In this article:
- Learn how assessing your career stage, personal aspirations, and financial readiness can help determine the best time to get an MBA.
- Gain insights from Kelley Direct Online MBA students and alumni that can help you decide when to take the next step in your academic and professional journey.
- Discover strategies like time blocking and prioritizing commitments to balance work, study, and personal life effectively.
Pursuing an MBA is a significant decision that can profoundly impact your career trajectory, personal growth, and financial future. Traditionally, earning an MBA requires putting your career on hold or relocating to attend a residential program. But with the emergence of best-in-class online MBA programs like the Kelley Direct Online MBA, professionals now have more flexible options that allow them to balance work, education, and personal commitments. This increased accessibility has made earning an MBA more feasible than ever, but it also introduces new considerations for finding the best time to get an MBA.
Determining the best age for MBA studies requires thoughtful consideration, including your career stage, personal goals, financial readiness, and support system. For some, an MBA serves as a catalyst for a career transition, while for others, it enhances their leadership skills and industry expertise.
“In Kelley Direct classes, you can expect to be on teams with students from all walks of life,” says Sarah Wanger, executive director of the Kelley Direct Online MBA program. “We celebrate having a community of learners that includes early career individual contributors, mid-career team leaders, seasoned executive directors, members of the C-Suite, and everyone in between.”
Kelley Directs students represent a wide range of experience levels and ages: students have 2-30+ years of experience, live in all 50 states, and are citizens of 38 different countries.
Our Kelley Direct student body is made up of talented and innovative business professionals who have an average of 9 years of experience with an average age of 32.”
-Sarah Wanger, executive director of the Kelley Direct Online MBA program
While the decision to pursue an online MBA is highly personal, it is one that requires strategic planning.
“There’s never one perfect time to get your MBA – it depends on your personal career goals and life circumstances. But the good news is, our Kelley Direct Professional Advancement team of 15 career coaches is equipped to help all KD students, no matter the level of professional experience.”
In this article, we’ll explore the key considerations for determining the best time to get an MBA, drawing on insights from students and alumni who have navigated this path successfully.
Is now a good time to get an MBA?
Deciding when is the best time to get your MBA is a deeply personal choice that depends on a range of personal and professional factors. Timing plays a critical role in determining how effectively you can balance your studies with work, family, and other commitments.
While online MBA programs offer greater flexibility than traditional in-person programs, they still require a significant time investment, making it important to evaluate your readiness before enrolling.
How well do you manage your time and priorities?
Successfully managing an online MBA alongside work and personal commitments requires careful planning, discipline, and strong organizational strategies. Many students entering an online program initially struggle to fit coursework into their existing schedules before realizing that adjustments are necessary.
“I use time blocking to allocate specific hours for work and school, which helps me stay on track without feeling overwhelmed,” shares Kelley Direct Student Ambassador Jason Skidmore.
Establishing a clear routine ensures that essential responsibilities—whether professional, academic, or personal—do not get overlooked.
Another important aspect of balance is knowing what to prioritize and what to set aside.
“Before I even started my MBA, I took an inventory of all the people and activities in my life and figured out which ones I really need to de-prioritize,” says Kelley Direct Student Ambassador Alyssa Paul.
This self-assessment process allows students to identify unnecessary obligations and free up time for studying, networking, and career advancement.
Read more: Neuropsychologist, author, and entrepreneur Michelle Braun balances work and life with Kelley Direct Online MBA
What kind of support network do you have in place?
Beyond individual strategies, effective communication with family, employers, and colleagues is key to setting expectations and securing support. Keeping loved ones informed about your commitments can foster understanding and create a support system that helps manage the demands of an MBA.
“It has been so important for me to share this journey and experience with those that are close to me,” says Skidmore.
Employers can also play a role in making the experience more manageable; some students find it beneficial to have open conversations with their supervisors about flexible work arrangements.
“The fact that we’re able to align on when I can and can’t commit to extra time allows me to make sure that I’m doing the best job, both at my day job as well as for school,” shares Kelley Direct Ambassador Siddhant Garg.
Are you comfortable using online organization and collaboration tools?
To keep everything on track, many students rely on digital tools for organization and productivity. Shared calendars, to-do lists, and apps such as Microsoft Teams and Google Docs are frequently used to manage assignments and collaborate with classmates.
“I have a shared calendar with my partner and friends that really allows me to communicate what I have going on in my life but also remain accountable,” says Skidmore.
This approach can help students stay organized while also maintaining relationships and responsibilities outside of their studies.
While no perfect time exists to pursue an MBA, finding a balance between work, life, and study is achievable with the right preparation. By prioritizing commitments, using effective time management techniques, and fostering open communication with your support system, you can set yourself up for success in an online MBA program.
Watch: Kelley Direct Alumni Ambassadors: Must-have tech tools
What is the best age to get an MBA?
Choosing to pursue an online MBA is one of the most strategic career decisions you can make, but the best age to do an MBA varies from person to person. An MBA can open doors, expand your professional network, and enhance your earning potential, but starting too early or too late may limit your ability to fully capitalize on its benefits. By carefully aligning your MBA journey with your career goals, financial readiness, and personal commitments, you can ensure that you maximize your investment and set yourself up for long-term success.
“You only get back what you put in,” says Kelley Direct Alumni Ambassador Matthew Friedman. “So it’s really important during the time of your MBA study to determine prioritization and then go at it full throttle.”
Your ability to fully engage with the program, build relationships, and apply your learnings will ultimately shape the value of your MBA experience for your overall personal and career goals.
What are your desires for career advancement?
If you’re considering an MBA to transition careers or advance into leadership, timing is critical. You’ll want to enroll when you can apply what you’re learning directly to your career. Many students find that the best age to do an MBA is when they can test concepts in their job, refine their leadership approach, and position themselves for promotions.
“The most important thing I did to maximize the impact of my MBA experience was to try and connect it back to my actual career in whatever ways were possible,” says Paul.
The right time to start an MBA is when you have a clear goal and can align your studies with your professional trajectory. If you start too early—before you have work experience to contextualize your learning—you may struggle to apply the material in a way that is meaningful for your career plan. If you wait too long, you may find that career opportunities have passed you by.
If you’re already in a position where an MBA can enhance your job performance, help you transition industries, or fast-track you to leadership roles, then the time might be right. But if you’re unable to commit the time and energy to fully engage in the experience, you may not reap the full return on investment of pursuing an online MBA.
“The career advancement resources actually helped me move from my technical role into my current product marketing role, which I love,” says Garg.
An MBA equips you with advanced business knowledge and leadership skills, making you a stronger candidate for managerial and executive positions across industries. Many students find that earning an MBA early in their career helps them establish credibility and advance more quickly within their companies. At the same time, mid-career professionals leverage it as a way to transition into leadership roles.
Garg reflects on how his MBA timing helped him land his ideal job. “With enough prep and being able to focus in on what I was looking for, a little bit of luck on the timing, and the opportunity coming around, I was able to find the exact role I was looking for.”
Read more: Learn about the return on investment of the Kelley Direct Online MBA
Do you want to expand your professional network?
The best time to get an MBA is when you have the bandwidth to build relationships and expand your network. If you’re in a career stage where making new connections could open doors to promotions, career shifts, or leadership roles, that’s a strong indicator that now is the best time to get your MBA.
A strong professional network can be one of the most valuable long-term benefits of an MBA—but only if you’re at a point where you can actively participate. Engaging in alumni mentoring programs, industry events, and career coaching can make a significant difference in job placement and career growth. If you wait until after the MBA to start networking, you may miss out on the real-time opportunities that come from being a student.
“I’ve been wanting to say yes to every opportunity to connect and to learn and to make sure that I’m absorbing as much knowledge and information as I possibly can,” says Skidmore.
MBA programs offer opportunities to connect with peers, faculty, and industry professionals, fostering relationships that can be beneficial throughout your career. Attending networking events, working on team projects, and participating in alumni groups are excellent ways to grow your professional circle.
“Networking has been a game changer for me,” says Kelley Direct Student Ambassador Hope Hausman. “I’ve been able to connect with professionals across industries, and these relationships have opened doors I never imagined.”
“I attended Kelley On Campus at IU and Kelley On Location in Chicago and also participated in one of the immersion experiences in Ireland,” says Kelley Direct Alumni Dillon Manchisi. “In all three scenarios, I really tried to leverage those situations to build my network, meet new people, talk with professors, and be as involved as I could.”
Are you hoping to increase your earning potential?
An MBA provides many long-term financial benefits, including enhanced job stability, promotion opportunities, and access to higher-paying industries.
According to the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), MBA graduates have a median starting salary that’s 73% higher than that of those with only a bachelor’s degree.
“For me, it was actually applying what I learned in those classes the best I could to my career,” says Kelley Direct Alumni Ambassador Alex Cole. “The return on investment isn’t just financial—it’s also the confidence and skill set you develop.”
If you’re wondering is now a good time to get an MBA, consider how it aligns with your financial goals. The best age to get an MBA varies but starting at a time when you can maximize your earning potential will help you see the greatest return on investment.
Are you hoping to build leadership skills and business knowledge?
Another key consideration is whether you’re ready to take on leadership roles, consulting projects, or global immersion experiences. These aspects of an MBA can significantly enhance your career, but they require time and commitment.
Courses in organizational behavior, corporate finance, and global strategy can also help students refine their decision-making skills and develop a mindset that aligns with executive leadership.
An MBA provides exposure to real-world business scenarios, allowing students to develop the analytical and strategic skills necessary for high-level decision-making. Additionally, hands-on experiences such as case studies and internships help students develop problem-solving and negotiation skills.
When is the right time to finance an online MBA?
The financial aspect of pursuing an MBA is one of the most significant factors in determining the best time to get an MBA. For many students, the decision hinges on affordability, employer sponsorship opportunities, and understanding the long-term return on investment.
While an MBA can open doors to career advancement and increased earning potential, taking on student debt or adjusting to a reduced income while studying can be challenging. Carefully evaluating your financial situation and available funding options can help you determine when the time is right to take this step.
Does your employer offer financial aid?
One of the first steps in financing your MBA is exploring employer sponsorship programs. Many companies are willing to cover tuition costs or offer tuition reimbursement in exchange for a commitment to stay with the company for a set period after graduation.
Kelley Direct Alumni Ambassador Suresh Pappu emphasizes the importance of early discussions with employers.
“Discussing employer sponsorship early can help ease financial burdens,” says Pappu. However, this option comes with trade-offs—staying with the same employer may limit job flexibility post-MBA, which could impact career transitions or advancement opportunities.
For those who do not have access to employer sponsorship, scholarships, grants, and student loans can help offset the cost of tuition. Some online MBA students proactively seek out scholarships tailored for working professionals, while others plan their enrollment based on personal savings. Determining the best age to get an MBA may depend on whether you can secure financial assistance that reduces your out-of-pocket expenses.
Have you considered the return on investment?
A key factor in determining the best time to get an MBA is understanding its long-term return on investment. While the upfront cost may seem high, many students find that their increased earning potential and career opportunities make the degree financially worthwhile. For those looking to transition into leadership roles or shift industries, the ability to immediately apply MBA coursework to professional challenges can accelerate career growth.
Ultimately, the best age to get an MBA depends on when you are financially prepared to do so without unnecessary stress. If you can secure employer sponsorship, scholarships, or a financial plan that minimizes long-term debt, you may be in a strong position to start your MBA journey. Careful planning and evaluating the financial trade-offs can ensure that your investment pays off both professionally and personally.
Read more about Kelley Direct tuition and fees
Does an MBA align with your career goals and industry requirements?
Determining the right time to pursue an MBA often depends on your career aspirations and the expectations of your industry. While an MBA can be a valuable asset across many fields, different industries weigh its importance differently.
Some industries, like consulting, finance, and healthcare management, strongly favor MBA graduates, often making the degree a prerequisite for leadership roles. In contrast, technology, entrepreneurship, and creative fields may place greater emphasis on hands-on experience, technical skills, or a strong portfolio rather than formal business education. Understanding these nuances can help you decide whether an MBA is necessary for your career path and, more importantly, when the timing is optimal to enroll.
When is the best time to get an MBA?
The ideal time to pursue your MBA is when you can actively participate, immediately apply what you learn, and maximize the opportunities the program provides. If you’re at a point in your career where you can use your MBA coursework to enhance your current role or transition into a new one, engage in leadership opportunities, networking events, and global immersion programs, and balance the academic workload with your personal and professional life, then you’re likely in the right place to begin your MBA journey.
However, if you feel like you’re not yet financially prepared, unclear on how the degree fits into your long-term goals, or unable to commit fully to the experience, it might be wise to wait until you can make the most of it.
Ultimately, there is no universal “perfect” time to start an MBA—the best time to get an MBA is when it aligns with your career trajectory, personal growth, and ability to engage in the experience. Whether you’re looking to advance in your current organization, switch industries, or develop leadership expertise, timing your MBA strategically will ensure that you gain the maximum return on investment—both professionally and personally.
By reflecting on your goals, readiness, and commitment, you can make a confident and informed decision about when to embark on your MBA journey. The right time isn’t dictated by external pressures—it’s when you’re ready to take control of your future and make the most of every opportunity that comes with earning your MBA.
Want to explore if this is the right time for you to get an MBA? Schedule a one-on-one with an admissions staff member.
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