Executive MBA vs Full time MBA???

[edavis]

What is the general consensus on if the Executive MBA is equal to a Full time MBA?

My goal is to go to UWs Foster School of Business in Seattle. The Executive program is more ideal for me considering I run my management company part time. Both programs take the same amount of time roughly, same material, just structured differently.


When I graduate will the executive be looked at differently? Thoughts?


Eric

[arun@crackverbal]

Hi Eric,

From a course perspective there is little to differentiate. Also from a long-terms benefit of having an "MBA" tag they are pretty much the same. However there is a little psychological twist that ends up making the difference.

A full-time program has a greater risk attached to it but greater rewards as well. After having quit your full-time job your back is against the wall and people tend to be a bit more aggressive (euphemism for desperate) to get a job. In many cases this new role is a departure (different function, different domain - at the least a different cubicle) from your earlier one. However not getting a job is also a likely possibility in the given business environment.

A part-time program offers you the security of continuing your job. This means you are also a bit less keen on going out seeking greener pastures. After 3 years of working on weekends a lot of folks feel they might want to just rest a bit Many people tend to use the degree to seek a position in their current jobs instead of the relative discomfort of a new role in another company (also perhaps why their risk profile made them choose the part-time course).

Also schools are a bit more keen to get their fulltime students placed (after all they are at a greater risk) and the career service division in some schools I know (I cannot generalize) expect you to do the schmoozing.

Let us know what you decide,

Arun