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Should you choose a business school or a university?

Group of students from the INSEEC business school laughing in front of the

What are the advantages and disadvantages of studying at university?

Before delving into the details, let’s take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of university.

The benefits

Universities offer a variety of academic programmes, from the sciences to the arts and social sciences. This makes it easy for students to find a field that matches their interests and passions.

They also emphasise the acquisition of in-depth theoretical knowledge and encourage research and critical thinking, which is ideal for specialising in an academic field.

In addition, tuition fees at public universities are generally lower than at private business schools.

University is synonymous with freedom for many students, as a large number of courses are not compulsory.

The disadvantages

However, universities place less emphasis on professional preparation than business schools. As a result, you may end up with a generalist degree with no clear orientation towards a specific career. Internships are not compulsory and many students have no corporate culture once they’ve graduated!

Furthermore, in many universities, courses are often taught in large classes, making it difficult to access teachers and interact with peers.

University programmes can also be longer than those at business schools, meaning that students will spend more time at university before entering the job market.

The great freedom given to students can lead to laxity and failure.

The advantages and disadvantages of business schools

Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of business schools.

The benefits

Business schools are specially designed to prepare students for a career in business. They offer programmes that focus on practical work and professional skills. Internships and work-study programmes also give students the chance to get a foot in the door and build up their CVs.

They also offer excellent networking opportunities thanks to their links with industry. So you can interact with working professionals and have privileged access to job opportunities.

Not to mention that business schools often offer a range of specialist programmes, such as finance, marketing and human resources management, enabling students to focus on their area of interest and preparing them for a specific job, often in high demand.

The disadvantages

Private business schools have considerably high tuition fees, which can be an obstacle for some students. However, the vast majority of students can now finance their training on a sandwich course.

Finally, business schools are focused on business, which means that students will have less opportunity to explore other academic areas, such as research and the arts.

How do you choose according to your profile?

The choice between business school or university depends largely on your profile and your career aspirations. So first think about what you’re passionate about. If you have a strong affinity with business and are determined to pursue a career in this field, don’t hesitate to go to business school. The same applies if you’re looking for professional training and want to enter the world of work quickly.

Compare the programmes offered by business schools and universities and make sure they match your career goals. Having years of experience can also help you to better target your area of specialisation. You’ll have a better idea of what you’re passionate about and the career you plan to pursue.

What business school programmes might interest me?

In France, many business schools offer a variety of programmes that may be of interest to students after Bac+1. For example, INSEEC offers five types of programme:

  • the Grande École programme, affiliated to the Conférence des Grandes Écoles (CGE), awards a Master’s degree. It focuses on general management training and offers a great deal of flexibility to personalise your academic path;
  • The Master of Science programme, on the other hand, delivers RNCP (Répertoire National des Certifications Professionnelles) certified Master of Science degrees. It focuses on specific areas such as digital marketing, corporate finance, human resources management and so on.

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