part-time vs. full-time

[lmperri]

Hi,

I am looking into a part-time MBA program because I would like to continue working while going to school. I have read other blogs about people saying that you have a better chance of being offered a much better job after school if you do the full-time program. My question is, as a part-time MBA student, is it possible to still take advantage of everything that is offered to the full-time student and will I be sacraficing any possible opportunities?

Thanks!

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear Imperri,

What career services are available to part-time students depends on the school. Some schools offer part-time students the same resources and campus recruiting opportunities as the full-time students, but some do not. Many will require part-time students to get a waiver or permission form signed by their current company in order for you to participate in campus recruiting activities. Basically, you need to find out what restrictions the school has, if any, on part-time students with regards to the career center.

As for job opportunities, there is some truth to what you are reading when it comes to particular industries. Traditional MBA recruiters tend to prefer students in the full-time programs over part-time programs. However, these preferences are eroding and depending on your resume, you might not have any problems in your job search with these industries.

When deciding between a full-time and a part-time program, I think you should determine what is important to you in your MBA experience and what makes the most sense for your career goals. Your education will be similar between the two, but your experience will be different. It is very tough for part-time students to take advantage of the many resources, programs and activities outside the classroom as they are juggling work, school and personal lives. Full-time students have business school as their job for 2 years and thus have the time to take advantage of everything a school has to offer as well as time to devote to their job search.

Good luck,
Lisa