Program
The first step of your research should be focused on the Master’s curriculum. Check out the program’s structure and make sure that all the core topics (Economics, Finance, Strategy, Marketing, Accounting…) are covered. Next look for the electives and see if they are aligned with your interests. Finally, see if the school offers prep-courses that you can take before beginning - that’s always a good sign.
Faculty
Teachers will be an integral part of your experience, so it’s worth taking a look at them too. The school’s site should have an updated list of their teachers, detailing the professional and academic experience of each one. See if you can find information about the universities they have attended and/or the companies they have worked with.
International Module & Internship
A great advantage for any international program is to include an experience abroad. Some programs, such as WHU Master in International Business , offer both an international module (to study a semester abroad) and internship opportunities (to gain work experience in a foreign country). Check beforehand which institutions and companies your school has agreements with to make sure they match your expectations.
Ranking
You can quickly compare business schools by checking The Economist and Financial Times rankings. Filtering by country should narrow your options considerably, then look at how many ranked programs your school of choice has.
Language & Student Requirements
International business programs are usually taught in English and require some evidence of English proficiency such as a TOEFL or IELTS score or the Cambridge Certificate of Advance in English. There may be other requirements, such as a Bachelor's or minor business-oriented degree, relevant practical experience or some international exposure. If you are missing any requirements, it is best to contact the school's admissions team for alternatives.
Alumni Network & Career Services
Alumni can be a key part of your Master’s experience, helping you build relationships and a network of contacts for internships, jobs or business ventures. The ideal alumni network should be a sizable, active and welcoming community with frequent events that you can easily join. Some schools complement it with career services designed to provide personal guidance to develop your professional career.