I went to a cousin’s place last month and I was surprised to learn that he was doing an MBA besides doing his high-earning job. What was even more surprising was that he was enrolled to a part-time MBA course. It was a distance-learning course; MBA that too distance learning! This led me to find out more about the part-time MBA courses, when I learned that in fact part-time MBA courses is quite a hot trend and is being just as fiercely pursued as a normal MBA course.
In fact, many people are enrolled to part-time MBA courses where there are just evening classes or even better, just weekend classes. The rest is same as a normal MBA course.
Most people pursuing a part-time MBA course are those who are already working like my cousin. My cousin said that getting an MBA degree would strengthen his resume. He said that even if he does not leave his current job, the degree would help him in his promotion. He said that though it becomes quite hectic at time managing all the work but he knows that it is for his own good.
I argued that something must be better with a full-time MBA, may be only not –so- well- known institutes gave such courses. However, to my surprise IIM Indore and IIM Bangalore conduct postgraduate programmes in management for executives and entrepreneurs, XLRI-Jamshedpur; IMT-Ghaziabad; FMS-Delhi; IIFT-Delhi are some of the other leading names that provide part-time management courses.
Many people who opt for a part-time MBA are those who have a family to support or do not have a good financial backing to support a full-time MBA. This is where the part-time MBA steps in. A typical part-time MBA fee can range anywhere between Rs 1 lakh and 3 lakh and an executive MBA programme could cost between Rs 12 lakh and 20 lakh, depending on the institute. A part-time MBA suits those who want to continue working as well as pursue their MBA.
While a full-time MBA course is for two years, part-time MBA requires three years for completion. However, for an executive MBA candidate needs to take a short break from his career, it is not as lengthy as two years but not as cramped as for the part-time MBA
As far as job prospects are concerned, a part-time MBA is always a big help. Companies are willing to accept those with an MBA and a substantial work experience.
Weighing the two options, a part-time MBA seems to be just as good an option.
– Chandani Parihar