NBR: MBA programs

SnShne322

Anyone here have their MBA? My employer is looking into upping their tuition reimbursement policy to almost double what it is now. I went to school in the evenings and got my BS in accounting 3 years ago in October. I'm thinking this might be a good opportunity for me to kick myself in gear and start my MBA. 

They are likely going to be some changes in my department at work in the next several months (new CFO) and it's very possible that there will be a position that I can apply for, the next level up. I'm thinking it would be a good time to start and it can't hurt to show that I'm actively pursuing higher education. The next level won't quite require and MBA, but I know the next one after will. 

Can you tell me your experience? I'm specifically looking at an online program and a local university. It's a little too far to commute to, and with Wes being young, I'd rather be closer to home if possible. Anyone have experience with an online MBA? What can I expect? I know I'll have to take the GMAT soon, and I'm really not looking forward to that.

packfan20

@jen748 does.

aggiebug

My DH has been getting his MBA over the last 3 yrs. It is technically an on campus or online MBA but he has been predominantly online (he should have been done sooner buy since moving out of state he can't take as many classes per year due to higher tuition)

It's a lot of group projects and case studies. He takes 1-2 classes each semester and can usually have a pretty good work/ school/ life balance. That being said we waited for kids until after he is done. (well to be born- he is done in DEC) and he is excellent at keeping on top of his school work and planning his week. He doesn't procrastinate like I would.

SnShne322

I do have a choice of in class, online or hybrid.  It could be worth looking into the hydbrid program too.

duxcaelo

No MBA here. I know you have said before that you were interested in finding another position, potentially at a different company. I think it could be a really good move career wise for you to get a MBA, but it might be worthwhile to think of some potential challenging scenarios, too, like what will happen if that position does not become available, or if you do not get along with your new CFO, or if the company changes its mind later on and decides to stop paying (or you get a new job that doesn't), would you be okay with footing the rest of the bill?

You might be able to look for a study group for the test at a closer college by asking around the business school.

I have a friend with a kiddo roughly the same age who works full time and is taking online classes for a CPA. She finds it tough since by the time she puts her kid to bed she doesn't feel like studying. She also goes into work early a couple times a week to do school work, but her H does drop off. I am sure you and J could make it work but it could be a big change for you both, like giving up family time the occasional Saturday to study or maybe driving in separately.

You may also want to see if you can talk to former graduates of the program to get a better feel for this particular program, like if there is one class you really, really want to take on campus or vice versa. 

SnShne322

Thanks @duxcaelo! I know I do want to get my MBA regardless of how it's paid for.  I know to further my career I will need to get one. Even if I can get them to pay for 1/3 of it, I'm thinking it's better than nothing.

It seems like if wouldn't be able to start until the winter term anyway so I can take the GMAT and get my ducks in a row. So I have a short amount of time to make a decision.

I am worried about how it will change my family life.  I'm hoping that one class at a time I will be able to pick away at it.  I do think it will suck to have to spend my evenings studying and likely my lunches, weekend naps and other times too.

I do have a close friend who went through the same program, in class about 5 years ago, so I'll chat with him about it.  That's a good suggestion.

Jen748

I have mine! I got it pre-kids while Brett was in paramedic school so I took four classes at a time, while working full time. I got it through my local university (same place I got my on-campus BA) but did all the courses online, with finals taken on campus. I LOVED it. Online was the way to go for me, honestly. Timing wise getting to campus for courses would've meant less classes a semester (not necessarily the same for you, though)

My program was mostly 8-week courses with four 16 week courses. I started January 2007 and graduated May 2008, but I took two classes over the 2007 summer. Two eight-week courses and two sixteen-week courses the other three semesters.

Even though I'm not using it now, I don't regret getting it. At all.