Morgan Lerette ⋅ Glendale , AZ AAA ⋅ 6 years experience

Hey Dayron,

I agree with Daren: if you get an MBA, specialize in something. I also agree with Samantha that a traditional MBA allows one to switch careers. Additionally, a regular MBA can assist someone wanting to break into corporate management positions post-graduation.

I'd like to add that an EMBA, and executive education in general, if for those who have a stable career and need an MBA to climb the greasy pole. If you already work in the industry you want as well as at the company you like, it can be an effective tool to help your vertical movement.

Morgan

Loretta Carter ⋅ Sugar Land , TX HCA ⋅ 9 years experience

Hi Dayron,

Samantha did a great job with providing links and information for comparing the two types of MBA programs. The other thing you should keep in mind is that the regular MBA program is full time and it also offers on-campus recruiting. This will come in very handy when you are nearly finished with the program and you have companies that are looking for new MBA graduates coming to the school to recruit you. This may make the difference between finding a new position of missing an opportunity. It is a very individualized decision based upon your specific needs.

Thank you,
Loretta

Andrew Karp ⋅ Sonoma , CA Sierra Data Science ⋅ 20 years experience

Hi Dayron...

Since you live in the NYC area--the heart of the business world--you have the enviable opportunity to pursue graduate business education at a number of first-rate schools in the immediate vicinity, so take the time to check out all your options.

I'd like to add a couple of suggestions to the great insights/advice others have offered:

1) Invest in an MBA from a good, AACSB (Association for the Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business) accredited institution, of which there are many in your area. Include in your search MBA programs offered public schools such as Rutgers-Newark, the NJ Institute of Technology, Montclair State (of which you are already an alumnus), Kean University and perhaps even The College of New Jersey near Trenton. These are all first-rate, accredited institutions with good reputations, and as a New Jersey resident you are eligible for (lower) in-state tuition rates vs. what private schools like NYU/Stern and Columbia charge.

2) Visit the schools to which you plan to apply. Part of your visit/search might include meeting up with students who are fellow veterans to learn from them about their experiences with the school and the program(s) in which you are most interested. You can easily find the "Veterans group" on each of these campuses. Seek out your fellow vets and talk with them!

3) According to your profile you are currently employed at JPMorgan, obviously a well-regarded financial institution. Check and see whether they offer "in house" MBA programs via agreements with local business schools.

Your applications to top-tier business schools will be enhanced by having at least two semesters of calculus (differential and intergral) and at least one course in probability and statistics on your academic transcript. If you don't have these yet, take them at a community college and include that transcript in your "package."

I agree with others who have posted that the signal difference between an MBA and EMBA is that the EMBA is more appropriate for experienced executives looking to enhance their existing career path while the MBA is more appropriate for people looking for a new career. Most EMBA programs require a certain number of years of documented business experience at the managerial level for admission, and even require letters of recommendation from the applicant's employer attesting to the employer's willingness to support their employee's pursuit of the degree.

Please keep us up to date on your efforts to advance your education--and your career!

Andrew Karp
Principal Consultant
Sierra Data Science
Sonoma, CA
http://www.SierraDataScience.com

Bob Scozzafava ⋅ Westwood , NJ UPS ⋅ 39 years experience

I copied this from the NYU site.

Typically, the Executive MBA program is for executives with years of experience within their discipline. Even here, NYU's MBA program in general requires 6 years of full time work experience.

When hiring, i wouldn't distringuish one as better than the other. Typically, I've seen the executive MBA graduates as people committing to further educating themselves while working jobs within their career goal. The program allows them to balance work/home and school.

==========================

What are the requirements for applying to the NYU Stern Executive MBA Program?
In order to be considered for admission, you must have a bachelor's degree or equivalent and at least six years of full-time work experience upon submission of the Pre-Application.

You may apply to only one NYU Stern MBA program per admissions cycle (Full-time, Part-time, Executive or TRIUM Executive). If not admitted, you can apply to any NYU Stern MBA program for any subsequent admissions cycle.

What is the difference between Stern's Executive MBA Program and Stern's Langone Part-time MBA Program?
In the Stern Executive MBA program you earn the same MBA degree as the Stern Full-time and Part-time students. However, the curriculum delivery and MBA experience in the Stern Executive MBA program is designed specifically for seasoned executives.

Katie Tamarelli ⋅ Newport , KY Strategy& ⋅ 8 years experience

Most MBAs do require you to specialize in something -- I don't know any that don't.

A "plain" MBA is more likely more marketable particularly if you go full time, but as stated above, the biggest difference between them is the pool of people selecting into each type of MBA.

Best,
Katie