There are many factors to consider when deciding which schools and part-time program to attend. Convenience to your work and home are primary considerations in order to minimize on your commuting time. The part-times needs to be extremely organized and patient, as well as being a meticulous planner.

Remember also that just because your employer is reimbursing your tuition, you must be prepared to prepay all expenses. By the time your reimbursement check comes in, it may be time to pay for your next trimester of school. Another frequently overlooked expense is the cost of books. Refer to your company's human resources specialist for the complete procedure on tuition reimbursement and speak to other employees who have completed similar programs. Learn from others, this will turn out to be your most valuable resource.

Those of you contemplating a part-time program (including the online, EMBA, or flextime alternatives) are to be applauded. It is a daunting task that, once completed, will speak very highly of your time management skills, your discipline, and your motivation, as well as your maturity.

Part-Time MBA - Pros:

• As a part-time MBA student you will continue to earn your full salary.
• Oftentimes, the student is sponsored by his or her employer. If this applies to you, your investment in time and money is felt to a lesser degree.
• You will be exposed to other seasoned professionals who will share work experiences and outlooks in their particular field of expertise.
• You will have the ability to apply what you learn as you learn it.
• Going to school part-time will permit you to simultaneously move ahead in your current employment as you advance your studies.
• If you, as a part-time graduate, decide to change jobs or occupations, potential employers like to see experienced hires who have demonstrated the ability to multitask.
• Potential employers may place less weight on the prestige of the school you attend (for example, choosing to go to a local school for convenience's sake rather than a more reputed school in a neighboring town).
• Since most part-time graduates remain with their current employers - in new jobs or with additional responsibilities - they reap the benefits of a new position without the stress and costs related to researching a new employer.
• No relocation is necessary.
• Many schools do not differentiate between the part-time and full-time programs. The professors are the same, and the schools fully endow both programs and empower both student bodies.
  

Part-Time MBA - Cons:

• Going to school part time requires a high demand on your personal and professional lives. It's hard to do everything well - something is bound to suffer.
• There is no guarantee you will get a promotion after graduation.
• It is difficult to maintain the intensity and enthusiasm about school over a longer period of time.
• Not all employers finance the degree. Additionally, some company policies will cover only certain schools or programs.
• You may have difficulty breaking into a new field, since on-campus recruiters are more likely to cater to full-time students.
• It lacks internationalism - part time programs do not generally include a study abroad. (Also, admissions statistics show that fewer international students are enrolled in part-time programs than in full-time programs.)