choosing a part-time MBA program

[karav]

Hi Stacy,

I was wondering if you had some advice for me on choosing a B-school for a part-time MBA.

I can go to UCSD, a brand new business school very close to home and work or go to UCLA, a much more established school but 120 miles from where I live. I feel I have better learning opportunities at UCSD but UCLA does have a #1 ranked part-time MBA program.

I am an engineer with many years of work experience, and want to switch careers. I also have a family (wife and baby boy). Most people whom I have talked to and who are in a somewhat similar situation are choosing UCLA because of its reputation. What do you suggest? Do I limit my opportunities severely by taking a new school with no ranking yet over a top ranked program? Will the rank of the school matter a lot when it comes to switching careers? btw, the faculty and coursework at both schools look comparable to me.

I look forward to your response.

Thanks

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear karav,

I think you need to consider your personal situation when considering business school as well as your career goals. If UCLA is 120 miles away, how will you continue to work while attending school? It seems like an awfully long commute to make a couple of times a week. With regards to career opportunities, I think you have to evaluate what your goals are and where those opportunities might be when you finish. A job search is always easier to manage if you are already in the right geography for what you want to do and where you want to be. Also, you determine the success of your job search not the school's ranking. So, if you are motivated and put the effort into your job search, then you should ultimately be successful. While the schools will offer assistance and resources for your career development, it is still going to be your efforts that land you the new job.

Best of luck,
Lisa

[karav]

Hi Lisa,

Thanks for the response. I understand that it is ultimately my effort which will determine the job I get.

To answer your question, the part-time program at UCLA has classes all day Saturday. Around 15-20% of the class there comprises of people commuting from San Diego, Arizona and the Bay Area.

The main negative I see is that I won't be able to attend outside the classroom events such as student club events, company briefings, professional speakers etc. I am not clear as to how much value should I attach to these. Any comments from you would be helpful.

Also, can you comment on how big a difference you percieve between an MBA from UCLA and UCSD? I know UCLA is no Harvard, but if you were a recruiter, would you evaluate my resume differently?

Thanks

[Lisa Anderson]

If you truly want to make a career change, then being on campus for those extracurriculars will be important. You will make invaluable contacts and grow your network for the future. MBA programs are more than classes; there is exceptional value in building a network amongst the students, alumni, administration, faculty, and recruiters. I think you will need to weigh your priorities of what you seek in a program.

As for UCLA versus UCSD, I don't think it will play a significant role amongst California companies. It is possible that you will have greater access to some companies through campus activities at one school versus the other, but if you plan to stay in southern CA, then either school should provide you the education you are seeking.

Good luck,
Lisa