Business degrees are some of the most popular and sought-after degrees by college students, especially given the growth projected in the job market of many business sectors. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be an estimated 715,000 business and finance job openings each year, over the next decade.
Studying business opens a world of possibilities for students. That said, students should research the top characteristics to look for in a business school, including faculty, class size, career services, academic rigor, and flexibility, especially if they are considering transferring from one university to another.
Transferring colleges is a big move. As you research potential business schools to transfer into, you want to ensure you choose an institution that can meet your needs, support your professional goals, and set you up for success–during your program and after graduation.
Let’s explore the top characteristics to look for in a business school, and further answer the question, “What are the best business schools to transfer into?”
What the Best Business Schools Will Have in Common
1. Expert Faculty
The top business schools will attract and hire the most qualified and talented teachers and researchers from around the world, often evidenced by the international teaching staff in top business schools.
Additionally, your future teachers should have real-world knowledge and experience to offer more than just academic expertise. They should also emphasize applying theory to fundamental issues in today’s business world.
Lastly, students should research their desired faculty to see the community and network they will be joining. This is extremely helpful if you are interested in working in a specific field, sector, or industry. If the faculty and the school have strong connections in that area, students will likely have a head start securing a job after graduation.
2. Accessible Class Size
Students want to be supported by their teachers and fellow students throughout college. This is why we encourage students to look at the student body size for their desired college and the number of students per class in their chosen business school.
Small classes often provide more leadership opportunities, a tighter-knit community, and a more inclusive business school experience. Conversely, large class sizes attract more on-campus recruiters, present more networking opportunities, and provide a larger alum network post-graduation.
Key questions to ask yourself include:
- Will campus staff know my name?
- Will I always need an appointment before seeing the faculty and staff?
- Will there be someone that can help me if something goes wrong?
3. Career Services
The best business schools to transfer to will assist you at every step, from when you first contact them to long after graduation. This level of support can be as simple as getting the correct information to provide you with the right resources to help you find a job and become a business professional.
Reading student success stories will give you insight into how the business program at your top schools prepares students for their careers after graduation. Also, read testimonials and job placement statistics and research who are some of the top hiring companies.
The best business schools to transfer into will also have strong alum networks and well-connected career support services. Not only can the support services staff help you inside the classroom, but they can also help with health issues or unexpected emergencies.
Make sure your school or university hosts social and professional extracurriculars and networking opportunities with fellow students, staff, market representatives, and recruiters.
4. Academic Rigor
The best business schools are known for their multiple programs and degree options that students can pursue.
Students should choose a business school with the subjects and majors that will meet their needs and career goals. For example, suppose you are looking to start a business after graduation. In that case, you should look for a school that provides a solid curriculum of business courses and specialized courses on entrepreneurship.
Furthermore, transferring to a business school is an important decision, and you want to stay competitive and career-ready. Thus, the curriculum should offer more than traditional or theoretical based courses.
Look for programs that encourage real-world experience by incorporating practice elements, such as:
- Live business challenges
- Simulations
- Projects with employers
5. Flexibility
It is common for students attending college or university to work or fulfill other commitments and responsibilities. Given this fact, the business school you transfer to must have flexible programs requiring less on-campus time, part-time studies, or distance learning programs.
Ultimately, the best business schools help you address your specific needs for flexibility, keep you engaged in your studies, and ensure you stay connected to your fellow students and teachers.
The Ernest C. Trefz School of Business at the University of Bridgeport offers a variety of on-campus, hybrid, and online undergraduate programs such as:
In our programs, faculty and staff enhance critical thinking and provide disciplined knowledge through theoretical and applied learning, allowing students to develop the skills necessary to succeed in business.
We bring in students from all over the world to learn in a supportive environment that facilitates understanding business in a dynamic, global environment.
Learn more about our programs by contacting us today. We can’t wait to start something great together!