Is 30 Too Old to Get an MBA Degree?

Interested in getting a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree? If you're 30 or older, perhaps you're wondering if you missed your chance. After all, aren't most college students in their 20s?

There is no right or wrong age to return to college, and 30 isn't too old to get an MBA. Most MBA students are in their mid to upper 20s, but it's common to find much older students working toward their MBA degree as well.

Reasons To Earn Your MBA Degree at 30

Though some people enter MBA programs fresh out of undergraduate school, there are many good reasons to hold off on getting your degree until you're a little older. However, there are several reasons why 30 may be the perfect age for getting your MBA.

You've Gained Professional Experience and Skills

By the time you're 30, you likely have several years of work experience. This is not only preferred but may be required for some MBA programs.

More time in real-world business capacities likely means that you've developed hard and soft skills in leadership, management, finance, and more.

You Want to Change or Advance Your Career

Maybe you're hoping to pursue a new career after getting your MBA. Age 30 is an excellent time to explore new possibilities, as you are still young enough to have many years of work ahead of you.

On the other hand, maybe you are hoping to advance within your current company or industry. Getting your MBA can give you the credentials you need to pursue promotions and potential pay increases.

There Are a Variety of Program Options Available

There are many different types of MBA programs:

• full-time
• part-time
• executive MBAs (EMBAs)
• online MBA programs

By the time you're 30, you may have work or family commitments to consider when going back to school. With so many different types of programs available, you can choose the one that works best for you.

What Will I Learn In an MBA Degree Program?

Perhaps you're wondering about the worth of an MBA program. Yes, you gain a valuable credential when you earn this type of degree, but what actual skills will you learn while you're in school?

Programs vary, but some offer MBA specializations that allow students to specialize in a particular area of business. That said, all MBA programs comprise many of the same basic courses and topics.

You can expect to gain advanced skills in many areas of business in an MBA program. Some of these skills include:

• business ethics and legal concerns
• entrepreneurship
• finance and economics
• marketing strategies
• research and operations

In essence, MBA programs teach you all the skills you need to run a business. These skills can be extremely useful whether you're a small business owner, a manager within a company, or an administrator of a large corporation.

What Can I Do With My MBA Degree?

MBA degrees can lead to a wealth of administrative and management positions within a wide array of industries. A few of the top roles you could pursue include:

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officers or CEOs are top executives within their company. They are chosen by the company's board of directors. They are tasked with making major decisions within the company, acting as the face of the company, and overseeing all business operations and resources.

Consultant

Consultants provide expert advice on business practices. They often work with companies on a contract basis. Consultants typically specialize in a specific area of business and are employed to improve performance, profitability, and efficiency.

Business Operations Manager

Business operations managers are responsible for managing and overseeing supply chains within a company. Some of their job duties include creating financial reports, collaborating on developing budgets, overseeing marketing techniques, and performing other functions with the ultimate goal of reducing company costs.

Accountant

Accountants are financial experts tasked with preparing financial documents and records. They may work for companies or individuals. They manage tax records and statements, provide financial guidance, and work to help a company reduce expenses and remain compliant with tax laws.

Operations Research Analyst

Operations research analysts work with departmental managers within a company to determine the most efficient use of limited funds. Their ultimate goal is to help the company run affordably and efficiently by managing supply chains, pricing policies, and production schedules.

FAQs About Starting an MBA Degree at 30

Still have questions about going back to school at 30? Read on for answers.

Are There Benefits To Starting My MBA Degree at 30?

Starting your MBA at 30 can be beneficial because you are probably more focused and have a better idea of your career goals than you did when you were younger. You have also had time to develop skills and gain experience, but you are still young enough to establish yourself as a business leader after graduating.

Can I Apply Life Experience Credits To Earn My MBA Degree?

That depends on the school. Some schools allow students to earn credits for life experience that they can count toward their degree, while others do not. Check with any specific program you're considering to find out if life experience credits are an option.

Can I Work and Go To College?

If you enroll in a full-time MBA program, you may have a hard time balancing school with a full-time job. However, many part-time, EMBA, and flexible online options are designed with busy working professionals in mind. Enrolling in one of these types of programs will enable you to work while getting your degree.