Is my experience sufficient for PART TIME MBA ?

Question

Hi Linda,

I am strongly considering to enroll in Part Time MBA in one of three universities (Univ of Chicago, Kellogs, UIUC - Listed in order of preference). 

I am not sure whether my experience is enough to qualify for Part Time program or not. I am listing my experience and educational profile. I shall appreciate a feedback from you on whether or not I qualify the candidature of a Part Time MBA student.

Experience Summary:-

â€¢Computer Programmer with a company in India (Pre-B.E) 17 months
â€¢Software Engineer with a company in India (Post- B.E) 12 months
â€¢Part Time â€“ Help Desk Assistant in US University(On-Campus) 10months 
â€¢Network Support Engineer in USA(Full Time Practical Training) 9 months 
â€¢Sales Engineer in USA(Full Time Post M.S) 12 months
â€¢Business Development Manager in USA(Post M.S, Pre-MBA) 2 months

Total 57 Months = 4 years & 9 months

* Part Time experience of 10 months = 5 months Full Time

Education Summary:-

â€¢M.S Telecommunications, USA 
â€¢B.E Electronics and Telecommunications, India

Best regards,
Mohit Gupta

Accepted.com · Answer

BTW, I don't think you can say 10 mos. part time is the same as 5 mos. full time. It's 10 mos. part-time.

You are a little on the low side for part-time programs, but not so low that lack of work experience would be an automatic disqualifier.

Good luck!

mohitguptask · Answer

Thanks Linda for the quick evaluation. I hope that I make up for the lack of experience with a good GMAT score.

I have another question which I'd like to seek a reply for, from you.

Usually, people join full time MBA programs to jumpstart their career in a totally new direction or to back up their business / technical experience by a strong business degree. 

As per the websites of most top schools, pursuing Part Time MBA (when you pay for it yourself) does'nt exclude you from the Career Development Services they offer to Full Time students.

I am in a situation where I love the job I do, I will like to progress within the same arena of work but with a stronger footing, but, at the same time, I want to utilize the network which students usually build when they undergo a full time program. Therefore, I expect the same potential benefit as a Full Time MBA, without giving up my current job.

Does choosing Part Time MBA put me at any sort of disadvantage?

I hope you will suitably adress this question.

Best regards,
Mohit Gupta

Accepted.com · Answer

Mohit,

One of the disadvantage of the part-time program is that it does not immerse you in the school culture. You are juggling multiple commitments and you simply don't have the time for all the extra-curriculars offered on campus. At the same time, you will meet and network as a matter of course with your classmates, and you will be continuing your progress at work and developing your netowrk there. But there is a trade-off in terms of the networking benefits of the full-time vs the part-time MBA.

Good luck!

mohitguptask · Answer

Hi Linda,

Thanks for your guidance. I will evaluate how I can ensure proper immersion in the MBA program. Since there are multiple factors involved in evaluating this, I shall make my decision of whether to go Part Time or not based on the actual school offering.

I hope this shall be a good approach to tackle the fix I am in. Thanks once again.

Best regards,
Mohit

Accepted.com · Answer

You're most welcome. Best wishes.

Is my experience sufficient for PART TIME MBA ?

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