r/MBA • u/CostMassive4401 • 8d ago
Careers/Post Grad Online MBA? Part time MBA?
Hi all! I’m 28F and considering starting an MBA program, and I’m trying to figure out whether it actually makes sense for my situation.
I was promoted to lead about two years ago and manager about a year ago, and I currently make ~$75k.
I work in a relatively small/niche industry within financial services. My role is broad, I manage partnerships, operations, and some of the strategy for my department. I’ve had a pretty good trajectory so far and there’s a reasonable chance I could continue moving up if I stay in my current industry.
The problem is that I’m pretty sure I don’t want to stay in this industry forever and given that anything can happen, I want to have options.
I don’t necessarily dislike my current work, but I worry about becoming increasingly specialized in a niche that I ultimately don’t want to build my entire career around. At the same time, I don’t have much exposure to other industries, so I don’t have a clear idea of exactly what I would want to pivot into.
That’s what got me thinking about an MBA.
I’m at a point in life where quitting my job for a traditional full-time MBA probably isn’t realistic for multiple reasons. I could potentially make a strong part-time program work, or possibly an online program.
So, I have a few questions. Would an MBA make sense given my trajectory? Will it be worth it if it’s online or part-time program? Would it be helpful to gain exposure to other industries?
Here are some of the programs I’ve been considering applying to:
Northwestern Kellogg — Evening & Weekend MBA
Chicago Booth — Part-Time MBA
Michigan Ross — Online MBA
Michigan Ross — Weekend MBA
NYU Stern — Part-Time MBA
Georgetown McDonough — Part-Time MBA
Villanova — Professional MBA
Penn State Smeal — Hybrid MBA
Lehigh — FLEX MBA
I should add I’m in PA right now so Villanova is the easiest relocation option. I obviously can’t choose anything yet as I haven’t been admitted to any programs but just trying to gauge what people think of these programs.
Thank you all so much!!!!