A part-time program is one of the fastest growing trends in MBA education today. It is an excellent way to learn the necessary skill set to progress within the area of business administration. Despite what its name might imply, a part-time program can efficiently provide you with a firm foundation to enjoy a long, lucrative and successful career in your field of specialty.
ADVANTAGES
Courses in a part-time program are scheduled throughout the year. Some schools hold their classes during the weekends, while others arrange theirs at night after normal working hours. Here are some of the reasons why part-time MBA programs are popular among the working class.
- Flexible Schedule
The main selling point of part-time MBA courses is their increased flexibility compared to other types of MBA programs. Those who don’t have the time or resources to commit to a full-time program will greatly benefit from the convenient schedule of a part-time MBA course. Classes are usually short and scheduled at night, but they still provide the relevant information to help your career get over the hump.
- Keep Your Employment
Since classes are held outside normal business hours, a part-time MBA program allows full-time workers to concentrate on their careers without interruption. Additionally, many part-time courses also focus on real-world problems so you could immediately apply them to your current work the very next day.
Since every professional is too busy to stop their current job and go through a concentrated traditional program, a part-time version is exactly what they need to further their career. Even if you aren’t employed and simply busy with home commitments, a part-time program won’t be too grueling to complete. By the end of the program, you might be surprised to find out that your career prospects have accelerated even while you are still studying.
- Lighter Load
As part of its flexible schedule, part-time programs require fewer and lighter courses compared to its full-time counterpart. This also lets you concentrate on your career without worrying about your performance in school. Still, the curriculum teaches you what you need to know to advance your career.
- Lower Expenses
Another key advantage of earning an MBA degree on a part-time basis is the low cost it requires. Since classes are held all year and usually two to three hours a day only, the cost is dispersed over a longer period of time. This deal becomes even sweeter if you are also working at the same time. This way, you continue to earn money without taking on unwanted debt. Furthermore, loan money is available for students who qualify, as well as tuition fee reimbursement for eligible employees. (Tips on how to get a student loan)
DISADVANTAGES
Before getting too excited about the prospects of an MBA degree while keeping your employment, there are several things you should also consider. Here are the biggest flaws of enrolling in a part-time MBA program.
- Limited Career Opportunities
A significant number of employers give a lower weight on a part-time MBA degree and prefer those who took the traditional route. Additionally, many placement offices are closed during nighttime, which is when part-time students are usually on campus. Similarly, internship opportunities are limited because summer breaks are very short. It would also be difficult transferring to a full-time program because most schools do not accept credits from a part-time curriculum.
- Very Long Schedule
One of the advantages of a part-time schedule also works against it. Although classes are lighter in load and convenient for full-time workers, this means you have to endure the same schedule for four to five years before earning your MBA degree. Don’t forget that school breaks are one to two weeks long at most. This easy, but very long schedule may eventually bring out the impatience in you and tempt you to quit the program altogether. You need to pour in maximum dedication and commitment if you want to complete this lengthy course.
- No Specialization
After learning the basic skills and knowledge to effectively lead or manage an organization, that’s it. Part-time programs rarely include specialization in their curriculum. Although it includes a core body of knowledge, only a handful of part-time courses follow it up with a more concentrated look into a specific field of study.
- No Scholarships
Considering that you have a job and the daily costs of a part-time MBA program are affordable, you probably shouldn’t apply for a scholarship any longer. Even if you do, you likely won’t be given one because scholarship institutions assume that you are employed and can manage the expenses over time.
Before regretting any decision, make sure to check if companies accept an MBA degree from a part-time program. A part-time MBA course is an excellent opportunity for those who want to maintain their career, while boosting it at the same time.