Evening versus Full time MBA?

Question

Hello everyone,

I'm in the midst of GMAT studying and am still very torn between an Evening or Full time MBA. Anyone who has experience or friends with experience that could give advice on which way to go? I understand the difference in ability to work, work life balance, ability to focus on studies, etc... but I would like to hear other real experience that could sway my decision.

Thanks,
RR

CobraKai · Answer

The biggest question I have is: are you trying to make a career switch? I am, which is why I'm opting for the full-time route this fall and didn't even consider a part-time program.

I know of some other military officers who finished their MBAs either online or at PT programs while in the service and when they left, they ended up in government jobs that didn't really require an MBA. These folks thought an MBA would open a world of opportunity, but without any internship experience in a new field (and getting an MBA from rather mediocre programs), they were stuck doing what they know...government service.

The other major drawback for me doing the PT program is I've never lived in an area with a reputable PT program (i.e. NYC, LA, Chicago, SF, etc). That's another consideration as where you currently live limits where you can go to B-school PT. If you live in one of the cities I mentioned and aren't switching careers, a PT program might be right up your alley. If you're looking to switch or need to move to go to a top program, the FT route might be better.

First things first, though...kill the GMAT! Good luck!

txguy · Answer

There are two imporatnt questions to ask yourself:
1. Can you go for a full time MBA? (no financial or family obligations).
2. Are you looking to switch careers? (A lot of PT students are also able to switch careers with success from the top 20 programs)

If the answer to question no. 1 is an absolute "No" then you have no option other than to go for PT MBA. Having said that, it is not entirely impossible for people to switch careers in a PT program. I have talked to a lot of people who have made the switch successfully (for my research). Networking will be the key in addition to a top tier program.

If you can go for FT MBA then I would suggest do that.

Redrabbit87 · Answer

Thanks for both of your answers. I haven't yet decided if I am going for a career switch, I was hoping the MBA would help guide me. I live in Seattle which has a good PT program at the University of Washington (that I'm a shoe in for), and currently work in consulting, and MC would be a very easy shift for me. I have no obligations or financial obstacles to going for either PT of FT. Mostly considering the value of either post-graduate.

Is either PT or FT more or less valued in the job market afterwards? Is it easier to build networks and connections in either format?

Is either PT or FT more or less valued in the job market afterwards? Is it easier to build networks and connections in either format?

CobraKai · Answer

FT will help you in two ways:

1) You can aim for programs higher than U-Dub
2) Since you're going FT, you'll be spending a lot of time recruiting and networking: reaching out to alums at your target companies, going to company presentations, putting in for on-campus interviews, joining career focused clubs where 2nd years will mentor you in your internship search, etc, etc.

The networking and recruting in a PT program is more difficult since your time will be eaten up by your job and academics. Also, the summer internship is huge. Some folks that have a consulting background and plan to do that post-MBA actually try to intern in a different industry (CPG, financial services, etc) so that they can bring that knowledge with them back to the consulting side of the house.

Best of luck on whatever you decide. Get that GMAT out of the way, then start rollin'.

txguy · Answer

Let's put it this way - A majority of employers favor FT MBA graduates because most of them are looking for candidates with 5-6 years of experience and PT Programs in general have more experienced professionals. Besides, as Cobrakai said - internships, networking, and extra face-time with your targeted employers.

Evening versus Full time MBA?

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