Newbie question

Question

Hello,

A newbie to these forums and already enlightened.

I have around 10 years experience in software dev and IT with an increasing progression of managerial responsibilities. I am in the mid 30s and am concerned if that's a negative for these full time MBA progs. I am pretty confident I can do 700+ on the GMAT and am planning to apply for fall 2011.

Also, what's the take on the one year full time MBA programs? While it is better for my career stage to do part time, I think I cannot do justice to that with my work load and family. Getting oneself away from this for a full time sounds more productive. A 2 year again is a lot of opportunity cost lost and am hence inclined to do one year FT MBA. Sounds like the options are Cornell and Kellogg in the US and INSEAD etc overseas.

Any suggestions on the ones in the US?

Regards

InCaseYouAsked · Answer

Might want to consider exec programs. You'll have more people at your career level, opportunity cost won't be as great.

gundu · Answer

Incase, thanks for the response. I am concerned with the exec programs being for people with a lot more experience, sort of at the Director level. At least, in my company those are the kind who do it. How uncommon is it to get into a full time MBA at this age? also any inputs on the one year FT programs I talked about?

InCaseYouAsked · Answer

Try giving the adcom of exec programs a call, they'd love to sell you on the program (try calling schools you probably wouldn't apply to, easy way to get information without being nervous). As far as one-year programs go, I don't really have good info to share / opine on. Look around these boards or check out the school's websites. Best bet is probably to find some club websites of your target schools and set up an info call with a current student. They're usually more than glad to do it. Best of luck.

SBbound · Answer

I've done some research on one year programs. I think a one year program is a good option for someone who is going to back to his/her industry or at least has experience in the desired post MBA career and wants to get in/out quickly. In the one year program you're getting through much quicker and therefore maximizing ROI while minimizing the opportunity cost of lost salary. However, you're missing out on the summer internship opportunity and the extra time for extracurriculars, networking, and maybe going on an international trip?

For older applicants European programs tend to be a good option as they typically have a higher avg. age and many are one year. Wharton seems to have a reputation for having older applicants as well.

For older applicants European programs tend to be a good option as they typically have a higher avg. age and many are one year. Wharton seems to have a reputation for having older applicants as well.

lonewolf · Answer

Agree with SB here. I you want to switch industry or field, the 2 year option MBA is better. If you want to stay in the same industry, I think the one year option gives you best ROI

poet · Answer

For what it's worth, I am 35, have a kid, and was just accepted to Oxford SBS - a one-year program. Looking back, it is unambiguously clear that stopping work to get my master's was the right choice, and I fully expect to have 20-30 good years of work in me after getting the degree. I'm going to be 36 anyway - why not be 36 with an Oxford MBA?

Of course, I am looking at social entrepreneurship anyway, so I am not the type to bust out the spreadsheet and see if taking a year off swings my lifetime earnings by x%.

Also, my manager got a Ross EMBA, and was firmly convinced that one couldn't make the connections to capitalize on it with such a part-time limited experience.

Good luck either way.

- The Poet

gundu · Answer

Thanks guys for the perspective. Most of my work experience has been building and implementing ERP software in the mfg&supply chain space. I may not drastically change my field to Finance or marketing but would most certainly like to move over to the business side of things as a supply chain director or some such position. But missing out on the extra curriculars particularly rankles me with these one year MBA programs. wonder how programs like INSEAD, IED, oxford etc manage this balance? Any thoughts?

Also Poet, congratualtions on the Oxford admit. Are you from the US? If yes, how are you working on the move to the UK with the family? If it's personal, please ignore the question. :D

Also Poet, congratualtions on the Oxford admit. Are you from the US? If yes, how are you working on the move to the UK with the family? If it's personal, please ignore the question. :D

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