Deciding Between Full-Time and Part-Time Programs

One of the most important decisions you make as you prepare for business school will be whether you attend school full-time or part-time. There are many advantages and disadvantages to each, so only you, your family, and your employer can determine which path is best for you. Here are a few pros and cons to consider for each type of program.

Full-Time Programs

Full-time programs are certainly the more popular of the two options. These programs allow students to finish the degree more quickly and get that raise or promotion sooner. This becomes a problem, though, when an employee also has a busy family and a hectic job. These students are often worn thin quickly, and they become stressed and unmotivated. In order to keep this from happening, some employers actually refuse to let employees go above part-time status.

Part-Time Programs

Part-time programs allow returning students to easily move into the school environment again. They also make it easy for students to work and go to school at the same time. The biggest problem, though, is that it can take students five years or more (there's usually a six-year time limit) to finish their MBAs. That means putting off any raises and promotions while stretching out the program for years and years.

Your Assessment

When deciding between full-time and part-time programs, you need to determine which type of program you can best handle. If you don't deal well with stress, then a full-time program is probably not for you. You may want to consider going to school part-time instead. Only you can assess your skills to determine which type of program you can best handle.

Your Employer's Opinion

If your employer isn't paying for your school, their opinion may not be too important to you, but some employers have rules that apply to all employees in school, not just those for whom they are paying for school. Find out how your employer feels about a full-time program, and go from there. If they aren't supportive and you get worn thin, you could be in hot water.

Your Family's Feelings

I saved the most important consideration for last. How does your family feel about you returning to school? Realize that this decision will have a major impact on your spouse and kids. How do they feel about it? What do they want you to do? If there are strong feelings in your family, either way, then you should listen carefully to their concerns and opinions. You will need their support in the future, so work with them to find a solution that pleases everyone. When it comes to choosing a type of program, the effects on your family should always be your first consideration.

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