rgupta83
I thought I would share my thoughts on the 1YR program as there has been some chatter about it. The 1YR program is for individuals that are not career switchers. This program is focused on students that need an MBA to move to the next level of their current career path. I would not recommend this for anyone who is trying to switch careers or make major career jumps.
The reason a majority of the class is sponsored, is because they are getting the MBA to move up within. Thus the company is willing to pay for them to go as long as they return. The 1 year program works great in their minds because they get a strong Kellogg network, and only lose a rock star performer for a year.
I would not apply to the 1YR program unless I was already working in the industry I want to be in for sure. It is really focused on individuals that need the network and degree to progress in their current line of work.
I know people may disagree, but just thought I would share my point of view for those that are still deciding between the 1YR and 2YR programs.
Rgupta83,
Infact I agree with you. I have the same impression. It is not good for people who want to make major career swtiches. Ideally, if you are already in the industry you want to be in, then the program makes a lot of sense. In this case your past work experience weighs heavily. For people who want to make major career switches, the 2Y option offers a lot of flexibility and hence makes more sense. Infact Kellogg explicitly states the same on their website.
I am particularly motivated by the 1Y program because:
1. I intend to be in the same industry I am currently working in.
2. Cost. I am from India. MBA is a significant investment. If I have to come back to India post my 1Y MBA, the ROI will be faster and definitely easier to manage.
3. 1 Year... the entire curriculum is flexible. Where you can focus only on electives that you want to study.
4. Essentially all the same opportunities as the 2 Year MBA apart from Internship. Which definitely puts you at a slight disadvantage because internships are a gr8 way to get placed in the US. From where I see it, even without the internship, the Kellogg brand will definitely assist in finding jobs.
So just my opinion on this. Just some info that I have gathered from online resources and Kellogg website.