Hello discussion board members!

I am an older (39 year old) who wants to do an MBA to improve my career potential. I will need to work while doing the program, so I am debating between a local part time MBA (at Temple or Drexel, probably), or an online MBA (with the current exchange rate, the USD goes along way towards European programs like the ones at IE and Warwick...)

Since I am self employed I cannot get my employer to pay for my studies, so budget is important. I honestly like the idea of having real 'classes' but it's not a deal breaker if I don't have them.

Any suggestions and or advice? Thanks!

If your career is focused on the US then the local programs are fine. Physical classes can help with motivation too.

If your career is focused on the US then the local programs are fine. Physical classes can help with motivation too.

What are your goals? If you want to network in your area then you should definitely do a local program.

Hey, my main goal is to land a job in a company, rather than being self employed. I would probably stay in the area (Pennsylvania) but maybe I could consider Chicago / New York as well. Career will definitely stay in the US.

Basically I've found that my experience as a self employed person (7 years) is not super interesting to big firms in my industry (web marketing) or to other companies who would otherwise hire me based on my skillset. I want to do an MBA to supplement the skills I have and ideally do some other hands-on projects / internships to augment my resume.

In that case a European program doesn't make much sense.

Indeed, do a local accredited program. This will help you network, at the very least. Both the programs you mentioned at the top are good ones. The Fox program includes a consulting capstone project, which would help you get some real experience. I believe the Drexel program has something similar as well.