For the most part, part-time MBAs aren't worth the investment unless your employer is footing the cost. If you are truly miserable with your career and want to change then its best to attend a top ranked full-time program. I did a part-time MBA at my local state school to fulfill the requirements to sit for the CPA exam. I had a specific goal in mind, and with my employer paying I couldn't turn down the oppurtunity. You do not need a business/finance background to get an MBA, even at the best programs.

I'm a part-time MBA student with a non-business background I still have a full time job where I work 50-60 hours a week:

I'm basically piecemealing it together as that is really the only option for me at the moment and I feel like piecemealing is better than not doing it all.

It is not fun to try and find those 15-20 hours a week (I'm taking a new class every 8 weeks) nor is it easy. You need to make sure you can make the time commitment both due to to the cost and to make sure you are actually getting anything out of it.

It has been semi-rewarding so far for me but I do feel a little overburdened at time.

What type of program are you looking at?

I didn't even know that Stern had a part time program...

Not yet. Probably will be soon though...

 

Originally Posted by TiltinShoes

Not yet. Probably will be soon though...

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>MBA (full-time): 826</TD></TR><TR><TD>MBA (part-time): 2,176</TD></TR><TR><TD>Executive MBA: 198</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
^^Stern's enrollment

 

Originally Posted by NetFan44

 

Originally Posted by BigGunX

Have you considered the Executive MBA program?

Stern has all 3 types...part-time, Executive, and full-time.

Stern has the #1 ROI from an MBA in the world.

I looked a little into the EMBA from Stern. According to NYU statistics, the average age is 38, with 14 years work experience and 9 years of management experience. I'm 24, with 3 years work experience and 0 years management. So I'm not sure I'd 1) be able to get into the program and 2) be able to keep up due to my lack of experience

Ahhh good point...forgot you were early 20s.

I love my EMBA program, but I'm 33 years old and one of the younger people.

With all due respect to Bob Futon, I don't necessarily believe that "having an MBA is better than not having one." If you can, get into a prestigious school. It's the same as an undergrad. 95% of the schools out there don't mean much of shit. But, if you go to a top-tier, it can be a career enhancer.

If you are looking to work at a top consulting firm, they want to see the proper pedigree in their people's education and resumes.

It all depends what your career plans are I guess. For me, a part-time MBA didn't make sense.

 

Originally Posted by Bob Futon

A lot of it has to with continous improvement and lifelong learning for me. Plus I can get 75% of the bill footed right now.

Honestly I'll probably look up Law School at some point too. I want to be a well rounded motherfucker in mediocrity

I hear ya. I considered Law School for a while, too...still might do that eventually.

With them picking up 75% of the bill, I probably would have done the same thing. Also, you're in Vermont, and aren't there about 3 colleges there total?

I'd say at least 2/3 of what I've learned in this program I could have learned at the library. For me, I wanted the free consultation and networking that goes with a top-notch faculty. Online or going to a smaller school just wouldn't have fit my needs, but if I were in a different situation, I most likely would have done it that way.

I am in my second semester of University of Michigan's evening MBA program. My company is paying for it. If you don't have someone paying for it, just do a full time MBA and knock it out. Much better that way and the recruiting is really top notch.

The better schools get the better recruiters. If you are thinking of moving companies after you get your MBA, try to get into the best program possible. If not, any decent accredited program will do. Just make sure you at least go to a program that requires you to take the GMAT.

Yes a part time MBA is alot of work, especially if its like michigan's where you take 60 credits, and the courses are the same courses taught by the same teachers the day students get.

Executive MBA programs are for well established people for the most part.
Or if your company is footing the bill and authorizes you to take an EMBA. Mine doesn't.

I have met a few good contacts already and its nice to learn with like minded people.
I have learned alot already too. I have had many "aha" moments in class where you realize why your company does the stupid stuff it does or stuff it should be doing. That's what's nice about the evening MBA, you can apply stuff you learn in the classroom on monday night to things you work on tuesday morning.
good luck.

thanks for the responses fellas, pretty sure I'm just gonna apply for the part time program and worry about doing it if I actually get accepted