Is PT MBA even worth doing, for my case?

Question

Hi
 I have been working as a software engineer for the past 8 yrs in and around san jose. I hold a B.S and an M.S in Mechanical Engg. Yeah, I know, Mechanical engineering jobs were very hard to find during the late 2000's and so I jumped to software just before the dot-com bubble burst!

here are my questions...

1) I'm actually bored of working purely in the software industry. Would a part-time MBA (preferably in marketing) help me switch to a better career? 
2) I have only a 3.0 GPA from M.S which was from a US school. The B.S is from India. Is it wise to assume my 8+yrs work exp will compensate for that? 
3) If I need to send in transcripts, do schools need my B.S transcripts or the latest US transcripts should do? Or do the reqs vary by school? 
4) I'm already earning 110K + Bonus. Will a Part-time MBA get me a better paying job? Better in the sense at least a 50K raise?

I plan to take the GMAT either Aug or Sep this year. It has to be a part-time MBA because I just bought a home last year and paying $3K+ mortgage. Plus, I have a 3 yr old and so, the school has to be in san jose. Other than Santa clara and San jose st univ, what other options do I have?

thanks much for any help!
Sam

Pathfinder · Answer

I have to doubt that local school PT program is going to get you a 50k raise in salary. There are certain PT programs capable of doing something like that, but they are much better brand names.

Furthermore, if you want career switc, especially in this tough times, full time MBA would be much better option. If you can't afford it, which I understand - with 110k + bomus salary opportunity costs would've kill you - it is much better for you to pursue PT from the best possible school you can reach.

emperorblack · Answer

Thanks for the reply. If I understand correctly, your advice is that if I'm gonna do PT MBA, do it from a good school (i.e not Santa clara or San jose) or not do it at all.

Pathfinder · Answer

Unfortunately, something like that... 1. For career swith and 50k salary increase you need well regarded full-time MBA 2. For 50k salry increase inside your current industry you need well regarded, or should I say, top notch part-time program 3. Third option... Well, third option would be to sit and enjoy your current, well paid job. Not bad at all, if you ask me

But, part-time MBA from local school... It won't give you nothing you already don't have, except additional debt.

phoenix09 · Answer

I think it is first important to determine if you would enjoy the coursework and experience. If you are going to be miserable spending 3 hrs in class after work, 2x a week, and studying weekends (neglecting family) for 2-4 years...then it might not be worth it...

topher · Answer

I think another consideration is you have to really determine what the MBA will do for you. It seems like you want to mix marketing with your software experience and get a 50k raise. Well how will an MBA help you achieve all of those things? In all honesty, I don't know how much value an MBA would be for your goals. But as Pathfinder said, go to a well-respected program, or don't go at all.

Is PT MBA even worth doing, for my case?

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