure to the meeting. Awkward cut-offs, long silences and misunderstandings plague virtual events, so to avoid these typical video conference mishaps, be intentional about facilitating conversation. Harvard Business Review lays out five ways to successfully engage during a virtual event:

Engage in the first 60 seconds to hook people into the conversation.

Introduce yourself early. Introductions are important. Even if you’ve been connecting through email prior to the meeting, introduce yourself formally on your first face-to-face call.

Don’t hide in a large group. If the meeting has a big roster of attendees, you might feel the urge to dissolve to the “back of the class.” Instead, try to get involved by asking questions and making relevant comments.

Keep it high-level unless you are asked to dive deeper into a subject. Avoid long monologues by summarizing your experiences instead of deeply describing them. This makes the conversation more of a discussion and less of a lecture.

Question in five-minute intervals. Instead of waiting to rattle off all your questions at the end, ask a question every five minutes to keep engagement up.

Remember: The more opportunities you expose yourself to, the more likely you’ll connect with career-makers. So start filling up your calendar with virtual networking events!

4. Tap into your online network

You’ve laid down the foundation by connecting with people online and attending virtual events, now it’s time for the “ask.”

Whether you’re asking for a job referral or letter of recommendation, tapping into your network needs to be strategic. You don’t want to burn any bridges by being overbearing, but you also don’t want to let prime opportunities slip by because you didn’t advocate for yourself.

A general rule of thumb here is to do most of the heavy lifting yourself in order to lighten the burden for your contact. Instead of having your connection do the work to set you up for a meeting, simply ask for the prospect’s email from your connection. This way the logistics of pinning down a date, time and place don’t weigh down your connection.

Here’s a sample email you can send to ask for some help on the job search:

Hello [Name],

I hope you are staying well. I’ve been following your work on LinkedIn and Facebook, and it looks like you are making a lot of progress with [insert project].

I’m reaching out as I am looking to make a career change. For the past couple of years, I’ve been doing [insert results of your work experience]. While I’ve enjoyed it, my ideal position would be [insert your dream job].

Since we’ve crossed paths professionally during [time you worked with this person] and you know some people in [industry], I was wondering if you had any suggestions of people to get in touch with.

Of course, I’m happy to return the favor. My friend at [company] is doing work that falls in line with your [project]. Happy to share the contact.

Thank you, [Name]. I appreciate it and look forward to connecting again soon.

Creative Tips for Online Networking

You want to set yourself apart from the rest of the workforce when it comes to networking. This takes a lot of creativity, especially with the added obstacle of online networking. Here are some tips to help you stand out from the rest of the crowd:

Fill your inbox with interesting newsletters. Instead of small talk about the weather, throw out some relevant insights. Like the upcoming IPO of Asana, whose founder, Dustin Moskovitz, was Mark Zuckerberg’s college roommate. Or the massive shortage of dumbbells in America. Newsletters are gold mines for these types of conversation starters. Subscribe to newsletters to cover the full scope of things going on in the world. Try some of these to start out: The Morning Brew, theSkimm, The Hustle, Vooza’s Newsletter by Matt Ruby and Tim Ferriss’s 5-Bullet Friday.

Make them notice you. Take Jessica Bain as a prime example of getting noticed. She wanted to work for Spotify, and instead of sending in the same ol’ bullet-pointed application, she decided to stand out. She made a cover letter website with a theme based on Spotify. While differentiating yourself is important, you don’t want to go overboard. Be convincing, but also be professional.

Cut the word “networking” out of your vocabulary. Self-talk matters in stressful situations. This study tested the effects of positive and negative self-talk during a round of darts. It found that people who were self-assured and boosted with useful self-talk performed better. While you might not be throwing darts when networking, you are focused on hitting a target. Reinforcing positivity is essential for this. So, if the word “networking” is negatively connoted in your mind, then cut it out of your vocabulary. Use the word “opportunity” instead.

Online Networking in Business School

The benefit of a business school is that you have a built-in network. Whether you’re looking to attend business school on campus or online, you become a part of a community.

Here are some tips for online networking while at business school.

Connect with alumni. Leverage connections with those who were once in your shoes by leaning into your program’s alumni network. MBA graduates had an overall average salary of $106,757 in 2019. So, if you’re looking to advance your career, business school alumni are likely in authoritative roles and can point you in the right direction.

Have a mentor at your job or internship. You’ll have internships and jobs as you move through business school. Whether or not these become your career post-graduation, you’ll want to have a mentor. Your work mentor doesn’t have to be a C-Suite player. Pick someone who has a lot of passion in the industry and has an extensive network.

Find your co-founder. Jennifer Hyman and Jenny Fleiss met when they were sophomores at Harvard Business School. That same year they co-founded Rent the Runway. While in business school, you not only want to network with professors and mentors, but also your fellow classmates. You never know which one of them could be your future business partner.

Networking is an essential part of the professional experience. It doesn’t have to be nerve-wracking or awkward. Instead, it should be exciting. These introductions are the ones that’ll advance your career.

You can also opt to continue with more schooling before you enter the workforce. Attending business school, adding more skills to your resume and getting a graduate degree can position you for success while on the job hunt!

The Ultimate MBA Guide for Military Veterans

Last updated: May 18, 2021

Ready to find the perfect business program?

Alex Gorsky has been called the “All-American CEO.” In 1996, Gorsky crossed the stage at the University of Pennsylvania and received a master’s degree in Business Administration. Sixteen years later he became the Chief Executive Officer at Johnson & Johnson, the highest-ranked healthcare company to appear on Fortune’s list of the World’s Most Admirable Companies in 2020.

It wasn’t Gorsky’s executive position that earned him the “All-American” name, it was his time in service. He spent six years serving in the U.S. Army and takes a “boots on the ground” approach to leadership, which he has applied within Johnson & Johnson.

His trajectory from military success to professional achievement was bridged by his pursuit of an MBA, which translated his leadership intuition into marketable business practices. That same opportunity is open to you.

If you’re interested in obtaining an MBA as a military veteran, this guide presents how to navigate that process. From top programs to career paths, learn what to expect from an MBA as a veteran.

Military-friendly MBA Programs: What to Look For

Having a clear sense of what you want from an MBA program will allow you to make better, more aligned decisions. Think beyond the simple line “I want an MBA.” What do you want your time at graduate school to look like? Be particular here. Graduate schools make their MBA programs out to be perfect. Try to look past the advertisement and think about the particular reasons why it is the best option for you.

How to Choose the Right MBA Program

Choosing the right MBA program is a process. Combing through factors like financial aid, accessibility, school reputation and curriculum offerings can seem like a needle-in-the-haystack situation. We’ve broken down some things to consider as you assess if MBA programs are military-friendly.

Student veteran organizations. You want to look for student veteran chapters or programs at your graduate school. After you transition out of the military, you may want to connect with others who have served. You can check if your program has a chapter by visiting this website.
Online offerings. Veterans tend to be older than civilian graduate candidates because of their time in service. You may find yourself in the position of balancing multiple responsibilities like raising a family and having a job. In this case, a more flexible MBA program is recommended. Check whether your desired MBA program has part-time offerings, night classes or flexible scheduling.
Cost-effectiveness. You have the potential to receive a considerable amount of financial aid under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, but even with aid, an MBA is expensive. Make sure you understand your financial bandwidth and find an affordable MBA.
Yellow Ribbon Program. This is the ultimate litmus test to see if a school is military-friendly. If your school is enrolled in the Yellow Ribbon Program, it can help you pay for private, out-of-state or graduate schools. However, there is a maximum number of students allowed based on the agreement between the school and the program. Learn more about the requirements here.
Career considerations. The question you’ve heard a thousand times before and will hear a thousand times during your MBA: what do you want to do after you graduate? It seems daunting to think about, but it doesn’t have to be entirely overwhelming. The more space you make for reflecting on your career, the less stressful it will be. Reflect on your desired career path and pick a program aligned with that.
Recruiting efforts. Pay attention to the school’s recruiting efforts. Look for programs that host recruiting events only for veterans. This shows a school’s commitment to supporting veterans transitioning back to civilian life.

The Best Value MBA Programs for Veterans

There is no shortage of best-MBA-program lists on the web. But, for the most part, these lists are geared toward the general student body, not military veterans. These five schools are ranked among the top 30 best MBA programs in North America and also offer up to 100 percent tuition waived for veterans.

Dartmouth College Tuck School of Business. The Tuck School of Business has pioneered a program called “Next Step” that transitions veterans and elite athletes into business. It’s the premier business education program targeted at military veterans and elite athletes.
University of Michigan School of Business. This MBA program had the largest cohort of veterans in 2019. This is due largely in part to its signature first-year course Multidisciplinary Action Project (MAP), which relies on teamwork and real-world experience.
The University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business. Not only does Notre Dame contribute $16,000 to be matched by the VA for 100 percent eligible veterans, they also have a perfect employment rate for their veterans. Veteran MBA students have earned a 100 percent employment rate every year since 2010 from Notre Dame. Not to mention, their school slogan is the perfect fit for veterans: God, Country, Notre Dame.
The University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business. A sizable donation of $10 million was donated to the Booth School of Business to finance veteran MBAs. They also offer two types of fellowships: the Carlton Fellowship and numerous Global Innovator Fellowships.
Duke University Fuqua School of Business. Fuqua’s recruiting efforts stand out. They host an annual Duke MBA Veterans Symposium which offers all prospective veteran candidates the chance to see Duke in the company of other veterans.

How to Make the Most Out of the Application Process

Once you’ve whittled down the field to a handful of programs to apply to, it’s time to ace your application.

Admissions officers go through an average of 15 applications an hour according to the Chronicle of Education. You will need to cut through this information overload with a compelling story.

Highlighting your military experience can be that golden identifier, and below we’ll outline how best to shine a spotlight on it.

Maximize Your Resume

Your resume is about showcasing your skills, qualifications and experience. While that sounds simple enough, it can be challenging to recount military experiences in civilian terms, let alone make them persuasive.

Start by focusing on the results of those experiences, instead of the actual experiences themselves. Quick decision-making, dynamic teamwork and sunken-cost analysis are all things that apply to business success and are key to military success as well.

Once you’ve translated these experiences to civilian terms, it’s time to take on the resume challenges civilians and military alike face: robots. More institutions are using computer algorithms to qualify applications, so make sure your resume appeals to both humans and computers by doing these four things:

Include the basics. Double-check you’ve provided your full name, email, phone number, residential address and social information.
Use action words. When you’re writing about an experience or qualification, include action verbs and avoid cliches. You aren’t a “go-getter,” you’ve proven your proficiency as a leader by organizing a group of soldiers to donate blood.
Do industry research. You want to do some digging and read the program’s values. Make sure your wording reflects these values. Additionally, research the industry and include common industry terms in your resume. Business buzzwords like “core competencies,” “incentivize” and “growth hacking” can be subtly woven into your resume to highlight your familiarity with the industry.
Incorporate numbers. Avoid fluff in your resume by sticking to concrete numbers. This also helps you show a result of a project or initiative you’ve taken on, instead of just describing it. For example: “Pioneered and managed two community groups on my local base,” instead of “organized fellow troops.”

Optimizing your resume can feel like a high school English class, but it’s worth it. Communicating for engagement is the goal of a resume, so make it clear and use language that intrigues rather than subtracts from your experience.

Enhance Your Essay

The essay component of your application is an opportunity to individualize your application. Admissions officers scan through test scores, interviews and resumes looking for objective qualifiers. But, this definitiveness doesn’t translate to the essay section. Instead, it’s up to you to tell a story that’s compelling enough, and grammatically perfect, to get passed into the accepted bucket.

You have the chance to individualize your essay, but remember every applicant is telling their own unique story. U.S. Business schools received 135,096 applications in the 2019–20 school year, according to the Graduate Management Admission Council. Four percent of MBA applicants are also veterans, based on MBA Data Guru.

So, telling a generic story, even about your military experience, may be repetitive in the eyes of admission officers. These three tips can help enhance your essay.

Talk with family and friends first. Organically connect over shared experiences with family and friends. This process of articulating memories will bring in perspective and sensory details that’ll bolster your writing. Your family and friends might remember things as well that will make your story more cohesive.
Communicate in civilian terms. Admission officers likely don’t know what “Bravo Zulu!” means, nor could they tell you want an IED is. In order to establish a connection between the reader (the admission officer) and the writer (yourself), communicate clearly and use civilian terms.
Use editing resources. After you’ve outlined your content, it’s time to dig in. You’ll want to go through multiple drafts and use proofreading tools to ensure your grammar is sound. Use Grammarly for editing once you’ve finished writing and before you submit. There are also services for professional editing like Elite Editing, Scribendi and Word Vice which cost money, but you’ll have professional writers reviewing your paper to ensure a flawless essay.

Get Letters of Recommendation

This part of the application is somewhat out of your control. You choose your recommenders and hope they write letters that set your application apart. However, you don’t want to concede that it’s in the recommender’s hand, you want to implement a strategy for choosing who will write the best letters. Here are some quick tips:

Pick people who know you best. Nothing says “next!” like a mundane copy and paste letter of recommendation. Consider the relationships in your life and choose the ones that are the most transparent. Clear communication is essential in the letter of recommendation process.
Make the burden easier on whoever you choose to write. Ask them over coffee, not over text. Send along your resume, your essay and other important information that you might want them to mention in the letter.
Vary who you are asking. Your managing supervisor, an academic reference and a personal reference from a community service organization are three ideal places to find people to ask for a recommendation. Most schools require two references, but asking for three or four is a good idea to hedge your bets.

Ace the Interview

Your resume, essay and letter of recommendation are all one-sided. You work on them and hit send on the computer. But now, it’s time to meet a face of the admissions process: your interviewer.

Interviews can be out of the comfort zone for many veterans because the military doesn’t often host formal interviews. Instead, you’ll be promoted through your efforts and heroism while serving. How can you maintain that effort and communicate your heroism in a structured interview? Here are some things to keep in mind:

The TIARA approach. T.I.A.R.A stands for trends, insights, advice, resources and assignments. The TIARA approach laid out by Matthew Cowsert in his book is a checklist of things to try to bring up organically during your interview. “I saw that your program is hiring more X. You must have a lot of experience talking with well-qualified candidates, what insights would you have for me? What is your resource library if I wanted to pursue a research project during my MBA?” If you blank on a response, fall back on stating a trend, sharing industry insight, asking for advice, inquiring about resourcing or talking about a completed assignment of yours.
Know your why. It comes up in a number of ways throughout the application process: why are you interested in [insert name of program]? While it is tempting to spill your whole life story here, do some preparation and keep this response concise. Consider your decision-making process and why you’ve decided to get an MBA. A newly discovered passion, a desire to start a company or a knack for leadership can all propel the decision to attain an MBA.
Prepare questions. Once you’ve finished answering the interviewer’s questions, it’s your turn. You don’t want to pass up on the opportunity to learn more about the program. Prepare questions by doing some research on the program’s offerings. What courses are most popular? Do they have a career center for professional support? What are the professors like? Consider the blanks you have in your independent program research and fill them in by asking your interviewer.

Excel While Testing

You’ll be taking a lot of tests over the course of your time in business school, but you’ll start by taking the biggest one first: the entrance exam. Here’s a breakdown of things to know:

Determine if you’ll take the GMAT or GRE. Before you start studying, you’ll want to decide if you should take the GMAT or GRE. Most likely, you’ll sit for the GMAT, but in the case that you want to pursue a dual degree, you want to consider the GRE. The GRE is a more general graduate school evaluation. You can use it to apply to get an MS, MA or Ph.D., as well as most business schools. If you’re looking to get just an MBA, then stick with the GMAT, as more consulting and banking firms will ask for a GMAT score.
Prepare well in advance. This isn’t a test you can pull an all-nighter for — you need to start studying months in advance. Set goals for yourself, consider going to a test prep company and simulate the testing environment to ensure you are fully prepared.
Know what scores to shoot for. You want to shoot for a 720 or above to be competitive for top tier business schools. According to Military to Business data, the average GMAT at the top 10 business schools is 723, with Stanford’s average being 735. However, if you don’t hit these scores, you’re not doomed to fail. Your unique military experience, essay, letters of recommendation and interview can all attest to your character which might outweigh your test score.

Make the Most of Networks

Ask anyone in business and they’ll say networking is the most important part of the job. Luckily, you have a built-in community with the military. Here are some tips for connecting with a network:

Start with the MBA Veterans Network. It can be hard to bridge your military experience with private sector work. However, talking with people who have been in the same position can help give insights into the transition. This network is geared specifically for making the transition from service to business easier.
Optimize your LinkedIn. LinkedIn is no longer an optional social media platform, it’s necessary for your professional life. There are a few ways to showcase your military experience in your social profile:
- Use a photo out-of-uniform for your profile picture.
- Join military-focused groups.
- Follow the programs you want to apply for.
- Get a certificate for one of the veteran-specific LinkedIn Learning paths, like “Translating Your Military Skills to Civilian Employment.”
Pick a mentor. Vicarious learning has been proven to be an important learning mechanism for success. In fact, according to a theory introduced in 1960 by psychologist Albert Bandura, you can learn through observing the behavior of others. Pick a mentor or role model, and aim to emulate their behaviors.

Commonly Asked Questions

Questions are bound to arise during every stage of your application process. We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to inform these loose strings!

Will the military pay for my MBA? Getting an MBA is expensive, but using financial aid opportunities can cut down that cost. Start by determining your eligibility for federal education benefits like the Post 9/11 GI Bill or Yellow Ribbon Program. The Department of Veteran Affairs offers several education programs to subsidize higher education, all of which you can see by visiting their website. In addition to government programs, there are countless opportunities for veterans to receive educational scholarships. Apply to as many as you qualify for. Here’s an extensive list of scholarships available to you.

Do veterans get special treatment in the application process? Admissions offices pride themselves on fairness. Nobody gets specific treatment during the application process, however, your military experience is a major plus. Business companies look for people with leadership qualities and aim to retain the people they recruit. Your military experience comes with leadership and loyalty that can’t be taught in the classroom and can give you an advantage in business. These character traits are what admission officers look for in MBA candidates. So while you won’t get special treatment, your military experience is appealing and can improve your application.

What’s the acceptance rate for MBA military officers? According to MBA Data Guru, the military MBA acceptance rate is about 50 percent higher than the acceptance rate for traditional applicants. Despite typically having lower GPAs and test scores, military applicants are accepted more frequently because of their unique experience.

What are the best online MBA programs for active-duty military? If you are an active-duty military member, flexibility is key. However, you don’t want to sacrifice the quality of your education. Here are some of the best online MBA programs based on national reputation, student reviews, affordability and salary potential:
- #1. University of Wisconsin MBA Consortium
- #2. Stevens Institute of Technology
- #3. Northeastern University
- #4. Missouri University of Science & Technology
- #5. University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Military-Friendly MBA Resources

One of the biggest mistakes veterans make when applying for business school is not using all the resources available to them. As soon as you decide you want to commit to an MBA, start by researching all the resources out there.

From books and podcasts to programs and networking meet-ups, the list of resources is exhaustive. We’ve curated some diving off points to get you started:

Scholarships to look in to:
- Ankin Law Office Veteran Scholarship, award amount: $1,000
- Course Hero Veteran Hero Scholarship, award amount: $5,000
- Imagine America Military Award Program (MAP): $1,000
- Pat Tillman Foundation Leadership Through Action — Tillman Military Scholars Program, Award amount: average of $11,000 annually

Podcasts:

Books:
- What’s Next? A Military Veteran’s Guide to Maximizing Your MBA by Matthew Cowsert
- Certain to Win: The Strategy of John Boyd, Applied to Business by Chet Richards
- The Influence of Military Strategies to Business: Skills to Help With Problem Solving and Decision Making by M.D. White

Transitioning into civilian life is difficult. Data from Pew Research shows that 44 percent of veterans who served since 9/11 have had a difficult time re-entering society. However, the data also shows that veterans who were officers and had graduated from college were more likely to have an easy time readjusting.

While transitioning from the service back to society can be hard, pursuing higher education may be the motivation you need to bridge military and civilian life. Getting an MBA can translate your instinctive leadership and business qualities into making money in a career.

So, take that next step. If you’re looking for flexibility, check out this list of online MBA program and if you’re looking to attend classes in person, consider a business school in North America. Good luck, soldier!

International MBAs Vs Domestic MBAs

Last updated: May 18, 2021

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international mba vs mba

The MBA continues be the most prestigious degree in business – and one of the most popular advanced degree in higher education. In 2016, some business schools saw MBA applications more than double their totals from 2006; the US News top 10 business schools received nearly 5,500 applications.

What explains this surge in popularity? First, return on investment. While upfront tuition costs can be expensive, MBAs dramatically increase salary potential and accelerate career advancement. Some programs boast a 10-year ROI as high as 250-325%, and many MBA graduates receive five-figure signing bonus (which can help offset student debt). On a related note, an MBA degree also offers career stability: every industry and every sector – public and private – need business professionals with technical expertise, leadership skills, and strategic insights. That means MBA graduates have career flexibility, too. Of course, business and finance are a popular landing zone for MBA grads, but many go on to careers in public policy, healthcare, information systems, and more.

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Should I Get an MBA Online?

Last updated: May 18, 2021

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should i get an online mba — In the library – pretty, female student with books, papers and laptop computer working in a high school library (color toned image)

The choice between pursuing a Masters in Business Administration at a traditional, brick-and-mortar school, and pursuing one at a digital, online school, is a decision that should incorporate a variety of factors. Some prospective students have not entered the workforce and are trying to gain the knowledge they need to get hired for a positions with competitive placement, while others are already employed, and are pursuing an MBA to qualify them for a raise or promotion. Online MBAs are traditionally tailored for working professionals who need accelerated and flexible class schedules to fit into their busy work weeks, but online programs are increasingly becoming more mainstream and can be attractive options for traditional students as well. One of the perks of online MBAs is their schedule and location flexibility. On the other hand, campus learning environments have the benefit of face-to-face interaction, which may be especially valuable to MBA students who are looking to network and make connections that they will be beneficial in their professional careers. Let’s look at a few of the factors that should go into the decision making process.

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How Quickly Can I Get an MBA?

Last updated: May 18, 2021

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When you begin your search for an MBA program, a few things might fly to the front of your mind. How much will it cost? What’s the best program for me? How long will it take to earn my degree? It might be the last one that weighs on you the most, especially when you consider that the longer you’re paying to go to school full time, the less time you’ll have to be earning money to support yourself and mitigate the cost of tuition and other similar costs related to school. MBA programs come in a number of formats, which have a heavy bearing on how quickly you can get an MBA. If you want a quick MBA, you can find one, but it might come with other scheduling aspects you might not have considered. Let’s look at some of the options and what they entail.

Traditional MBAs

A classic MBA program is generally geared towards students that have recently graduated from an undergraduate program, preferably (although not definitely) in business. These programs cover topics like accounting, statistics (and how to use them in business, communication, business ethics, business law, finance, economics, management, business operations, marketing, and much more. These programs often take place over two academic years, and can be completed in approximately 18 months (depending on school, program and location), and require 60 credits. If you’re going to take a traditional MBA, expect to be attending school for the longest overall period of time, as the program is usually broken into two years separated by a three to four month summer break. If you’re going to take a traditional MBA, you should take a look at this ranking of the best business schools in North America. But if you need to finish your MBA at a quicker pace to get back to work (and earning more than you did before), you might consider an accelerated MBA program.

Accelerated MBA

Accelerated MBAs (also known as one-year MBAs) are programs condense the two-year traditional format into approximately one year of school. They cover the same curriculum as traditional MBAs, but understand that their students can’t be spending all their time in school, and need to get back to work, or get a new job with higher compensation considering their new degree. The way these programs get students through them while providing them a high quality graduate education is by giving students a heavier course load and examination schedule, eliminating the three to four month summer break in traditional MBA programs. These programs also typically cost less than traditional MBA programs. Clearly they come with a tradeoff: you get your degree for less money in a quicker period of time, but you have to work much harder during that shortened period. Calculate that value as you will. And, if you’re looking for a one year MBA program, definitely read this ranking on the 15 best one-year MBAs that can be earned online. The curriculum of accelerated MBAs mimics that of traditional MBAs (economics, statistics, operations, management), but often comes with a concentration in subjects like finance, healthcare, human resources, information technology and more.

Part-time and Evening MBA Programs

If there’s no way that you can compromise your weekly daytime schedule, but really want to earn an MBA, you might consider a part-time MBA program. These programs generally meet on weekday evenings or weekends. Part-time programs generally take three years to finish, and are geared towards working professionals. Perhaps the time it takes to earn an MBA is less important than how much of your life you have to devote to it on a daily basis. Another similar format for earning your MBA is evening or second shift MBA programs. These are full-time programs that meet on weekday evenings of weekends, and take the two years that traditional MBA programs do, only scheduled to meet a schedule that includes full-time work or comparable responsibilities. So the former gives you an option to take your time while you earn an MBA and maintain your current schedule, while the latter is better if you feel you can handle an extremely heavy load of courses and outside responsibilities.

Executive MBAs

Executive MBAs are aimed at working professionals that can’t stop working in order to go back to school. For the most part these degrees are conveyed through a part-time schedule of twelve to 24 months. Business schools that offer EMBA programs normally search for candidates with comprehensive managerial experience (often 5 or more years, with ten or more years of work experience). Because EMBA students often go to school while working, and hope to use their new degree in their current job, they may be able to get tuition assistance from their employers. While Executive MBA might sound like it’s for executives only, students in these programs come from all sectors, including profit, nonprofit, and government. Sometimes these programs are called Global MBAs, and involve travel, while being aimed at a similar population of students.

Online MBAs

Finally, you might consider an online MBA. While these programs vary in length of time (oscillating between the normal or traditional MBA program and that of accelerated programs), what makes them standout is their general flexibility for students. In many online MBA programs students can choose when to do their work and attend virtual classes on a schedule that works for them. While the total amount of time in the program may be as much as a traditional MBA, if it’s scheduled around your life and completed remotely, won’t it feel like a quick MBA? For more information on top notch online MBA programs, you’ll want to look at the online MBA rankings on Great Business Schools to get a look at the full array of options you can choose. Many of these rankings are separated by fields of interest, so if you want an online MBA in entrepreneurship, finance, real estate or other topics, this is the place for you.

The 10 Best Locations For International Business

Last updated: May 18, 2021

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There’s a whole world of business opportunities out there, literally. For those willing to reach outside of their comfort zones and confront business problems on an international level, there are opportunities to grow businesses an order of magnitude bigger than in any one domestic sphere. More than that, foreign investment is the main driving force of International economy. Beyond that, it’s simply interesting to take a look at some of the fastest growing economies in a world. For those who are already in business, or looking to obtain a degree in international business, there’s a lot one can learn from the most thriving economies in the world. Here at GreatBusinessSchools we’ve taken a look at the top hundred economies in the world and compared them according to a number of metrics: how skilled the workforce is, how high quality the infrastructure is, economic predictability, attractive tax measures, and good connectivity with international markets.

For your convenience, we have compiled a list of the 10 best destinations for international business.

1 – Singapore

best countries for international business

To stay on top of the ever-changing economic landscape, Singapore has invested heavily in upgrading its infrastructure and connectivity. In fact, the Republic ranked as the top logistics spot in the world according to the World Bank, putting Singapore at the forefront of supply chain solutions in today’s global market. The country is also recognized for having a very strong infrastructure, global and regional high-speed connectivity, and is one of the most networked economies in the world. Singapore is also business-driven and offers a business-friendly regulatory environment in order to attract global businesses. Finally, 53 percent of the population holds a Bachelor’s degree or above and Singapore has two major universities, assuring the presence of a qualified workforce and educated clientele.

Singapore is known for being a key player in the area of Biomedical Sciences, Tourism, Logistics, Construction, Finance, Health Care, Info-Communications, and Media, and as a main chemical development and manufacturing hub worldwide. Additionally, as an established IT hub, it already attracts global players in the media industry such as Twitter and Netflix, among others, and has formed countless foreign business partnerships. Receptivity to international partnerships greatly facilitates operations in the country. Moreover, the government launched Smart Nation, a program promoting the use of technology and cloud computing within private industry to create data analytics, cyber security, design, and more. In fact, the government is behind many decisions promoting a shift toward a high-tech economy founded on diverse industries ranging from education, gaming, sports, and lifestyle to finance.

2 – Sweden

Investing in Sweden sounds like a good venture since the country excels and competes at the highest international level. In fact, Sweden is one of the most productive nations in the world and also a leader in innovation, ranking #1 in Europe. The Swedish infrastructure and construction sector is booming as the country is investing 64 billion euros in roads, railways, and metro expansions, and 150 billion euros will be spent on new housing and offices between now and 2030. This in turn is creating major opportunities for contractors and there is currently a need for international expertise, as well as for innovation and investment from foreign firms. Sweden is also home to 6 of the top Global Universities, so it is not surprising that it has one of the highest educated workforces in the world. Additionally, 47.2% of the population holds a Bachelor’s degree or higher, and Swedish people are known for their work ethic and sophisticated consumer taste.

Major industries include Automotive and Transportation Technology, Information Technology, Communications, Pharmaceuticals, Green Technology, and, of course, tourism. Sweden hosts over 30 of the 500 largest companies in Europe, and many international information technology companies like Microsoft and Intel have elected Sweden as a base for their European operations. Starting a venture in Sweden is an easy process, and the country offers economic and political stability, a well-performing economy, and has the highest manufacturing productivity in Europe. Additionally, regulatory frameworks are outright and transparent, and, comparatively, the corporate tax rate is low, making Sweden a business-friendly environment. Not surprisingly, Forbes has recognized Sweden among the top five best countries in which to do business.

3 – Canada

As a dynamic, multicultural center, Canada offers a welcoming business environment to foreign investors, and major incentives for business development. The country has experienced remarkable growth due to a diversified economy, low business tax costs, judicious fiscal management, and financial regulations. Moreover, a sound banking system, a stable workforce, and a business climate that encourages entrepreneurship and innovation are all predictors of profitability. Canada also ranks highly in terms of quality of life and hosts six of the top 200 global universities. Additionally, technology is opening up endless possibilities in terms of business ventures and is an important driving force behind the country’s recent infrastructure improvements. Finally, Canada possesses a highly educated workforce with 60.6% of the population having completed post-secondary education.

Canada is a country that drives tremendous amounts of innovation and growth, thus, presenting significant levels of opportunities for strategic foreign investment in sectors like Oil & Gas Field Services, Construction, Marketing & Media Software Publishing, Financial Technology, Virtual and Augmented reality, and Medical Marijuana. Additionally, marijuana production is federallyegulated and medical use is legal nationwide, creating opportunities for support companies from transporters, growth capital sources, and industry consultants, to the tech space. According to the World Bank, Canada offers foreign investors preferential market access through NAFTA and EU partnerships, and immigration policies have recently changed to become more advantageous for foreign investors.

4 – Australia

Australia is increasingly gaining attention from foreign investors due to a strong economy (the world’s 13th largest, in fact), a strategic geographic location that is close to emerging Asian markets, political stability, and a flexible regulatory environment. Australia offers high levels of innovation investment and a world-class information and communication technology infrastructure. Indeed, because of a vibrant economy, immigration into Australia is on the rise and with this expansion has come an improvement in large-scale infrastructure. In particular, the construction , civil engineering, and transportation sectors have seen major activity. Additionally, the government welcomes foreign organizations to enter the infrastructure development market in order to increase competition. Australia is also home to world-class research institutions. In fact, the country hosts eight of the top 200 Global Universities and 49.3% of the nation has completed tertiary education.

Australia’s workforce is among the most skilled in the world and employment in knowledge-intensive services is one of the highest in the world. Australia offers distinct advantages due to its richness in natural resources making it an attractive option as an investment destination. Agricultural Production, Resources & Energy, Financial Services, Biotechnology, Education, and Tourism are among the main sectors for entrepreneurship. The Finance sector is currently one of the country’s key areas of growth–particularly fund management, payment systems, and retail banking.

Australia’s strong record of innovation, commercial focus, and globally collaborative approach make it an ideal environment for international organizations to enter joint or standalone ventures.

5 – Switzerland

Switzerland is one of the top 10 wealthiest countries in the world and home to some of the world’s top multinational companies, such as pharmaceutical major league players, and the largest food and beverage company–Nestle. Due to its advantageous geographic location, Switzerland offers easy access by land and a well-developed automotive infrastructure network for international trade. Switzerland is also one of the world’s most advanced countries in terms of research and development and provides the opportunity to attend some of the world’s most renowned universities (seven of the top 200 global institutions are located in Switzerland). Additionally, the literacy rate is 99% and 48.8% of the population hold a bachelor’s degree or above. Additionally, a highly educated and multilingual workforce offers potential investors the choice of employing multilingual workers. In short, the country offers many business advantages: a good geographical location, firstate infrastructure, and a highly qualified and diverse workforce.

Switzerland has long been recognized as an investment safe-haven and, due to its neutral political state, it has maintained a strong and stable economy over the years. Banking is one of the most important industries there but other sectors are attracting foreign entrepreneurs as well. For instance, other key economic sectors include Tourism, Information Technology, and Pharmaceuticals, as well as new industries like the Bio- and Nano-technologies. Among developed countries, Switzerland offers one of the lowest taxation rates, a very low inflation rate, and provides investors with many tax incentives, such as generous interest rates. For foreign investors interested in doing business in Switzerland, the government has initiated the Swiss “one-stop-shop” program, which is a service that provides helpful resources and helps investors connect with their desired field of activity. A strong and stable economy as well as many tax incentives make Switzerland an appealing destination for investors.

6 – United States

The United States has long been a top investment destination and consistently ranks among the best internationally for its competitiveness, innovation, and ease of doing business. While infrastructure quality is inconsistent across the country, upcoming strategic infrastructure projects worth $450 billion are scheduled for the near future. The U.S. is also home to 63 of the top 200 global universities and while 47,5 population hold a bachelor degree or higher, the country hosts one of the most productive workforces in the world.

Some of the advantages include a business-friendly environment, open markets, and a high quality of life. The United States is known for promoting and encouraging free enterprise, competition, and economic growth. Indeed, the U.S. offers the world’s largest consumer market, and a market-driven and transparent economy. Moreover, regulatory environments offer great operational freedom, making the process of forming a business simple and straightforward. Major industries in the United States include Energy, Manufacturing, Transportation, Healthcare, and Agriculture, Financial Services, IT, and Telecommunications. Reasons for foreign entrepreneurs to invest in the U.S. include risk diversification, efficiency of financial markets, and strong corporate governance. Other factors may include geographic convenience, and a common business language of English.

7 – Netherlands

Excellent business infrastructure makes Holland the perfect place for high-tech industries to flourish. Businesses can benefit from a first-class logistics infrastructure that include airports, seaports, high-speed roads, rail, and IT connectivity. Holland is also known for providing world-class education and is home to 12 research universities, and 8 university medical centers. Notably, 45.2% of the population holds at least a bachelor’s degree. On top of an educated and highly trained workforce, 90% of the Dutch population speaks English–a major incentive for international corporations.

Top industries include life sciences and clinical research, which, in turn, contributes greatly to business expansion and productivity. In fact, the country ranks among the Top 10 in life science and healthcare patents worldwide. The country’s open corporate business culture, transparent government, competitive tax structure, and strategic location on the North Sea have attracted major corporations over the years. For instance, heavyweights like Shell, Heineken, and IKEA all have headquarters in the Netherlands. Holland is also a leading supplier of chemical products and services. Other key industries include agrifood, information technology, high tech innovation, and aerospace. New regulations allow foreign entrepreneurs to apply for a temporary residence permit for the Netherlands. Competitive tax measures, a strategic geographical location, and being one of the most wired countries in the world make the Netherlands a hotspot for international investors.

8 – United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is a leading force in terms of foreign investment in Europe. Also a world leader in innovation and research, it is home to 33 of the Top 200 best global universities. The U.K. also maintains the 2nd largest workforce in the EU and 52% of the population is educated at the bachelor’s level or above. Perks of operating in the U.K. include flexible labor laws, low labor costs and high returns, world-class transportation systems, a strong communication network, and, of course, the fact that English–the language of business–is the main language there.

Internationally competitive tax measures, a stable political climate, and regulatory environments that offer transparency are very beneficial for the United Kingdom’s business environment. Not only does the UK offer a relatively low 20% Corporation Tax Rate, but companies may get a 100% deduction for Research & Development costs, which incentivizes innovation. Additionally, opening a business in the UK is extremely easy, (it only takes 48 hours to register a company and 13 days to establish a business in the UK, according to the World Bank). The UK also happens to have the fewest barriers to entrepreneurship in the world. For instance, most companies based in the UK do not pay Corporation Tax on foreign dividends. The country is recognized worldwide as a major player in finance and banking, but other key industries include information technology, construction, service, oil and gas, healthcare, education and administration, manufacturing, and government.

9 – Germany

Germany is Europe’s leading economy and largest market, and, as such, has long been a top destination for foreign investors. Germany offers a first-class transportation system and a superior energy and communications infrastructure, ensuring a direct and efficient way to do business. Due to low unemployment rates, consumer spending is extremely stable, and a first-class infrastructure and central location have all contributed to making Germany the largest consumer market in Europe. Germany hosts 22 universities that rank on the Top 200 Best Global University list and 30.5% of the population hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.

As a world leader in innovation, Germany’s high-tech sector is one of the major industries and one backed by billions of euros in federal funds yearly. Other highly performing industries include automotive, aerospace, chemical, consumers industries, and corporate industries. Over the years, the Federal Government has significantly lowered corporate taxes and also offers many tax incentives at all stages of the investment process.

10 – Luxembourg

Although last on our list, Luxembourg ranks extremely high in terms of global economic dynamism. International studies on the competitiveness of countries consistently rank Luxembourg among the top. The government offers a pro-business environment and promotes diversification within the financial marketplace, which are both attractive factors to foreign investors. In terms of education, Luxembourg hosts a major global university–an internationally-focused, research-oriented institution–the University of Luxembourg. Notably, over 51% of the population has a tertiary-level education. Furthermore, Luxembourg offers state-of-the-art logistics infrastructures for transport and communication–a sector of the economy that is actively supported by government initiatives. Luxembourg has long been recognized as a prime business location and an international financial center.

Due to its political and economic stability, specialized and multilingual workforce, state-of-the-art infrastructure, excellent connectivity to global markets, favorable legal environment, and attractive tax laws, Luxembourg offers a wide range of assets and opportunities for doing business in the EU. In order to encourage business, the Luxembourg Government offers many incentives like capital investment subsidies, reduced tax rates, deferred corporate tax payment schedules, equipment financing, and financial assistance to entrepreneurs. The government also supports investments that are technology-based and that contribute to the development of innovation. Besides the technology sector, other key industries to invest in include manufacturing, financial, services, tourism, and e-commerce.

Foreign investment is the main driving force of international economy. Not only do you need an economic environment that is conducive to your activity, when investing abroad, you also need a skilled workforce, high quality infrastructures, economic predictability, attractive tax measures, and good connectivity with international markets.

For your convenience, we have compiled a list of the 10 best destinations for international business.

1 – Singapore

2 – Sweden

3 – Canada

4 – Australia

Australia’s strong record of innovation, commercial focus, and globally collaborative approach make it an ideal environment for international organizations to enter joint or standalone ventures.

5 – Switzerland

6 – United States

7 – Netherlands

8 – United Kingdom

9 – Germany

10 – Luxembourg

What Makes an International Destination Business Friendly?

Last updated: May 18, 2021

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A: The global economy and the digital era have reshaped business opportunities, whether they be educational, financial, or in networking and building organizations from the ground up. Now you can run a business in a foreign country remotely, or with the help of people you rarely if ever see in person. Given the disparate regulatory (and deregulatory) policies of countries around the world, and the access to different markets they allow, it behooves business leaders to carefully consider what destination is most business friendly. International business involves lots of moving parts, and must work within different confines while taking advantage of opportunities that are tricky to suss out. Countries do many things to attract international investment, and not all of them are beneficial to the countries, or the international community.

International Business Destinations might not be where you’d expect. Take Alabama for example. In 2014, over $1 billion in direct foreign investment was pumped into the state, and it saw a 115% increase in exports between 2004 and 2014. At a time when American manufacturing struggled across the country, Alabama’s automotive manufacturing industry flourished through foreign investments from Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, Honda and Airbus. In 2012 it set production records, and has a strong supplier infrastructure, respected training programs, wide and efficient transportation network and continued success with top auto manufacturers. It also has a low corporate tax rate in comparison with many other states. Other key exports from Alabama now include industrial machines, minerals, iron and steel, plastics, chemicals, and aircraft and aircraft parts.

One way countries attract global business is through their corporate tax rates, which fluctuate massively throughout the world. It might seem logical to offer lower corporate tax rates to be business friendly, and many countries do so. In December 2016, CNN wrote about work Oxfam researchers did studying the Netherlands, Switzerland, Singapore, Luxembourg, Bermuda, Cayman Islands and Ireland’s corporate tax rates, and the damage they do to the international community. By keeping corporate taxes so low, Oxfam found these countries were “starving countries out of billions of dollars needed to tackle poverty and inequality.” They found the cuts in corporate tax resulted in massive cuts to public spending, or taxing poorer people. However, the strategy worked, with Oxfam saying 90% of the world’s biggest companies were involved in at least one tax haven. Sometimes, larger regulatory bodies force international destinations that would like to be business friendly to go against their wishes. Ireland was recently ordered by the European Union to recover €13 billion in unpaid taxes from Apple. Companies have also been targeted more directly, like Starbucks, which was told to pay back €30 million it avoided paying in taxes due to a deal with the Netherlands. Countries also incentivize international business investment and production through cutting safety regulations, workers rights and other restrictions that prevent multinational businesses from making maximum profit.

The international communications technology explosion has lowered delivery costs and allowed instantaneous access to far larger consumer pools much the way transportation developments lowered costs in the previous two centuries. Arranging business processes across borders with ease has made many international destinations appealing, strictly by being emerging, untapped markets for products that can reach them with remote cooperation and minimum cost. Now a country can enter existing supply chains that want their participation instead of building them in order to attract interest and investment from global businesses.

To get a better understanding of global business, you might consider an International MBA or Global MBA. International and Global MBAs are MBA programs that focus on international political economies, foreign languages and culture through a diverse student body and course materials that prepare students for multinational business ventures. They also often take place in other countries, or on multiple campuses across continents, to give students real world experience with fluctuating regulations, business practices and cultures to prepare them to wreak havoc on the market once they graduate. Some IMBA programs require students to participate in one or two international experiences. Classes in Global MBA and International MBA programs often include financial management analysis, financial accounting, marketing for international managers and international economy and business. These programs prepare students to work in education, government, finance and multinational corporations, and focus on giving them the tools they’d need to do so wherever they please. International MBA programs are often less expensive than traditional American MBAs, and can take only one year as opposed to the American standard of two. Here’s a list of top International Business Schools to help start your search. It prizes schools that develop graduates for careers in global sales, marketing, and financial management, ranking programs based on their unique features and affordability.

What is an MBA?

Last updated: May 18, 2021

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The MBA is a specialized postgraduate degree for professionals who want to master the science and application of management models used to operate businesses. Those who pursue this degree take on concentrated studies in marketing, human resources, accounting, economics, finance and business administration. The degree is considered so prestigious in the business world that some executive level jobs make it a requirement. Some HR recruiters who are seeking to fill higher management positions at corporations will not even consider candidates who have not earned an MBA.

A Brief History of the MBA

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Accelerated MBA Programs

Last updated: May 18, 2021

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Many people in the work force are realizing that they need something more than a bachelor’s degree to advance in their industry. While some may recognize the value of a Master’s of Business Administration (MBA), there are quite a few of this number who do not want to take years out of their professional and personal lives in order to pursue a master’s degree. Various business schools in the United States and abroad recognized this need and began offering accelerated MBA programs.

The difference between a regular MBA and an accelerated one is that a normal MBA degree program takes two years to complete, while most people complete an accelerated program in 12 to 15 months. Students who enroll in accelerated MBA programs are usually expected to attend class full time. These accelerated business programs are also known as fast track MBAa or a one-year MBA program.

Where Can I Find Accelerated MBA Programs?

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How to Choose a Quality MBA Program

Last updated: May 18, 2021

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Although it is possible to succeed in the business world without a graduate degree, getting an MBA from an accredited program remains the best way to advance in today’s competitive job market. MBA programs greatly increase a job candidate’s networking capabilities and provide unique opportunities for students to find mentors and get internships that transition into post-graduation careers. MBA programs also provide students with excellent opportunities to learn specialized skills to help them succeed in entrepreneurial ventures or get a job in a niche field, like information technology or international finance.

The single biggest reason people choose to get an MBA degree is earning potential. The salaries of individuals with MBAs can be up to $100,000 higher than those of people without the degree, making the cost of obtaining an MBA degree one of the wisest investments a person can make.
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Is an MBA Right for Someone Without a Business Degree?

Last updated: May 18, 2021

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Although there are a variety of wonderful vocational paths an individual could pursue, opting for a career in the field of business can be particularly beneficial. This is the case for several reasons, including the fact that pay is competitive and there are opportunities for raises and career advancement. In many cases, individuals opt to formally educate themselves in order to prepare for a career in business. This is a prudent decision considering the fact that individuals who hold degrees tend to earn more than those who don’t. Oftentimes, people who do not hold a business degree are interested in pursuing advanced degrees such as an MBA yet are not certain if this is possible or how to get started. You may even be asking yourself an important question: Is an MBA right for someone without a business degree? By reading the data found below, you can attain the information necessary to attain the type of professional success you desire.
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Do You Need A Business Degree To Run Your Own Business?

Last updated: May 18, 2021

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Many people dream of one day owning their own business. They believe they have the intelligence, moxie, drive and social skills needed to run all aspects of a successful start-up. But what may make the decision to jump into the entrepreneurial pool harder is the issue of the college degree, as in “do you need a business degree to run your own business?”

According to the Princeton Review, Business Administration is the most popular college major in the United States. Schools such as the University of Tampa and Baylor University even offer degree programs that specifically focus on the issues of entrepreneurship. On the surface, it seems as if a business degree is the major key to becoming a successful entrepreneur.
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What Is AACSB Accreditation?

Last updated: May 18, 2021

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When pursuing an MBA, choosing a school with the right accreditation is extremely important. One group that provides accreditation for MBA schools is the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). So what is AACSB accreditation business masters degree? This accreditation is actually one of the more notable ones when it comes to business and accounting accreditation.

History

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Methodology: Ranking the Best Online MBA in International Business

1. Lehigh University

2. University of Delaware

3. Tufts University

4. Arizona State University

5. Washington State University

6. University of Houston-Victoria

7. University of North Dakota

8. University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

9. University of Massachusetts-Lowell

10. University of North Carolina at Greensboro

11. Old Dominion University

12. University of Central Missouri

13. Fayetteville State University

14. Tennessee Technological University

15. Anderson University

Why Should You Get an International Business MBA Online?

How to Choose an Online Business MBA Program?

What is an MBA in International Business?

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Related Rankings

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Methodology: Ranking the Most Affordable DBA Programs

1. University of North Carolina at Charlotte

2. Baruch College

3. LIGS University

4. University of the Cumberlands

5. Bellevue University

6. University of South Florida

7. University of Missouri-St. Louis

8. California Southern University

9. William Howard Taft University

10. Columbia Southern University

How Much Can I Make with a Business Doctorate?

Will I Make More with a Ph.D. or a DBA?

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Related Rankings

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Methodology: Ranking the Best International Business MBA Programs

1. Rutgers University

2. University of Southern California

3. Northeastern University

4. Florida International University

5. Temple University

6. University of South Carolina

7. American University

8. East Carolina University

9. George Washington University

10. John Brown University

11. St. John’s University

12. University of Central Arkansas

13. Park University

14. University of Scranton

15. Dallas Baptist University

16. Wright State University

17. Kent State University

18. Ashland University

19. Oklahoma Christian University

20. Keiser University

21. Concordia University Wisconsin & Ann Arbor

22. Mercy College

23. Tiffin University

24. University of Hartford

25. City University of Seattle

Why Should I Get an MBA in International Business?

How Do I Choose an International Business MBA Program?

Are Global Business and International Business the Same Thing?

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Related Rankings

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Icebreakers

Making a Connection

Asking Questions

Saying Goodbye

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The Historic Gender Gap in Business

The Rise of Women in MBA Programs

Best MBA Programs for Women

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