What is the Best Age to Earn an MBA?

Timing Your MBA for Highest Career Impact

If you are considering going back to school, your reasons will be as unique as your career path. Perhaps you’re looking to pivot into a new career, change job levels or functions, or change companies. Whatever your reason, a desire to accelerate growth is at the heart. Timing that growth is key to success post-MBA.

Best Age to Earn MBA

There is no one “correct” age to earn an MBA. When timing your hoped-for MBA admission year, it is crucial to begin your studies prepared to actively contribute to class discussions, leverage your work experience to enhance learning, maximize your educational understanding, and expand your career opportunities post-graduation.

A decision to pursue an MBA should not be made in a vacuum. Get a clear picture of your goals by speaking to a trusted community of family, friends, mentors, and those in your academic or professional sphere, like former professors and supervisors. Their overlapping insights and varied perspectives can help you see your desired career journey with new eyes.

“Choosing the right time to pursue your MBA is a deeply personal decision. While there’s no perfect age, it is important to gain professional experience to enhance your learning and career prospects. Typically, students with three to five years of work experience often have a clearer sense of their career goals. Remember, it’s not just about the age, but about the readiness to embrace the challenges and opportunities that an MBA program offers.”

– Emily Sharkey Executive Director, Graduate Business Admissions and Recruiting

How Much Work Experience Before Earning an MBA

It is generally recommended that MBA students gain work experience before enrolling in an MBA program. Having a solid professional background makes you more competitive in the job market post-graduation, as employers often look for candidates who can demonstrate both academic knowledge and practical experience. Ultimately, the right time to get your MBA depends on your career goals, personal circumstances, and readiness to commit to the intensive study and networking opportunities an MBA program offers.

Average Age and Work Experience for Georgia Tech MBA Students

The Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business offers three MBA programs, each designed to answer the unique needs of professionals across the spectrum of age and work experience.