I just confirmed my attendance at the Simon School's part time orientation and registration for June 3rd. After the orientation I will be a part-time non-matriculated MBA student.

Some of my job perks include tuition assistance for up to 2 classes a semester (completely free of charge at my university, 80% covered at another school), so it won't cost me anything to participate in this program; and since I am non-matriculated I have the ability to take classes without formally applying. I can take 4 classes before submitting an application, and the really cool thing is if I maintain a 3.5 or higher GPA they waive the GMAT requirement and practically guarantee admission.

Sounds like a pretty good deal, right?

I am excited, nervous, and not sure what to make of my options right now.

Currently I work as a research technician in an academic lab, and while I really enjoy my job, it doesn't have much advancement potential other than becoming a PhD student. I love the research aspect: running studies with cool equipment, finding out new things, meeting new people every week, learning about how our visual system and brain interact... it's all fascinating, but I don't think I want to study this for the rest of my life. After being an academic researcher for several years I'd like to maintain the research aspects of this job while transitioning to a non-academic environment - and business school seemed like the next logical step.

Simon has both MBA and MS in Business degrees where I could specialize in market research. This would allow me to maintain my interest in research and potentially keep learning about the brain and human reactions. Instead of visual working memory and response priors I would be able to study the effectiveness of product memory and emotional responses. Great... now which program, the MBA or MSBA?

The regular MBA program takes more time, requires more classes, and is more focused on management with a broader skill set (more versatile) while the MS is completed in 1 year full time and has a more focused skill set. And there is always the option of a PhD or Masters outside of business school.

Of the four classes I can take as a non-matriculated student, two overlap with both the MBA and MS degrees. According to the calendar only one of those two is offered in the summer session, but the website has been out of date before and I will verify that at registration. This means I could take the two classes and have the option of either degree. I really don't know which one I should pursue.

Another question: Is it worth it to get one of these at all?

I have already been at my current job a full year (not counting part time as an undergrad here) and am getting antsy to move on, but where do I want to go? I don't really have a clear idea of what type of job I want. I know what I like and don't like about my current position, and I know that of all the business degrees, Market Research is most closely aligned with my interests... But do I need a higher degree to get a good job?

Preliminary searching of careerbuilder and hotjobs shows a lot of jobs that claim to require the degrees and lots of experience, but I am not sure how stringent they are with the qualifications. Having a paper won't guarantee you a job, just as not having one won't always stop you. I need to refine my search, but right now it seems like a good investment to further my education.

This is Exciting!