marblized2 wrote:I have a unique situation in which I have pretty much only worked for small/medium sized businesses since I left college. As a result, the companies have very limited long term growth potential as I usually find myself working closely with the owner on projects before I start looking around for more pay and responsibility.

I am now looking into getting my MBA preferably from USC or UCLA as I would prefer to stay in the southern California area. I am struggling with whether or not I should keep my position and attend a part time program, forgo the lost salary, and try to switch jobs after completion (but before I have to start making large loan payments back to uncle sam).

I have been in various industries and have been in both sales and operations and would like to pursue something in a general management position for a larger company or enter in to management consulting.

Does anyone have experience with something like this? also, I will be footing the bill if I go part time as I have to keep it somewhat of a secret from my current employer.

brianlange77 wrote:

marblized2 wrote:I have a unique situation in which I have pretty much only worked for small/medium sized businesses since I left college. As a result, the companies have very limited long term growth potential as I usually find myself working closely with the owner on projects before I start looking around for more pay and responsibility.

I am now looking into getting my MBA preferably from USC or UCLA as I would prefer to stay in the southern California area. I am struggling with whether or not I should keep my position and attend a part time program, forgo the lost salary, and try to switch jobs after completion (but before I have to start making large loan payments back to uncle sam).

I have been in various industries and have been in both sales and operations and would like to pursue something in a general management position for a larger company or enter in to management consulting.

Does anyone have experience with something like this? also, I will be footing the bill if I go part time as I have to keep it somewhat of a secret from my current employer.

First off -- the idea you have to keep it a secret from your current employer suggests to me (without being too blunt) that it is time to find a new employer. Tell me more about this.

Secondly -- if you want to switch career paths, full time is the choice you should be considering. Others may disagree, but it is MUCH.. MUCH harder to make a career change out of a PT MBA degree.

Just my $0.02.

Best,

Brian

Michael@VeritasPrep wrote:If you get into a top school like UCLA Anderson for the full time program, I highly recommend you bite the bullet and just do it. Opportunities like that are hard to find. Especially if you want to get out of working for small companies, the recruiting opportunities will be much different in the full time program than in the part time program. Go for it! I don't think you will end up regretting it.