I am graduating in December from undergrad, non-target, with an offer from a fortune top 50 company in their 2-year leadership development program (think GE's FMP). The company pays 100% of tuition/books/etc.. up front, so it is something I want to take advantage of. I am not positive what I want to do after the program, but I would stay if I got into a good department/something I like.
But, is it even worth doing an MBA if it is going to be part-time while working? I know a lot of people say you want the networking and job placement experiences from your MBA, which part-time or online programs won't have as much of. I'm not looking to get into IB or anything (at least not in the near future), so perhaps the placement won't matter too much, especially if I stay with the company.
What is the recommended course of action in this situation? If I do a program on campus, I would have few to choose from since I have to stay in state, or I could do an online/distance learning program at a better school. Should I do a MSF while in the 2-year program, and an MBA down the road? Or just go for the part-time MBA right away? Or neither?
IMO, the only school that has a part-time MBA program that is almost on part with it's FT program is University of Chicago. I would advise highly against getting an online/distance learning program.
Care to elaborate on your reasoning? Is it because it would be hard to get into an IB/HF/PE shop coming from a program like that? If so, that is not my goal so I'm looking for more general thoughts.
No need to start the ROI of an MBA debate but what is the point of having a mediocre degree from an online/distance learning type institution? As you mentioned, you will miss out on some of the most integral aspects of an MBA program which are collaborative group work, networking, and recruiting events. I personally think you should do neither and instead focus on building a career within the company and getting some experience under your belt. An MBA is worthless without some type of work experience as it is difficult to have any introspective idea as to what you would like to focus on and how the degree with further you career.
You might consider taking a few pre-mba courses at a local university if you are bent on having the company pay for some courses.
junkbondswap: What you say definitely makes sense. I am not persistent on having the company pay for school, I just saw it as a great opportunity, but if it isn't too beneficial then there is no point.
Honestly, in this environment, if ANYONE is offering to pay 100% of tuition, TAKE IT!
ask yourself if you want to stay at the same company. if yes, then do the MBA with them. if not, then don't bother. the point of a part time MBA is the accelerate your career at your current company. the point of a full time MBA is to change companies (with the exception of companies like consulting that require an MBA to progress).
Doing a distant learning MBA can enhance your team skills and your ability to work independently. Or at least this is what Mike Lucas, Associate Dean of the triple accredited Open University Business School, says.
http://www.businessbecause.com/business-school-news/distance-learning-m…
Genghiskhan answered this same question in a previous thread, but his answer didn't take into account that school would be paid for
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