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Age?

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gino

Joined: 27 Dec 2006
Posts: 10
Age?
Thu Dec 28, 2006 10:32 AM
Hello, I've been working as a lawyer for more than 20 years now, and I'd like to change job and work for a company on the management level.
What do you think, does it make sense for me to do an MBA since I'm already 45 years old?
Thank you in advance!
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jaitego


Joined: 19 Nov 2006
Posts: 141
Age?
Thu Dec 28, 2006 11:07 AM
The program that would suit you best would be an executive MBA, both because those programs require more work experience, and because they are usually part-time. You would be able to keep your current job, finish your EMBA, and then try to find a different job.

In deciding whether to do it or not, I would take into account where you live. For example the market for MBA graduates is weaker in Europe than in the US. If you live in Europe I'm not sure it would be a good idea. Many (even large) companies don't hire MBAs, not even younger ones. If you have long experience then many companies will be even more reluctant to hire you because lots of large companies tend to promote people from within. If you want to stay in the same area/region where you currently live, I would check how the labor market for people with your experience looks like.

Then you should also take into account that in a job interview your employer will want to hear a good story about why you decided to change from a legal position to a management position. Think about that before you go into a program. Why do you want to change your career? Are you just bored with your current job or is there any other reason? It is important that you feel confident that you want to change, and why. Think about what you like of managerial jobs as opposed to what you don't like about your job as a lawyer.

[Edited 29 Dec 2006 by jaitego]
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gino

Joined: 27 Dec 2006
Posts: 10
Age?
Fri Dec 29, 2006 03:55 PM
Ok I will look for an EMBA, thank you for the kind advise.
So you think that I won't be above the average age among students doing an EMBA?
For your other questions, long story, but to resume after long period of thinking and evealuating I've taken the decision to doi the step to change activity, and I thought doing an MBA (or EMBA) will give me skills that will enable me to do it.
Greetings,
Gino

[Edited 29 Dec 2006 by gino]
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jaitego


Joined: 19 Nov 2006
Posts: 141
Age?
Fri Dec 29, 2006 04:42 PM
No, Gino. I think you'll still be well above the average age, even in an EMBA. That's why I think it is important that you take into account how strong the job market is where you live, and if you are working, that you keep your current job. But maybe someone else has a different view.
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gino

Joined: 27 Dec 2006
Posts: 10
Age?
Sat Dec 30, 2006 11:54 AM
What you explain me here is very interesting for me. In fact, I didn't know much about what is an MBA and what's it's use, as well because in my professional environment nobody ever considered doing an MBA. It was really never a subject we were talking about.

By now, after reading your comments, I'm aware that I am a very untypical MBA student.
Not only because of the age. I guess I will be the oldest, but other EMBA students might generally be over 30, so that's fine.
But besides I think my reasons to plan those (E)MBA studies are quite untypical too. I won't do it to look for a new job on the market, but because I have an the offer to go in a management position. So it's more to acquire the necessary skills for this job that I think an MBA is perfect preparation.

Thank you Jaitego for sharing your knowlegde about MBA studies, you made me understand a lot more!
Gino

[Edited 30 Dec 2006 by gino]
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jaitego


Joined: 19 Nov 2006
Posts: 141
Age?
Sat Dec 30, 2006 06:27 PM
If you have an offer to go into a management position then it makes a lot of sense to do an EMBA. Those programs (as well as MBA programs) are thought for people with all sorts of academic and professional backgrounds who want to be more qualified for a management position. People without a (academic or professional) management background find those programs harder than students with that background, but they also benefit the most. I was just thinking that you would go out and look for a job, in which case I was worried about how potential employers would treat you.

Given that you have prospects of moving into a management job, I would mostly check that the EMBA is financially sound for you (check how much it'll cost, how much your salary will increase, and what financing options there are); and that the timing and schedules are ok with you. Anyhow that's just my view.

[Edited 30 Dec 2006 by jaitego]
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noya

Joined: 12 Sep 2006
Posts: 35
Age?
Mon Jan 01, 2007 06:57 AM
hi Gino,
You may want to look at Ashridge in UK. the average student in the regular program is about 35, which is well above other programs. I am sure for the EMBA the average is higher. just a thought
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gino

Joined: 27 Dec 2006
Posts: 10
Age?
Tue Jan 02, 2007 01:01 PM
Ok, I'll look for an EMBA. To decide I will take into account costs of the program, and I'll see how well I can combine it with my job, because I think the ideal situation is if I continue working.
That's interesting Noya, what you say about age average in Ashridge, how do you know about this?
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noya

Joined: 12 Sep 2006
Posts: 35
Age?
Thu Jan 04, 2007 05:10 AM
hello gino, i got the age average when i met ashridge representative in Singapore in November. EMBA usually allows you to work while studying. cheers
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gino

Joined: 27 Dec 2006
Posts: 10
Age?
Fri Jan 05, 2007 02:39 PM
Yes, I think EMBA is meant to combine studies with your actual job, to allow you to do the degree without interrupting your career. In my age it would be difficult to drop out of professional activity for a year just like that.
Besides, is Ahsridge a good school? What is your impression?
Thanks Noya for the info.
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