Taking an MBA in: Switzerland
| Author | Philippe du Pasquier |
| Function | - |
| Organistation | - |
Swiss business schools stay on top by ensuring that degree programs reflect the needs of business practices. At BSL for example, we have designed our MBA program in collaboration with leading business executives. Our practical program focuses on functional business skills and applied leadership, both areas recruiters are looking for. Swiss business schools are also known for their dynamics and geographic accessibility. MBA students come to Switzerland from throughout Europe. Knowing this, at BSL, we have even created a part-time, Flex-MBA program that allows participants to travel to and from Switzerland to earn their MBA when their schedules allow. Participants choose when they are able to come, and with one 4-day trip per month, they can complete their MBA in approximately 2 years. This provides an opportunity to earn a quality education and accredited Swiss degree while maintaining a professional and personal life abroad. A multicultural environment Switzerland is certainly one of the most multicultural countries in the world. In addition to the numerous international organizations in Geneva (e.g. UN European headquarters, World Health Organization, International Labour Organization, International Telecommunications Union, World Intellectual Property Organization), we have a lot of international sport federations mainly in Lausanne, where the International Olympic Committee is headquartered. Several NGOs like WWF have also chosen Switzerland. Many multinational corporations have established their European or even world headquarters here: Alcoa, Tetra Pak, Philip Morris, Medtronic, Procter & Gamble, and the trend goes on, thanks to a widely recognized quality of life, excellent transportation network and a skilled workforce available. It is well-known that we have in Switzerland three national languages: German, French and Italian. It is less known that 25% of the working population in Geneva uses English as their main language in the office. This multicultural environment is reflected throughout our country and in educational programs. At BSL for instance, we have an enrollment of 90% international students from more than 30 different countries. It goes without saying that the exposure to different cultural backgrounds is valuable for a future career in today’s increasingly globalised world. By learning in a multicultural environment, students better understand and envision different ways to approach similar situations. A nice place to stay Switzerland’s reputation for stability and tolerance comes not only from the fact that it is the center for world organizations, but from the attitude of the Swiss people (as was demonstrated during the 2008 European Football Championship). This creates an environment in which everyone can feel safe; allowing students to focus on their education without having to worry about strikes, civil unrest, or discrimination. The beautiful landscape, the numerous lakes, the mountains with their ski resorts, the pretty towns and villages, the rich sport and cultural offer will make your stay in Switzerland an unforgettable experience. An attractive job market The job market for new graduates is as competitive as business itself. In this situation business school students are the product, and must be able to stand out from the crowd. The business studies at BSL will provide the advantages needed to succeed. We are a school known for our entrepreneurial heritage, and provide an entrepreneurial approach to business studies. This allows students to complete our program and, either create their own business, take responsibility in a family practice, or take a leading role in a corporate environment. For those seeking to start their professional path in Switzerland, the country’s low rate of unemployment (3,5%), makes for an attractive job market. Even more, thanks to the bilateral agreements on free circulation signed by Switzerland with the EU a few years ago, the market is largely open to people from the European Union. Switzerland offers young people the opportunity to do internships or even find a position in many fields of activities: banking sector, insurance, other services, tourism, industry, etc. Real-life dynamics By having such an international community and diverse business industry established in Switzerland, real-life dynamics flourish in educational environments. BSL’s MBA program is open to qualified, working professionals as Management Training and Leadership Seminars. This places MBA students and professionals together for an active learning experience that provides knowledge for use in real business situations. In considering business schools, students should consider both the quality of education as it corresponds to real-life needs, as well as the school’s instructors. BSL’s classes are given by accomplished business professionals, who live in a world of bottom-line responsibility and effective management. Our faculty works closely with students and assesses them based on their ability to be successful in today’s business environment. Accreditation and quality assurance The large selection of business schools in Switzerland makes it difficult to choose (‘Qual der Wahl’ as one would say in German). Schools with accreditation should be at the top of selection lists. The best Swiss institutions providing MBAs are accredited by organizations such as the ACBSP in the USA, and are in the Swiss Register of Private Schools (www.swissprivateschoolregister.com). Here at BSL, we extend quality assurance even further. BSL has obtained ISO 9001 Certification which ensures that our programs meet strict requirements in terms of quality assurance. We are the only business school with both ACBSP Accreditation and ISO 9001 Certification. Providing a direct benefit to students, BSL is also the first business school in Switzerland to provide students with an opportunity to attain membership in the prestigious international honor society, Delta Mu Delta.