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  • January 4, 2004 at 4:02 pm #21541
    efogel
    Participant

    Hi –
    I am struggling with the decision of whether to apply for business school as a fulltime or a part time student. I know that applications for top ranked schools are nearly passed and I would therefore be looking at middle tier schools in the Boston area (Babson is my top choice) for the fall 2004 semester.

    I currently work as an analyst for a Boston-based boutique consulting firm specializing in government transportation. I have worked at this company for 3 years since graduating college in Canada. I enjoy my job and see a potential for growth at this company. A fulltime MBA appeals to me because of the immersed learning experience, the chance for a higher salary upon graduating (is this true for non-top 10 schools?), the shorter timeframe for graduation, and the networking opportunities. The biggest fear I have regarding full-time program is the ability to afford it and the fear of having to look for a new job afterwards.

    Part-time appeals to me because I would be able to retain my salary (and current cost of living) and continue to work at a job I like very much. (Although I am not sure that after four years of MBA studies, I will want to stay at this company.) However, I am concerned of being able to balance studies and business travel and am not thrilled by the idea that the degree might take upwards of 4 years to complete. I am concerned that by leaving this job to pursue a fulltime degree I will be putting myself in a position where I will obviously have to find a new job (and a new visa since I am Canadian).

    What in your opinion should be my deciding factor? What should weigh the heaviest in this decision. Your advice is much appreciated.

    Erin Fogel

    January 4, 2004 at 5:53 pm #26387
    AdmissionsConsultants
    Moderator

    Hi Erin and thanks for your inquiry.

    Hi –
    I am struggling with the decision of whether to apply for business school as a fulltime or a part time student. I know that applications for top ranked schools are nearly passed and I would therefore be looking at middle tier schools in the Boston area (Babson is my top choice) for the fall 2004 semester.

    I currently work as an analyst for a Boston-based boutique consulting firm specializing in government transportation. I have worked at this company for 3 years since graduating college in Canada. I enjoy my job and see a potential for growth at this company. A fulltime MBA appeals to me because of the immersed learning experience, the chance for a higher salary upon graduating (is this true for non-top 10 schools?), the shorter timeframe for graduation, and the networking opportunities. The biggest fear I have regarding full-time program is the ability to afford it and the fear of having to look for a new job afterwards.

    Part-time appeals to me because I would be able to retain my salary (and current cost of living) and continue to work at a job I like very much. (Although I am not sure that after four years of MBA studies, I will want to stay at this company.) However, I am concerned of being able to balance studies and business travel and am not thrilled by the idea that the degree might take upwards of 4 years to complete. I am concerned that by leaving this job to pursue a fulltime degree I will be putting myself in a position where I will obviously have to find a new job (and a new visa since I am Canadian).

    What in your opinion should be my deciding factor? What should weigh the heaviest in this decision. Your advice is much appreciated.

    I think you have done a pretty good job of assessing the part-time versus full-time options and your decision should be a personal one. Any chance that your current employer may be willing to sponsor you for your MBA should also be considered – although you should be aware that a sponsorship normally means you have to commit to working for said employer for a specified number of years at a salary that will be less than your post-MBA ‘market rate’.

    Your decision to attend a top-tier versus second-tier program should be made based upon your future career goals (certain employers will be very reluctant to hire a second or third-tier MBA) and your opportunity costs of obtaining an MBA, i.e. if you are already earning a good salary and you intend to stay in consulting, a second-tier MBA will not be nearly as attractive as a top-tier MBA or foregoing an MBA altogether.

    You may also want to consider top-tier b-schools with part-time programs.

    Don’t hesitate to contact me directly if you would like to schedule an appointment with a consultant to discuss these issues in more detail as well as obtain an in-depth and brutally-honest assessment of your chances!

    Erin Fogel

    Best of luck with your decision and applications!

    Sincerely,

    David Petersam
    DPetersam@admissionsconsultants.com

    Admissions committee experience from the top b-schools

    AdmissionsConsultants
    703.242.5885

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