If you are thinking about making a career transition or advancing your education for a promotion, you might be wondering if there is any age that is too old to pursue an MBA in Marketing. There is an age-old saying that says that you are never too old to learn, and in some ways this saying applies and in other ways it does not. When it comes to completing an MBA program later on in life, it is only a wise choice if you have weighed the costs and assessed how the degree will help you in the future. Read on, and learn more about how old could be too old for business school based on the factors that matter the most.
What is the Average Age of an MBA Student?
Based on data that has been released by the Graduate Management Admission Council, the average age of MBA students who apply to attend their first year of business school is 28. While this average is rather young to applicants who have a decade or more of experience in a marketing setting, there are programs that cater to students with loads of experience and wisdom. In fact, executive MBA programs, which are strictly for experienced professionals who already hold management titles, welcome students in age ranges from the late 20’s to the late 40’s.
Will You Be Considered for Admission?
You might be more worried about how you will be perceived by the admissions committee if you are applying to a business program later in life. If this is worrying you, many business school populations are graying as more and more professional realize the importance of pursuing advanced degree programs in a particular area of study. If you take a specialized type of program for professionals or executives, your age may actually work for you. Even general MBA programs welcome students who are seasoned and can contribute to the class in a unique way. If you meet the admissions requirements, have good GMAT scores and are a good fit for the school, age will not matter.
Is It a Good Investment of Your Time and Money?
Ultimately, your main concern should be whether or not spending an additional two years in school and thousands of dollars in tuition will payoff. When you are assessing the value of a degree and if it can offer you a return on your investment, you have to consider how the degree will propel you and also how long you have left in your professional life to use what you have learned. You may earn a sizable pay increase when you pursue an executive marketing position, but how long do you have left until retirement? You will need to add up the salary increase and compare it to the costs of the program. If pay is not your motivator, think about where the degree could take you and if it makes you more marketable.
If you have decided that it will payoff to earn your business degree, it is time to compare different programs with a concentration in Marketing. It may help to start by checking out the Top 10 Best Online MBA in Marketing Programs. Once you have looked at the best options, start to compare the schools and show admissions specialists why you are not too old to pursue an MBA in marketing.
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