Why this part-time MBA student decided to go back to school after 10 years (2024)

With his first quarter under his belt, Hirak Buch ’26 is wasting no time in applying classroom knowledge from the Evening & Weekend MBA to benefit his team and work. Learn more about how Kellogg has reignited a spark for learning and personal growth.

Written by:

Kellogg

8 minute read

Topics:

  • Evening and Weekend MBA
  • Student Stories
  • Leadership and Organizations
  • Career Journeys
Why this part-time MBA student decided to go back to school after 10 years (1)

A husband, father and full-time employee, Buch is gaining greater confidence and tools through his MBA program to excel in his current role as a division manager.

Going back to school after an extended period of time can be a daunting thought but not for Hirak Buch ’26, a student in the part-time MBA Program at Kellogg. He didn’t let a number stand between him and one of his professional endeavors that had long been on his mind.

He recently completed his first quarter as an MBA student, and we sat with him to learn more about his academic journey both before and during Kellogg including conversations that took place ahead of his decision to enroll at the school, classroom lessons he’s been able to apply at his work and tips for working parents who are considering an MBA program.

What three words would describe your first quarter experience thus far?

The three words I would use to describe my experience so far are: empowering, enlightening and motivating.

Empowering: The school’s MBA program has given me the tools and confidence to take on challenges in my current capacity as a division manager. So far, one of the classes I've taken called Leadership in Organizations has increased my confidence in making strategic decisions.

Enlightening: Every class and interaction have provided fresh insights into the business world, broadening my perspective.

Motivating: Getting back to school after more than a decade has reignited my passion for learning and professional development. Being surrounded by like-minded peers and engaging with inspiring professionals have fueled my motivation to excel and continuously strive for excellence in my career.

What motivated you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career? And why did you end up choosing Kellogg for this important endeavor?

I pursued an MBA at this point in my career because I wanted to deepen my business acumen and broaden my skill set beyond technical engineering expertise. As I progressed in my career, I realized the importance of understanding finance, strategy and organizational dynamics to effectively lead teams and contribute to my organization’s goals. An MBA seemed like the perfect avenue to gain this knowledge and perspective.

I chose Kellogg for several reasons. The school’s emphasis on collaborative learning, global perspective and innovative thinking appealed to me, as these are crucial for navigating today's complex business environment. I had attended one of the classes before I decided to apply to Kellogg to learn more about the teaching style.

At this point in my career, I know I can’t handle a three-hour lecture after a full day of work, so I was looking to learn the skills in a way where the participants were engaged in discussions. I wanted a more practical approach to education, and the learning environment at Kellogg resonated with my expectations — this sealed the deal.

Are there any classroom learnings or insights that have been particularly significant or interesting?

Taking Leadership in Organizations during my first quarter at Kellogg has proven to be incredibly beneficial. One standout aspect of the course was its comprehensive approach to negotiation in professional environments. This learning became particularly timely when I encountered a challenging client situation shortly after studying negotiation tactics.

The client, with whom we were seeking to expand our engagement, had expectations that were not fully aligned with our proposed solutions. Complicating matters, the initial contract had been signed by a senior executive who had since left the company. This created a delicate situation where renegotiation was necessary to ensure mutual satisfaction and future collaboration.

Drawing on the negotiation fundamentals and tactics learned in class, I approached the situation strategically and emphasized collaborative problem-solving that addressed both parties' needs. Using these tactics, we were able to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.

In addition to your MBA, you’re a husband and a father to a child who is two and a half years old, and you also have a full-time job. What has helped you navigate all of the different roles you play while also taking on this academic and professional endeavor?

Balancing an MBA, a full-time job and family responsibilities requires a careful blend of organization, support systems and prioritization. I feel that three main attributes that have helped me navigate these roles effectively are:

Time management: Setting clear priorities and allocating dedicated time blocks for studying, work and family activities has been crucial.

Support network: Having a supportive spouse who shares responsibilities at home has been invaluable. She provides emotional support and help with childcare, allowing me to focus on my academic and professional commitments.

Flexibility and adaptability: Being adaptable to unexpected changes in schedules or priorities allows me to manage unexpected challenges effectively without compromising my responsibilities in any role.

Why this part-time MBA student decided to go back to school after 10 years (2)

Can you share a bit more about what the MBA prep entailed? What kind of conversations did you have with your wife regarding responsibilities and support during these next few years given that an MBA requires a dedicated amount of time commitment?

Before embarking on my MBA journey, my spouse and I engaged in a deliberate discussion about the reasons behind this decision and our shared goals. Recognizing the importance of advancing my career, we agreed that pursuing an MBA was a significant step forward. Understanding the additional responsibilities my spouse would shoulder, particularly in childcare, we decided to approach the transition gradually.

We initiated a trial period while I prepared for the MBA application, knowing that the process alone required considerable effort. This trial period helped us anticipate and mentally prepare for the increased workload and family adjustments ahead.

A key focus during this trial was establishing clear roles and routines. For instance, while my spouse managed our daughter's bedtime routine, I took charge of household chores. This division not only clarified our responsibilities but also ensured we each had dedicated time to fulfill our tasks effectively.

This strategic approach not only eased the transition into the MBA program but also fostered a supportive environment where we could manage our respective roles with understanding and efficiency.

What advice would you give to working professionals who are parents and considering an MBA?

Here are some valuable pieces of advice — based on my experience — for working professionals who are parents considering an MBA:

Define your goals:
Clearly articulate why you want to pursue an MBA and how it aligns with your career aspirations. This clarity will help you stay motivated and focused throughout the program.

Plan: Take the time to plan and discuss with your family the potential challenges and adjustments that come with pursuing an MBA. Establishing realistic expectations and support systems early on can ease the transition.

Time management: Develop strong time management skills and create a structured schedule that accommodates your work, study and family commitments.

Tap into support systems: Lean on your support network including your spouse, family members, friends and possibly employer. Communicate openly about your MBA journey and how they can support you in managing responsibilities at home and work.

Why this part-time MBA student decided to go back to school after 10 years (3)

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

The school’s commitment to collaborative learning and empathetic leadership resonates deeply with me. Throughout my educational journey and interactions within various clubs, I've witnessed firsthand how these values are ingrained in every aspect of the Kellogg experience.

Moreover, the focus on empathy at Kellogg has shaped my approach to leadership — one that emphasizes an understanding and valuing of the perspectives and contributions of others. These values not only define the school's culture but also align closely with my own principles — making Kellogg an ideal environment for personal and professional growth.

Read next: Career or family? Both can be true with a part-time MBA

Why this part-time MBA student decided to go back to school after 10 years (2024)

FAQs

Is it worth going back to school for MBA? ›

An MBA is generally considered a worthy investment for most people with a career in business, however, people pursue this level of education at different points in their careers.

What is the average age of part-time MBA students? ›

Average Age at MBA Programs

The average MBA student is around 28-29 years old, with most students ranging from mid-twenties to early thirties. However, the average age of MBA students varies a lot and many applicants above and below this average age are admitted to MBA programs.

Can I switch from part-time MBA to full-time MBA? ›

Many part-time MBA students have wondered if it would be possible for them to transfer into a full-time MBA program. There are many reasons that one would want to make the switch, and the good news is that transferring into a full-time MBA program is definitely possible.

What is the average return on an MBA? ›

The 10-year ROI was estimated to be 325 percent. Ranked second was Harvard Business School with an average starting salary of $125,000, a total program cost of $122,000, and an expected 10-year ROI of 320 percent.

Is an MBA losing its value? ›

Just like how a dollar in the future is worth less than a dollar today, the MBA degree will probably be worth less in the future as well due to the increasing supply. Given it's becoming more commonplace to receive an MBA in certain industries, those without MBAs will become more and more of an outlier.

Is 50 too old for an MBA? ›

The short answer is that there is no such thing as too old. You can decide to pursue your MBA at any age if it makes personal and professional sense to do so.

Is part-time MBA hard? ›

Part-time MBA programs are often seen as less competitive than full-time programs and can take longer than 18 to 24 months to complete. The main challenge for part-timers is balancing work and school, many times at the expense of social or family time.

How long should a part-time MBA take? ›

Part-time MBA programs: about 3 years

Of course, three years is a long time to work on a degree, so consider whether or not you'll be able (or willing) to maintain this commitment for so long. Read More: Part Time vs Full Time MBA? Here's How to Decide.

Does part-time vs full-time MBA matter? ›

Pursuing a full-time MBA has many advantages over a part-time MBA, including better networking opportunities, and salary and career outcomes. Full-time students are “more likely to have careers in finance, accounting and consulting, compared to part time,” Walker says.

Can you do a part-time MBA while working? ›

Despite the many challenges of holding down a full-time job and pursuing a competitive degree—not to mention maintaining a fulfilling personal life—simultaneously, throughout the United States and “at many business schools, online MBA students now outnumber full-time MBAs.”1 So it's possible to earn an MBA while ...

Am I too old to do full-time MBA? ›

Am I Too Old for an MBA? Although most incoming MBA classes have an average age in the late 20s, you're never too old to apply to business school. Age is not a criterion considered in the admissions process. If you have the academic and professional experience required, you're old enough to apply for an MBA.

Are MBAs worth it in 2024? ›

March 27, 2024, at 4:19 p.m. A master's degree in business administration can be a great asset when looking for jobs but applicants should weigh the commitment of this opportunity. Earning an MBA is always a significant time investment. Consider career goals and costs before enrolling in an MBA program.

Is MBA worth it after 30? ›

An MBA is valuable at any age if you're in it to develop a skillset, try something new, and become a more well-rounded leader, manager, or individual contributor. For an older student with more experience, an MBA may be more about building a new muscle and staying on-trend than making a big move.

Is it worth getting an MBA now? ›

Although the cost of getting an MBA can be daunting, according to the Graduate Management Admission Council's 2021 survey, the average salary for someone with an MBA degree was 77 percent more than those with a bachelor's degree. Graduates can expect to make notably higher salaries throughout their careers.

Is MBA worth it financially? ›

An MBA is only worth the expense, time, and effort when the graduate plans to work in a business-related field, in management, or as a company founder. An MBA may not be useful for those working in other industries unless they are in management or leadership roles.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Pres. Carey Rath

Last Updated:

Views: 5907

Rating: 4 / 5 (61 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Pres. Carey Rath

Birthday: 1997-03-06

Address: 14955 Ledner Trail, East Rodrickfort, NE 85127-8369

Phone: +18682428114917

Job: National Technology Representative

Hobby: Sand art, Drama, Web surfing, Cycling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Leather crafting, Creative writing

Introduction: My name is Pres. Carey Rath, I am a faithful, funny, vast, joyous, lively, brave, glamorous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.