MBA Student Life

The type of MBA student life you experience depends largely on the type of program you choose.

Think about it, a full-time student will have a much different experience than a part-time MBA student.

Furthermore, an executive student will have an entirely differnt experience compared to a distance MBA student.

No matter which type of MBA program you choose, doing an MBA will require commitment and sacrifice.

Student life is definately an important consideration when choosing an MBA program. So don't overlook this aspect of earning your MBA.

Listed below is a small summary of "typical" student life of MBA students based on the program type they choose...

Full-Time MBA - In a full-time MBA program, the MBA program IS the student's life. Full-time students spend plenty of time in the classroom. However, alot of time is also spent outside of the classroom on assignments and projects. Group work also consumes a lot of time. If you are looking to go full-time, get ready to read, read, read; write, write, write; crunch numbers and make presentations. Also get ready to soak up lots of information that you will be tested on.

Part-Time MBA - Student life in a part-time program may not be as intensely focused, but the student has to also contend with work commitments. This adds a whole level of complexity. Classes are done at night or on weekends, so there is virtually no personal free time. As with any MBA program, alot of work goes on outside of the classroom. Part-time students end up squeezing in homework and projects between work and family commitements.

Executive MBA - Students in executive MBA programs have the most hectic schedule. The life of an executive or upper-level manager is already consumed by work commitments, not to mention family life. Add to that an MBA program and you really have to balance. On a positive note, executive programs are tailored to fit their students.

Distance MBA - Student life for distance MBA students is the most variable among all the program types. Some students take distance classes full-time because they are not close to a MBA school. Other students like the flexibility and take classes part-time. There are even distance MBA programs out there that are for executives.

MBA student life also includes personal lifestyle factors. Depending on your situation, you will have to juggle time commitments with family, school, and possibly work. You also have to consider your family make-up. Doing an MBA will involve some sacrifice from everyone in the family. On the other hand, if you are single, you will need to make time for socializing. So any way you look at it, student life during an MBA program is a juggling act.