Is fulll-time or part-time better in pursing a MBA? And how long should you wait after undergrad to apply?

Question

Pursing MBA in the Marketing Field?

Answer 1

If you can get into a top 30 program, then full time is best. It takes two years out of your life -- but the reward is great. If you can get into a top 15 program, then you should have several six figure offers when you get out.

The top programs want three to five years of work experience.

If you can't get into a ranked program, then it isn't worth the money to go full time. It might be worth going part time if your company pays for it. In my opinion, an MBA from a program that is not ranked does not do much more for you than a BS in business would do.

Answer 2

I agree with Ranto re: the full time/part time decision - if you can get into a top ranked program, you can go full time, and that can be worth it. If you get into a lower ranked program, go part time while working, because taking time off from your career to complete their MBA won't be worth it. But he and I do differ - I think that getting a part time MBA from a lower ranked program can be valuable, so long as the program is decently ranked, is AACSB accredited, and has a good rep in the region in which you plan to work.

In some cases, the MBA can get you a bump in salary. In other cases, it can gain you entry into fields, such as product management, for which an MBA is often a requirement. And in yet other cases, it can allow you to transition from one field to another (and such transitions, other than after an MBA, are very difficult.) I did this - I used my MBA move from IT to consumer goods marketing. This would not have been possible without the MBA.

But the reputation of your program does matter. Try to get into as well ranked a program as you can, and one with a good rep in your region. In addition, make sure that its is AACSB accredited, and don't go if it is not. Too many employers won't hire non-AACSB accredited MBAs.

And yes, do wait to apply. Most good programs want you to have at least two years of full time, professional level work experience before you apply.

Answer 3

part time.be a graduate first