The MBA is a major commitment, both in terms of time and money. The most strategic applicants will have given thought to both what they want to gain from the MBA and what the world might be looking for once they graduate. As with all major investments, timing can be crucial. And career outlook can vary based on the industry you hope to enter and your target school’s reputation within it.

You should apply the same energy you put into researching a school’s curriculum and faculty toward assessing its career services department. A school might have a terrific track record at helping its graduates find jobs in investment banking, but if you’re hoping to use the MBA as a springboard to a career in the technology industry, another program might be a better fit for your goals.