The typical full-time MBA student has 2-5 years of work experience when they start school. In such cases, the value proposition of spending two years getting a degree that can pay dividends for an entire career is clear. But at some point, this proposition changes. Older students face a higher opportunity cost to take time off, often have more constraints (e.g. partner, children, mortgage, etc.), and find it more challenging to pivot their career.
How should you weigh the pros and cons of different business education options if you are on the more experienced end of the bell curve? In addition to traditional full-time MBAs, there are part-time programs, Executive MBAs, and specialized mid-career programs (e.g. Stanford MSx, Sloan Fellows MBA, etc.). Each offers different trade offs, and each looks at applicants differently, based on the quality and amount of work experience. Make sure to give adequate consideration to these factors before you commit to one program or school.
Mike Hochleutner has worked at Stanford's GSB for more than 15 years, working closely with MBA, MSx (mid-career) and Executive Education students. He was director of the Stanford MSx program, where he oversaw the school's efforts to support mid-career professionals in their educational journey.
