Career switch: Part-time or full-time program?

[claures]

I'm having a problem figuring out if I am best served by a full-time or part-time program. I want to switch careers, and get in to business strategy or something along those lines - I love technology strategy, case study type work, and decision theory.

Friends and family keep pushing me towards a part-time MBA because I could get an employer to pay for it while working. They see the cost of the MBA as a reason to do this, and don't think a full-time program will provide any large benefits in my case. I've read a lot that indicates a full-time program is better for career switchers.

Can anyone give me some good advice? I'm really having a hard time finding any good information on this. Location is not a factor since I can relocate in either situation.

P.S. - My background is below in case it is applicable:

- Computer systems engineer working for a Fortune 500 company, where I design the systems & software that fly aircraft made by Boeing, Airbus, etc.

- I also have a Masters in Systems Architecture and Engineering (50/50 mix of engineering and engineering-focused business courses) from USC.

- I took the GMAT, got a 720, have a great professional profile with lots of leadership experience, and volunteer for a couple non-profit organizations.

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear claures,

If you want to make a significant career change, which it appears you do, then you will be better served by a full-time program. Not only will you have an opportunity to do an internship and focus more effort on your career search, but it will provide a clean break on your resume and indicate to recruiters you are serious about the change. Based on the minimal details provided on your profile, you might have a good shot at some scholarship dollars at some schools if you can get in a quality application by the round 2 deadline. Remember--a MBA is an investment in you and your career, not a cost, so you should pursue a program that can best provide you what you want to redirect your career.

Best of luck,
Lisa

[claures]

Lisa, thanks very much for the feedback.

I'm looking to apply for a Fall 2010, so I think I have time application wise. I'm trying to sort out my options so I'm not in a crunch position come next October.

One question: How much do I need to figure out ahead of time in terms of my future career path? Do I need to know what industry I want to go in to?

Right now I know I want to do something along the lines of strategy (possibly technology analysis, or product development at a high level). In terms of industry, I want it to be technology focused, but I'm not too sure beyond that (I'm pretty comfortable in a lot of high-tech areas and my engineering skills seem to be very portable across many industries).

Again, I appreciate all the feedback, thanks!

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear claures,

You don't have to have an exact title, company and industry, but you do need to have an idea of what you want to do and how the MBA is necessary for you to get there. I think it is good you have the functional area narrowed down and a possible industry. You have time in the next year to do more research to figure it out, so use the time wisely. Try to speak with folks that do the jobs you think you might be interested in--the more you know about what those jobs are really like, the more you will know if that is something you want to do.

Good luck,
Lisa

[icandy018]

Hi Stacey.
You said that for a career switch it is better to do part time. But what if you cant because it doesn't work financially? Ya know the whole dont work dont eat policy.
Im a apparel designer how looking to switch. And im almost in to a MBA program now. (they called me and asked me if it would be a possibility to retake the GMAT before the start of classes Jan 21. If i can raise my score 60 points then im in.)
Once im in, what should be my next plan of action? Should i throw that sucker on my resume to show im in the process? How should i make this transition? Where do you see my path? Should I try to finish the degree ASAP?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear icandy018,

I said that for a significant career change, a full time program is the best course of action as it allows you to make a clean break from your previous path and a chance to do an internship in your new path. Many folks think they can't afford a full-time program; however, if you actually crunch the numbers on how much in loans you might take out for a part-time versus full-time program, the difference is not as great as you would think it would be. Additionally, you should view your MBA as an investment, not a cost. It is a long-term investment in your development and career potential.

I don't know enough about your background in relation to your goals to give you career advice. In the event you start a program, these are good questions to meet with a professional in the career services office about as you develop your career strategy for the next 5 years.

Good luck,
Lisa

[icandy018]

Hi Lisa

Thanks for advice. But i meant financially in terms of day to day living. How do people go to school full time and pay their everyday bills? Do they take on full time jobs anyway or work part time night jobs? And if the answer is part time (ex waitressing) how is that going to look on a resume to potential employers once the MBA is finished?

[Lisa Anderson]

Full time students in business school do not have time to work, so they take out enough in loans to cover school and living expenses. Most people do make changes to their lifestyle and live on a budget, but that is generally how full time students cover their expenses.

Regards,
Lisa