At a certain point in your career path, you may wonder whether pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) is the right next step.

Exploring MBA opportunities can be very overwhelming nowadays, due to the large number of programmes and formats that are offered. Accreditations, rankings, location, costs and return on investment are amongst the elements that will play a role in your decision.

Here are seven key steps that will help you to find the right MBA:

› Is an MBA really the right choice?

You will face a reality check the moment you start to work through the thousands of different programmes.

Traditional MBAs, specialised MBAs, Masters of Science and Masters of Arts are amongst the options that you will encounter as you look for management-related studies. Explore different types of programmes and find the one that suits you the best.

In case you decide that an MBA is the right option for you, look into the different formats and decide whether you would like to pursue a full-time, part-time or modular course.

› Where & Why?

This is one of the most difficult decisions to make: should I pursue an MBA in my home country or should I get immersed in an unexplored context by following an MBA abroad?

This decision is vital in continuing with your search. You should look into details such as the economy and culture of the country, career opportunities after graduation, language and immigration policies - and do not forget the social aspects of the country.

If you decide to move to another country, the investment has to pay off from a personal, academic and professional perspective.

› Your new home away from home

Deciding on a university is much a more complicated process than just taking a look at the rankings.

An MBA is a tough and time-consuming investment. Thus, finding the right university requires patience as you need to find the perfect match.

It is important to know the reputation of the university both within the country and abroad, together with its accreditations and philosophy. You need to feel at ease with the university, since it will become your new home away from home.

› Money talks

Remember to look into your finances when defining the right MBA and the right university.

It is important for you to consider living costs, immigration process costs, tuition fees and even the "having fun" costs. Many universities offer different scholarship opportunities. Do your homework and find out about the different ways to finance your MBA.

› You are not alone

Before, during and after the MBA, you will experience a rollercoaster of emotions as the pressure to deliver piles up.

Remember to involve people around you in this process. Your family, friends, peers and colleagues can be a source of inspiration in ensuring that you enrol in the right programme.

You might even face the opportunity of being sponsored by your company during your MBA.

› Clear all your doubts

There is no better way to clear your doubts than by talking to the right people.

Get in contact with the recruiters, admission officers and programme team members so that they can answer all your questions regarding the MBA and the university.

› Get the real feeling!

There are always feelings involved when it comes to making your final decision. It is vital that you experience the university and the programme by visiting them, talking to current students, professors and alumni.

The online environment can give you an idea of each institution. However, the best way for you to get the real feeling is to experience student life yourself.

Nyenrode Business Universiteit allows potential students to experience the MBA programmes before enrolling.

Visit Nyenrode for an entire weekend as their guest, experience lectures, talk to alumni, staff, students and get the real feeling of their MBA programmes!

Upcoming Nyenrode MBA Weekends on:
› September 27-29, 2013
› November 22-24, 2013
› February 7-9, 2014