Why business school rankings matter—and how you can help

Your SFU Beedie degree is more than just a credential—it’s a symbol of excellence, a network of accomplished peers, and a key asset in your professional journey. But did you know that you play an essential role in maintaining and strengthening its value?

Business school rankings and accreditations are powerful indicators of SFU Beedie’s reputation on a global scale. They influence employer perceptions, attract top-tier students, and enhance the prestige of your degree. A well-ranked institution elevates its alumni, providing a competitive edge in the job market and reinforcing the strength of the SFU Beedie community.

Why are rankings important?

Investing in graduate business education is a major decision—one that comes with high tuition costs, living expenses, and the opportunity cost of stepping away from full-time work. Many students make significant personal sacrifices: quitting a job, changing industries, moving, and balancing intense academic demands with other commitments.

But the rewards can be transformative. A business degree accelerates career growth, expands professional networks, and often provides renewed energy and purpose. It connects students with peers, mentors, and faculty who shape their development and open doors to new opportunities. Choosing the right school is, therefore, a crucial decision with lasting impact.

With thousands of business schools worldwide, each with different strengths, how do prospective students decide? Many factors come into play: faculty expertise, post-graduation salary, industry engagement, affordability, location, course offerings, and opportunities for specialization. Business school rankings help cut through the noise, offering an objective assessment of key criteria that impact a student’s experience and long-term success.

“Rankings are one of the avenues we use to enhance our engagement,” says Sudheer Gupta, associate dean of graduate programs at SFU Beedie. “We participate in only those rankings that have transparent criteria and methodology, deploy strong data collection and analyses tools, and agree with our values. Such rankings provide valuable, objective assessments of business schools that can be good indicators of their strengths and weaknesses.”

How rankings work

Major ranking organizations, such as the Financial Times, Bloomberg, and QS, assess business schools based on various factors, many of which rely on alumni feedback. The Financial Times, for example, surveys alumni three years post-graduation, while Bloomberg incorporates insights from both current and past students. To be ranked, a minimum number of alumni must respond—making your participation crucial. Without enough responses, the school’s standing isn’t even reviewed, no matter how strong its credentials are.

While no single ranking captures everything, these lists measure important factors such as:

• Student decision-making: Rankings provide a structured comparison of schools, helping students assess which institutions align with their priorities and career goals.
• Employer perception: Many employers use rankings to determine which schools they recruit from, seeing them as a proxy for quality and reputation. Lower rankings can limit career opportunities for students and alumni.
• Alumni networks and engagement: A strong ranking attracts top-tier students, creating a dynamic and engaged alumni network that benefits all graduates through mentoring, professional connections, and lifelong support.
• School resources and investment: A well-ranked school can attract stronger faculty, better research funding, and more industry partnerships, all of which enhance the learning experience.
• Post-graduation outcomes: High rankings often correlate with better job placement, salary growth, and overall career advancement.

Your role in strengthening SFU Beedie’s ranking

Your engagement and feedback directly impact SFU Beedie’s global recognition. Here’s how you can contribute:

• Complete surveys – If you receive a rankings or accreditation survey, take a few minutes to respond. Your input directly influences SFU Beedie’s position and visibility.
• Stay engaged – Attend alumni events, volunteer, and connect with fellow graduates. A strong, active alumni network benefits everyone by enhancing the school’s reputation and fostering professional opportunities.
• Keep your contact information updated – Ensure that SFU Beedie can reach you for ranking surveys and exclusive opportunities.
• Share your experience – Whether through testimonials, mentorship, or social media, your career journey highlights the impact of an SFU Beedie education and strengthens the school’s standing.

By supporting SFU Beedie’s ranking efforts, you’re investing in the long-term value of your degree. A thriving, well-ranked business school benefits all alumni—enhancing your professional credibility and strengthening the global network you are part of.

“We have spent decades curating and refining our programs—and will continue to do so for decades to come—to ensure we provide an outstanding, life-changing learning experience to our students,” says Gupta. “Our faculty, students, alumni networks, community and industry partners are second to none. We want these communities anywhere in the world to engage with us.”

So when the next survey lands in your inbox, remember: your voice matters. Help SFU Beedie shine on the world stage and ensure that your degree continues to open doors for years to come.