Page - 1

This is a favourite topic amongst US MBA bashers who strongly believe in the one-year alternative that has become unique to European schools, although it must be said that two of Europe's leading MBA curriculums, i.e., LBS in the UK and IESE in Spain are structured around the two-year format that is followed by US schools.

Here are some pro and con arguments of the one year alternative: -

Pros

Opportunity Cost

The single biggest factor in favour of the one-year program has been the opportunity cost of forsaking your current career for far too long when undertaking the two-year program. The argument becomes even more powerful when the economy is performing well - why spend two years away when the going is good!

Fees & Cost of Living

This follows on the previous theme - the longer the program, the greater the actual financial cost associated with it.

Sponsorship

It is easy to convince one's employer about sponsoring him or her on a one-year program rather than on a two-year program. Not only are the costs lower, you are also away for a shorter period of time. Besides, if one isn't looking for a job, then internships don't matter either.

Cons

Limited Choice

The single biggest factor against the one-year program is that there are far fewer top-league schools offering a one-year program, and most of them are concentrated in Europe. Only a handful of schools in the US offer a shorter program than their flagship two-year MBA.

Internships / Career Change

In case one is looking for a career change of any kind, be it industry or location related, chances are that a prospective employer wants to try the candidate out unless he or she has relevant experience. While not always the case, this is often important especially for those wanting to make a directional shift in their careers.

Next

Atul Monga graduated from London Business School with an MBA in 2005, and currently works in the transaction support space with a leading professional services firm. Prior to that, he was with the Kotak Mahindra Group, and also spent time as an independent advisor. He has been counseling international MBA candidates for the last several years, answering questions relating to the GMAT, international MBA programs and careers. He is active contributor at CoolAvenues and Moderator of CoolAvenues' GMAT Forum.