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24 Jun 2013, 12:45
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I am new to this whole forum thing, but I would love to lay out a bit of my situation and see what you fine folks have to say. Currently, I am working full time as an account representative at an environmental service firm(a good job,) but have recently discovered (through a variety of situations/books/experiences) that my passion lies in a combination of finance, small business and non-profit consulting, and private equity management. Now, I am in the midst of studying for the GMAT and I see a big benefit to the knowledge I could obtain and connections I could make from going to a respected B-school (For me this would mean getting into Ross (as I live in Michigan) or possibly the online program from UNC...or any other suggested programs?) From what I have been reading, everyone seems to say that the full time programs produce more benefit for the student than those of a part-time MBA. Do most people agree with that sentiment? Secondly, is working full time in my current job a possiblity while doing a weekend/online MBA? And lastly, what do folks recommend about getting letters of recommendation when you are essentially saying to your employer, "I want you to endorse me to go to business school so I can pursue my passion in a different area."
If you have any insight on these inquiries I would love to get your feedback! Thanks!
If you have any insight on these inquiries I would love to get your feedback! Thanks!
24 Jun 2013, 21:15
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Hi Scott!
Welcome to the forum! Thanks for providing a little background on where you're headed and what you are looking for in an MBA. If you are restricted by geography, you could do a lot worse than going after Ross. Personally, I think that program is fantastic and better than its ranking suggestions. If you're in Michigan and are already looking at an online degree, you may want to consider a part time program in Chicago (e.g. Kellogg or Booth). It's possible but it's a lot of time spent going back and forth. Something to consider though!
However, to your point about FT vs. PT, it really comes down to what you're using an MBA for. If you're staying where you are, then PT is generally ok. Or if funding is a huge concern. However, if you're looking to switch careers (like you are) then FT is the way to go. You get more experiences, the internship, and structure around the career search process. If FT is possible, I am a strong advocate for it. It isn't right for everyone but I think it would help you far more than a PT program.
To your second question about working during a PT or weekend program - yes. You can. Tons of folks do it every day and while it will be busy, it's designed to be do-able.
To your final point - engaging your recommenders is a little art and a little science. For example, you don't have to tell them your short and long term goals and, if you don't, you have to make sure they're prepped to not mention them at all. You don't want to have the issue where your essays say one thing and your recommender another. On the other hand, if your recommender really is a table pounder - be honest with them and soften the blow. If, however, you feel neither of these solutions are good ones, then don't reach out to them. Find substitutes that are equally impactful and explain it in the optional essay. But know this - you won't be the first person to ask an existing employer to endorse a career change, and you won't be the last!
I hope this helps and if you have any other questions - please let me know!
Bhavik
Welcome to the forum! Thanks for providing a little background on where you're headed and what you are looking for in an MBA. If you are restricted by geography, you could do a lot worse than going after Ross. Personally, I think that program is fantastic and better than its ranking suggestions. If you're in Michigan and are already looking at an online degree, you may want to consider a part time program in Chicago (e.g. Kellogg or Booth). It's possible but it's a lot of time spent going back and forth. Something to consider though!
However, to your point about FT vs. PT, it really comes down to what you're using an MBA for. If you're staying where you are, then PT is generally ok. Or if funding is a huge concern. However, if you're looking to switch careers (like you are) then FT is the way to go. You get more experiences, the internship, and structure around the career search process. If FT is possible, I am a strong advocate for it. It isn't right for everyone but I think it would help you far more than a PT program.
To your second question about working during a PT or weekend program - yes. You can. Tons of folks do it every day and while it will be busy, it's designed to be do-able.
To your final point - engaging your recommenders is a little art and a little science. For example, you don't have to tell them your short and long term goals and, if you don't, you have to make sure they're prepped to not mention them at all. You don't want to have the issue where your essays say one thing and your recommender another. On the other hand, if your recommender really is a table pounder - be honest with them and soften the blow. If, however, you feel neither of these solutions are good ones, then don't reach out to them. Find substitutes that are equally impactful and explain it in the optional essay. But know this - you won't be the first person to ask an existing employer to endorse a career change, and you won't be the last!
I hope this helps and if you have any other questions - please let me know!
Bhavik
24 Jun 2013, 21:56
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scottd123
Hey there dude,
Sooo you have many choices here and I can understand the confusion. First of all, if possible I'd recommend you avoid online programs. Sure, you can learn a lot about business, but a brick and mortar is about a LOT more than that. For me, the best thing I took away from my MBA was the my contact with the people. And without that as well it's hard to justify spending the money on a program (there are many other reasons too, but this is the main one). Part-time programs can be great if you want to stay within your region AND either a) your company is sponsoring you or b) you can't for whatever reason take a full-time MBA, and are usually more appropriate if you want to stay in the same path and get a wee boost. Otherwise if you want to make a jump in your career, it's the full-time MBA which I would recommend.
For full-time programs, there are pleeeeeenty of amazing places to go, and Ross and UNC are a good start. With your goals, almost any school would be reasonable, so you need to think in terms of where you can get in, as well as fit.
Hope this clarifies things for you a bit man,
