Me: What is the MBA workload really like? I read the SCMP and various blogs, and people say it’s tough.
Lawrence: It is really tough, but I don’t want to scare you or put you off.
Me: Could you give it to me straight?
Lawrence: You told me you got 660 on your GMAT and, for that, you studied on average two hours every weeknight for two months. Also, you were pretty good at maths as an undergraduate. For an MBA, let’s assume you would need to study not 10 but 15 hours a week after work, and that doesn’t include the equivalent of one full day you would also need to spend in class.
Me: For the CFA, the suggested study time is 250 hours over six months, or about 10 to 11 hours per week.
Lawrence: I know - I studied for the CFA as well. Remember, though, that the MBA is not a walk in the park. It is as hard as, or even harder than, doing the CFA. If it was a programme full of chit-chat or where you simply sat and listened, why would you be paying HK$300,000 to HK$500,000 for the course? Some MBA programmes may have less demanding workloads and private study time might then be around 12 hours per week. But ask yourself what you expect in the long run.