Can you do part-time MBA without telling your employer

Question

My employer thinks MBA is not required for doing current job and he thinks its a signal that I am planning to leave the firm. 
1. Are there any legal consequences such as moonlighting ?
2. I heard that some companies put you in layoff list if they come to know you are doing MBA on the side.

Does anyone have experience/suggestions ?

Thanks in advance,
Awaravin.

kingfalcon · Answer

1) I'm no lawyer, but I seriously doubt moonlighting is against the law unless. However, it may be against the terms of your employment contract. 
2) If you really believe that your firm looks down upon those getting MBAs because they think they will leave shortly, then yes, it stands to reason those folks would be easier layoff targets.

Admissionado · Answer

I could see why firms wouldn't like that you don't tell them about a full-time MBA, but why would they see you doing a part-time MBA as negative? After all,t hey would be benefiting from your new-found knowledge? Or do they not like the ambitious???

NateM · Answer

A very important thing to consider is that pretty much 100% of part time programs explicitly want a letter of recommendation from your direct supervisor if you've been at your job for over 6 months. Not having one would be a red flag, I should think.

awaravin · Answer

Jon,

In certain fields, you are required to work in the evenings and weekends, not only 9 to 5. Doing a part-time would naturally reduce your availability after hours and thus indirectly impact your productivity. Also, if the current group doesn't have opportunities to use skills provided by an MBA and
needs its working horses focused on goals then MBA is an unnecessary distraction which would could indicate your future plans to find a job in a new field.

They would be happy to fund your education in technical fields where the skills you gain can benefit your day to day work.

Nate,

Thanks for that important point, I realized that recently and checked with schools. UCLA said, in an email, its OK to not have one, Haas website says if are not getting recommendation from current employer you need to tell why, Booth doesn't have that requirement. I am talking with kelloggs and waiting to hear back from them.
I see that you are doing Haas EWMBA program, Do you know of anyone in your class who didn't get a recommendation from their direct supervisor ?

Thanks,
Awaravin.

gmatmember85 · Answer

dedsfs

Can you do part-time MBA without telling your employer

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards