33 Years - advantages of getting part time MBA at this age

Question

What are the risks/rewards of applying for MBA when you are 33 years and hoping to complete part time MBA 3 years later at 36. Please advice....

RVD · Answer

hmmm...i'll answer this since i'm in a similar situation.

Risks:
takes a lot of time to study / juggle work, family, school
costs a lot of money
the MBA may or may not help you in the long run depending on your career goals and objectives
possible opportunity cost loss by focusing on school and reducing your focus on work

Rewards:
33 isn't that old and 36 isn't that old. Assuming that you work until 60, you'll have the benefit of your MBA for 24 years.
Depending on how much more you think you can get paid, the MBA will pay for itself + more.
lots of learning and gaining of new knowledge
many more connections established
potential for higher pay
potential for industry change

I think in general, the rewards far outweigh the risks. but then again, you're talking to a guy who decided that getting an MBA (i'm 35 now) is worth it so i just started at the Wharton MBA for Executives programs.

RVD.

kidderek · Answer

This is so true. You always think you're older than you actually are. To me, 50 seems ancient. I think I will barely be able to walk around w/o pain. But of course, that's not true. 33 is not old. It's certainly not the same as being 25, but that's a good thing.

rg1495 · Answer

I am in the same boat, turning 33 next month and thinking of pursuing MBA. But, I think this is the only stage in my life where I can appreciate and realize the need for an MBA education. Anything before that would have been useless or too premature. I am going with the same logic that I will work till 60. So, think of it this way, you have worked for 10 years so far with another 24years more to go.....MBA at this age is probably the best time to do it because only now you understand how organizations work......just my 2 cents

yubjun · Answer

Well said. Although, I think MBA is like 401k in that the benefit of it compounds as each day passes after you get your degree, it's better to start late than never.

nink · Answer

Perhaps you should consider executive MBA programs. Your clasmates should be around your age/experience plus its easier to get in.

hanumayamma · Answer

I think I like "yubjun" comment. It is better to start late than never.

My 2cents

I am also in the same boat. Personally, I am feeling I reached peak of my Software Development career - Software Architect. Any next step from this point involves Management. It is better to have a management degree as it provides wide options to grow - irrespective of age than peaking in one line of profession.

spgny · Answer

Agreed....you are never too old to learn and I personally think that MBA is more suited to someone in their 30s w experience..plus you will probably be working longer since 401k and SS will be less than we think...

lalitnookala · Answer

I am starting to prepare for MBA (took the diagnostic test) and I have decided to go for Part-Time. I have 3 years of experience in Software development, handled small projects on my own and have a MS in Computer Science. One of the reasons that I want to do MBA is, just because I want to. I hear all the classes they have and the challenges that are presented in the classes. It is one of the two education degrees that you can get to help you in real life situation, other being Medicine. :wink:

Another reason that I want to go for Part-Time is that I want to hold on to the job that I have.

33 Years - advantages of getting part time MBA at this age

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