Full-time or Part-time MBA
Deciding on an MBA course is only half the battle. But deciding on a full-time or a part-time MBA course is perhaps the tougher decision as there are many factors to weigh including time, cost, career and family commitments. While some candidates might want to pursue an MBA to relive their campus life 10 years ago by staying up late at night, joining clubs and societies and participating in campus activities, some candidates might just be interested in obtaining that coveted three-letter title. Putting aside the bygone days of living in dormitories and bathing in communal showers, there are three major factors to consider when deciding on a part-time or a full-time MBA course.
Finances
The fee for a part time and full time MBA course might not differ much. However, the overall tangible and intangible cost associated with a pursuing a full-time MBA could be much higher as there is a loss of income from being unemployed and being a full time campus student. While there might be companies willing to subsidize or provide some sort of subsistence allowance for employees undergoing full-time MBA programmes, the loss of a steady stream of income might not be easy to stomach – especially those with a mortgage, a car loan and monthly kindergarten fees.
Family
The stress of being away from family and loved ones might be taxing. While most full-time MBA courses conduct classes on weekdays and part-time MBA courses on weeknights and on weekends, the decision to pursue an MBA is not only decided by you but by the whole family. Scheduling work load and work commitments are crucial to have a balance study time and family time. Though the argument between full-time or part-time MBA can be endless, candidates should always consult family members and strike a healthy balance.
Career
Different candidates might be in different stages in their career path. Some candidates are at a crucial point in their career where taking time-off to study is not an option. Hence, pursuing a part time MBA programme suits them well as it allows them to elevate and progress in their career while enhancing their paper qualifications. Some candidates, especially from technical background such as engineering and IT are in a crossroad where obtaining an MBA might allow them to shift into managerial positions. Again, the loss of income and working hours might not be suitable in such instance. For more professional advice, do consult postgraduate advisor STUDYMASTERS.MY
