Manbilla's Decision of a Lifetime

Question

Alright guys what do you think. Ross full time, tons of debt.

Chicago/Kellogg Saturday program at least 50% employer sponsorship + I get a promotion come fall.

Yes I know I am lame for asking.

Here's the story..... Have a good job that I enjoy. Make good money, and am happy living in this area. Would have to drive to Chicago (2.5 hours) every Saturday for 2.5 years. Or I go back full time lose about 10k selling my hosue and incur massive debt.

Most of you know the rest of my story.

Let's hear it.

Raabend · Answer

Dude, part time. That is a great option for you! I didnt even know you had been considering that......and I thought we were homies.

young_gun · Answer

this scenario actually exists? if yes, then i vote part time program for sure.

terp26 · Answer

part time, but do not envy your weekly commute. That would get old, fast.

nink · Answer

Definitely PT. But you didn't apply to either Kellogg or Booth PT yet, have you??? :?:

flood · Answer

PT program. Easy decision if it were my decision to make. You will have a better "brand name" MBA with no debt...

If the commute starts to wear on you, just go out and buy a new BMW to make it more comfortable.

RahlowJenkins · Answer

Come to Michigan, take a risk!

I guarentee the football will be better this year than last.

isa · Answer

Are you admitted to the PT program or would you apply in the fall for starting in 2010? Not sure what the timelines are

fatb · Answer

I think you are a career switcher, ya?
At least functionally... you wanted to switch.

The drawback of going to PT is not being able to use the career offices of the schools.
If you are OK with that then I'd say go for PT

bostonsparky · Answer

Hi Manbilla-

When I got my engineering masters I did a program similar to the PT ones you are considering. Worked during the week then weekend class (however it was Fri/Sat every other week rather than Sat every week, something I could do working a gov't schedule). The PT will win any cost/benefit analysis you decide to run hands down. I guess its a question of how much you want the FT lifestyle. The networking, the MBA related clubs, the college experience. If you like your current job, are happy in your current home, sounds as if you are not looking to transition too much.

You will, however, find yourself really cramped in terms of routine and doing fun stuff in life such as traveling / recreational activities. Losing almost every saturday day of your life for 2.5 years is a BIG consideration. It still might be worth it if you are comfortable in your current lifestyle. But just something to keep in mind.

GoBruin · Answer

From BW https://forums.businessweek.com/n/pfx/fo ... &tid=79934 I would choose Kellogg/Booth part-time programs over the full-time programs that you mentioned. Brand matters a lot in the MBA world. Some top PT programs also enable you to take a transfer to FT program after the 1st year. If you are interested to change your career, go definitely for an internship. During your first year, try for an internship with your full-time buddies. If you get an internship in your top/dream company, then your post-MBA options will be easy. Best of luck! www.InterviewBay.com - Get Ready For the Interview MBA | Finance | Consulting | General Mgmt

rhyme · Answer

Voted PT. Given the massive strength of the alumni network (Booth) at your firm, there's really no debate in my mind.

lsuguy7 · Answer

This doesn't sound like a career change - I voted PT because I see no reason to take on all the debt and 2.5 hrs isn't that bad especially if you like your job and the area.

riverripper · Answer

I said make the decision on your own since personally I think all school decisions should be personal...maybe with input from family and significant other...and a mentor or two if you have them. We dont know you nearly as well as those people do, so take whatever is voted on here with a grain of salt and make the decision on your own ignoring everything said in this thread haha.

That said:
If I were in your position and knew where I wanted to be and a PT would be just as likely to get me there as a FT program I would go I would look at doing K/B PT on weekends. Especially if your company will foot the bill or at least some of it. You can do it in 3 to 4 years which is longer but you can keep moving along in your career. I know some PT people get promoted as they continue along.

isa · Answer

I voted PT

I would just make sure that your gf/family knows of the commitment it will take and that it will mean not being available on weekends and such.

kwam · Answer

I'm like RR. I didn't vote, but if I did it would have been the 3rd option :lol:

This quarter - no, wait it's over, anyway - I took classes at Gleacher Center on Wednesday nights. Besides the smaller classes, older chairs, and people coming from work a bit late, I'd say that it is the same thing. Yes, people don't "bond" that much, you won't make perhaps as many connections as in a Full Time program, but in terms of education I believe it is the same. That said, I just can't believe how people can work and still study, seriously, I had my final today on Financial Instruments (read derivatives) it was hard, pretty hard. I remember somebody here taking a Wharton PT program who said that it was hard, and I agree, in Booth, Kellogg, Wharton and other schools at the same caliber, faculty won't give you a break because you're a PT or a Weekend student, actually I've heard from one professor that sometimes he'd expect more (because of experience in the field). Oh, and remember that for some classes you will have group meetings. I managed this quarter to have "virtual" group meetings through skype, as everybody in my group was really busy with recruiting, but it was Applied Regression Analysis, which is pretty much math, if it were Competitive Strategy or Marketing for instance I couldn't have done so. Is it 2.5 hours both ways or each? If it is both ways that's roughly 10 days of commuting :shock:

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