How should you study your MBA? Matching the program to your goals

The ambitions of MBA students often vary considerably from one student to the next. A single cohort might include students targeting competitive industries such as finance and consulting, professionals aiming to jump to the next stage in their current path, and others exploring opportunities to pivot into new fields. 

When starting out on your journey toward choosing your MBA degree, it’s vital that you reflect on your priorities to ensure you pick a program that aligns with your goals. 

With a variety of different types of MBA available, understanding what you’re seeking to gain from your studies can help guide you to identifying your preferred program length, format, and location.

What are your options for an MBA? 

MBA degrees come in various formats and delivery types; full-time programs focus on an immersive experience, while part-time degrees are designed to provide heightened flexibility. 

At the University of St.Gallen launching in collaboration with the Luxembourg Ministry of Finance in 2027 offers various formats designed to cater to all types of students. 

Flexible design is the guiding principle behind the program. A 12-month format allows students to focus on immersing themselves completely over an accelerated period. An option to study over 15 months allows students to complete the course in teaching blocks while applying their learning to their careers. Finally, those seeking to balance their personal and professional commitments with their studies can complete their MBA over 24 months.

As well as flexible lengths, incoming MBAs can also choose from two locations. In Switzerland, participants study in one of the world’s most innovative ecosystems that is home to both large multinationals as well as lesser-known powerhouses in the B2B world. Alternatively, studying in Luxembourg provides students with access to one of Europe’s key finance and investment hubs. 

This flexible, modular structure is designed to cater to the wide range of goals that incoming students will bring to the school, explains Prof. Dr. Stefan Legge, academic director of the MBA at the University of St.Gallen. 

“People join an MBA program in different situations. Some like to dedicate nine months to intensive studying before applying their newly acquired skills in an internship that offers the possibility of a full-time job,” he says. “Others want to keep their job while pursuing the MBA.” 

Full-time or part-time? Benefits and trade-offs

Students who learn full-time must be prepared to take a break from their careers and forgo their salary for the duration of the degree. However, they gain a highly immersive experience as a result. 

“[Full-time] students benefit from an intensive cohort experience, build particularly strong relationships and networks, and can dedicate their full attention to learning and personal development,” says Stefan.  

This format of study is therefore beneficial for those who are seeking significant career changes, such as moving industry or location, and who prioritize access to highly structured recruitment opportunities or internships. 

Students more focused on expanding their business acumen and learning the fundamentals of the MBA curriculum—perhaps to secure a promotion or progress into a leadership role—without making significant sacrifices often benefit from a part-time learning approach. 

“[Part-time] allows students to maintain their professional career and income while applying what they learn directly in their workplace. It offers the opportunity to grow professionally while maintaining financial stability and greater continuity in personal and professional life,” says Stefan. 

“The trade-off is that students need to balance the demands of work, studies, and personal commitments—and naturally it takes longer to complete.”

How to match your MBA with your goals

Spending time exploring your motivations for pursuing an MBA will allow you to begin identifying the right study option available to you. Whether you are aiming to launch your own company or gain a promotion at your current employer, having a clear goal will help shape your preferred format of study.

Next, weigh the importance of factors such as networking, practical opportunities, and company exposure, against personal responsibilities and the amount of time you can commit to studying.

“During our MBA application process, the recruitment team works closely with each candidate to determine which study track best suits their individual goals, career ambitions, and personal circumstances,” says Stefan.

Armed with this information, you’ll be better placed to find a journey that can help you take your desired next step and maximize the value of your study experience. 

“This MBA program is for ambitious talents who want to take their career to the next leadership level. That is always the objective,” Stefan adds.