In this turbulent global economy, many business professionals are wondering what is next on the horizon. Currently, those in management level positions may find themselves thinking, “Should I be doing something to increase my own competitive advantage?” Similarly, younger professionals, or those that have been deemed the next generation of leaders, find themselves asking “Are management opportunities still a possibility for my future?” 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.

Earning an MBA can pay off handsomely accordingly to a series of studies by the Graduate Management Admission Council® (GMAC). In September 2008, MBA alumni reported a median salary increase of 39% over their pre-graduate degree salaries, and of the respondents reporting a promotion, 88% received a salary increase, and 82% received an increase in responsibility.

Even in this economic downturn, the average expected salary of MBA graduates is projected to be 35% higher than that of other graduate school students, and almost twice the average starting salary of undergraduate students. In 2008 AACSB International members reported starting annual salaries for MBA graduates ranging from 51,000 to 120,000 USD.

Accreditation matters.

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.

From the variety of radio and television ads offering business degrees, it is often difficult to realize that there are significant differences from one school to the next. At face value most academic programs sound similar, with full-time, part-time, evening, weekend, and online distance learning options; most offering baccalaureate degrees, MBAs, and even PhDs. To some this flexibility of academic structure seems most important, 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. A business school’s accreditation by the right accrediting body, such as AACSB International, can make a difference in both the quality of the degree received, and in the student’s future upward mobility and income potential.

Why is AACSB Accreditation Important?

For business schools, the world’s leading authority for certifying quality business management programs is AACSB International—The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Representing the highest standards in the world, AACSB International accreditation is the most widely sought after mark of quality distinction, and is an achievement earned only by business programs of the highest caliber. Currently, as of March 2009, AACSB has granted business accreditation to 559 schools in 32 countries – or less than five percent of the world’s business schools.

In-as-much, the best faculty, students, employers and business recruiters in the world recognize and seek out schools whose programs have earned AACSB International accreditation. This internationally recognized symbol of excellence informs competitors and stakeholders alike of the quality of education delivered by the school’s business program.

By choosing an AACSB-accredited school, students can be confident in knowing that their college or university offers the most up-to-date business program; 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 a significant quality assurance and continuous improvement review process.

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 every business leader will face in the twenty-first century.

Choose wisely. There are a wide variety of MBA choices out there, and business schools come in all sizes, shapes, and traditions. While it is up to the individual to carefully evaluate the best fit for their ‘preferred’ graduate business program, there is one factor does not need question – 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.