Full-Time 1-Year MBA

An MBA degree is one of the best ways to advance your career. If you belong to a very competitive industry, this postgraduate degree will make you stand out above the rest. This invaluable tool can transform you from a mid-level employee to the company vice president in a short amount of time.

ADVANTAGES

A one-year MBA program actually takes about 11 to 16 months to complete. The schedule may be shorter, but that doesn’t mean the quality of education is reduced as well. Here are several reasons why you should take that one-year MBA course.

• Short Schedule

Although the amount of class hours in this program is compressed, you acquire the same skill set provided by a two-year MBA program. You undergo the same courses, organizational development and leadership training similar to students from a traditional course.

• Lower Costs

Another factor that makes a one-year MBA course attractive is the reduced total costs it requires. The longer you study full-time, the expenses associated with it increases as well. Additionally, the opportunity cost of employment is less with an accelerated program because you only need to leave work for a year. It isn’t surprising that many employers prefer to sponsor the less expensive one-year program than its two-year counterpart.

• Same Education

One-year and two-year programs impart the same core value, skills and knowledge. Other aspects between the two programs that are also equal include career advancement opportunities, core subjects, quality education and peer connections. The best part is that you can apply everything you learned after studying them for one year.

• Intense Competition

Since there is no time to waste in a one-year program, the learning environment is more focused and intense. This encourages faster development that goes beyond normal classroom learning. The healthy competition forces you to step up and match the intensity of your classmates. The bond you create with other MBA students often carries over after graduation, which will benefit your career in the future.

LIMITATIONS

A one-year MBA program is not for everybody. Below are several aspects of the curriculum that often discourage students from pursuing their MBA degree.

• Brutal Schedule

Since you only have 11 to 16 month to learn everything taught in a conventional MBA course, the lessons and exams increase in difficulty very quickly. As a result, there are no lengthy breaks during the study period, making it impossible to apply for an internship. Getting a job, even part-time, is nearly impossible to manage because you must devote all your efforts to the MBA program if you want to obtain a degree by the end of the year.

• No Recognition

Some employers that require an MBA for career advancement give little bearing to one-year MBA diplomas and prefer the traditional program instead. Before enrolling into an accelerated curriculum, make sure the company you plan to apply for after graduation supports this type of program.

• Strict Requirements

Acquiring an MBA degree under just one year is a tough task. That is why many one-year programs screen applicants very tightly. You need to have a very impressive academic record or employment history to get admitted into this program. Business schools want to make sure that they give the slot to someone who deserves to be in the program.

Earning an MBA degree is difficult regardless of the type of program you choose. For now, identify your objectives and the steps you should take in order to achieve them. If you want to climb the corporate ladder quickly, then enrolling full-time in a one-year MBA program is your safest bet.