Working part time during B-school?

Question

I have always wondered what the protocol is on having some sort of job/income during a full-time MBA program. Is it possible do some people currently do it and can share their story? I know a majority of bills will be handled through loans but wondering if time allows for a part time or weekend job during b-school?

phlaym39 · Answer

It depends on the school, but in most cases, you're trading time for the most useful part of b-school - networking, whether it's for meeting recruiters and employers or for getting to know your fellow classmates through extra-murals.

Admissionado · Answer

+1!

mgg234 · Answer

The only time people work during FT business school, and this is rare, if they take an internship in the industry they hope to transition into. Working for spending money is an extremely bad choice and has a massively negative ROI.

brandon432 · Answer

Most people find the opportunity cost (class, clubs, travel, social events) far outweighs the financial benefit. I've found trying to keep regular hours would be a nightmare.

stevenfuqua · Answer

Full time MBA? Well, it depends.

If you're sponsored, then yes. Although, I'd probably just spend the extra free time not recruiting on all the other amazing opportunities an MBA would offer.

If you're a first year, then no. You'll spend your time recruiting, networking, studying, and likely topped off with an experiential project or two.

If you're a second year, then maybe. If you've gotten a job offer from the internship, some companies will hire students part time. At Fuqua, admissions fellows are paid for their time, so I guess you could consider that "work" in a sense, although I think we are entirely motivated intrinsically.

In sum, it's possible, but you need to consider the opportunity cost of all the wonderful long-term investments you could make during the MBA.

Working part time during B-school?

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