In this fast-changing global economy, many business professionals are wondering what is next on the horizon.  Currently, those in management level positions may find themselves thinking, “What should I do to increase my own competitive advantage?” Similarly younger professionals find themselves asking “Is management still an attractive career path for me?”  The answer for both is yes—with proper preparation.

Invest in your Career.  Today’s graduate business degree offers countless opportunities and directions.  No matter what your current career goals may be, a graduate business degree will enhance your chances of achieving them.  While there may never be a better time to consider attending business school, prospective students should be aware that not all business programs are alike. 

As a result of the influx of advertising for graduate business degrees, it is often difficult to identify the important differences of one school to the next.  At face value many academic programs sound similar, but in truth, there is one essential difference a prospective student should consider—the business program’s accreditation. 

Specifically, accreditation is a review process used by colleges and universities as a way to evaluate and monitor the quality of an institution’s degree programs.  For those considering pursuing a business degree at any level a business school’s accreditation can make a difference in the quality of the degree received, as well as in a graduate’s job prospects, future upward mobility, and overall income potential. 

Why is AACSB Accreditation Important? For business schools, the world’s leading authority on quality management education programs is AACSB International—The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).  As of August 2010, AACSB has granted business accreditation to 596 schools in 37 countries, and within this group of schools are the world’s most respected business programs, each offering diverse approaches to management education.

By choosing an AACSB-accredited school, prospective students can be confident in knowing that their college or university offers a high-quality academic curriculum; that they are taught by the best faculty; there is meaningful interaction between students and professors; that graduates have achieved specified learning goals; and that the school goes through an external continuous improvement and quality assurance review process to ensure it curricula is effectively managed and is consistent with the business school’s overall stated mission.

Equally, prospective employers know that graduates from AACSB-accredited schools are prepared to confront the challenges of a global economy, embrace different cultures and values, and welcome diversity in perspectives and among colleagues—all issues that successful business leaders face in the twenty-first century. 
 
Choose wisely. 
AACSB understands that the market is flooded with information, and that the search for the right school can be difficult. To assist in this process an online search engine—BestBizSchools.com—was developed to allow prospective students to seek out AACSB-accredited schools based on their own preferences. 

Linked to AACSB’s extensive database on business schools, prospective students are guaranteed to find the most up-to-date and unbiased information on worldwide business programs.  BestBizSchools.com also provides students with guidance on admission processes and financial aid, clarity to questions on accreditation or school rankings, and more.

There are a wide variety of choices out there.  While it is up to the individual to carefully evaluate the best fit for their ‘preferred’ graduate business program, there is one factor that does not need to be questioned—AACSB International accreditation provides the gold stamp of quality assurance for which only the best students and employers look. 

For more information on AACSB International accreditation please visit, www.aacsb.edu, or to search for an AACSB International accredited institution please visit www.BestBizSchools.com.