Is 35 Too Old to Get an MBA Degree?

Want to pursue your Master of Business Administration (MBA) and further your career? If you're 35, you may be wondering if it's too late to take this big step in your life. Are you too old to get an MBA?

You can go back to college at any point in your life; you're never too old. It's not uncommon for MBA programs to contain students in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and even 60s. Completing this degree at any age comes with many benefits, such as opportunities for career advancement and higher pay.

Keep reading to learn more.

Reasons To Earn Your MBA Degree at 35

There are many good reasons to consider going back to school for your MBA, even if you're a little older than the average graduate student. Some of the reasons you may be considering this move are listed below.

To Advance Your Career

You've been working in business for several years, but you're ready to take your career to the next level. Perhaps you're hoping for:

• a promotion
• a pay increase
• a leadership position with a new company

Getting your MBA can increase your chances of meeting any of these goals. It is an excellent degree choice for anyone looking to advance in their business career.

To Change Careers

Perhaps you're looking to make a bigger change; you've been working in an unrelated field, and you want to move into more of a business role. If you have a bachelor's degree in any field, you can pursue an MBA. Getting this degree will give you the solid foundation you need to find success as a mid-career professional looking to change jobs.

To Start Your Own Business

Have you always dreamed of running your own business? Have a great idea but need to develop new skills to make your idea a reality? An MBA teaches you about all the various aspects of running a business. This knowledge will prove invaluable if you plan to start your own company.

What Will I Learn In an MBA Degree Program?

MBA programs include a wide array of courses that approach business from every side. Students gain in-depth knowledge of:

• finance
• marketing
• management
• communication skills

Programs vary from school to school and may contain slightly different coursework and teaching methods. That said, all MBA programs aim to help students become the next generation of business leaders.

Common courses typically included in MBA programs include:

• accounting
• business theory
• economics
• organizational behavior
• business ethics

What Can I Do With My MBA Degree?

There are a variety of career paths you can pursue as an MBA graduate; many of these are lucrative roles in leadership and management positions. Below are some positions to consider.

Human Resources Manager

Human resources (HR) managers oversee the HR department at their company. They work in a management role to:

• ensure laws and regulations are followed
• ensure employees receive accurate pay and benefits
• ensure new employees are trained properly
• recruit new employees

Financial Analyst

Financial analysts watch market trends and make recommendations relative to a company's financial strategies. Essentially, their job is to help businesses spend their money wisely. They also offer investment advice and risk analysis services.

Business Development Representative

Business development representatives are responsible for procuring new acquisitions for a company. They look for positive business opportunities for a company, such as new products and partnerships, networking with potential clients and sales representatives to secure these opportunities.

Compliance Officer

Compliance officers work in many different fields to ensure all laws and regulations are being followed. Their job largely relates to banking and financial laws, so MBA graduates hoping to work in this field must have a solid understanding of this branch of business.

User Experience Designer

User Experience (UX) designers create the visual components of various forms of digital media, such as apps and websites. They must have a creative side as well as an understanding of what makes for user-friendly systems. They oversee the entire process, from design to implementation of digital media systems.

FAQs About Starting an MBA Degree at 35

Do you still have questions about getting your MBA at 35? Keep reading as we explore some answers to frequently asked questions you may have.

Are There Benefits To Starting My MBA Degree at 35?

Waiting until you're 35 to get your MBA will give you several extra years of professional experience, which can be beneficial when it comes to getting accepted into a program. What's more, this added experience will benefit you as you work toward your degree, helping you navigate challenging courses and stay focused as you pursue your ultimate goal of business success.

Can I Complete My MBA Degree Online?

Many schools offer online MBA programs. These programs are often part-time or flexible programs that allow students to continue working full-time while in school if necessary. Online programs are a great option for busy adults who don't want to sacrifice work and family commitments while getting their degrees.

Are There Any Free or Affordable MBA Degree Programs?

While MBA programs themselves are not free, many employers are willing to pay for employees' MBAs. Even if this is not an option for you, you may be able to greatly reduce the cost of your degree through:

• financial aid
• scholarships
• work-study positions

Make sure to check with your specific institution to see if there are any ways they may be able to work with you to keep costs down as well.