5 Reasons to Start Simon’s PMBA in January
October 16, 2024 | April Marroquin
The following post was written by April Marroquin, senior associate director of recruitment for executive and part-time programs at Simon Business School. April now enjoys life in Rochester as a graduate of Simon’s part-time Online MSBA program and a current PMBA student. With nearly a decade of experience in higher education admissions, April guides prospective part-time students, combining personal insight and professional expertise to showcase the best of Simon and Rochester.
As an admissions counselor and a current Simon Professional MBA student who began the program in January, I’ve seen firsthand how this timing can offer unique benefits. In case you’re on the fence about the best time to go back to school, here are five reasons why starting in January might be perfect for you:
1. Start the Year Strong
January is all about fresh starts and setting goals, making it a great time to dive into a new challenge like a PMBA. Many students find that the motivation they get from setting New Year’s resolutions helps them tackle their studies with more energy and focus. By starting your MBA in January, you’ll be harnessing that momentum to accelerate your professional and academic growth. It’s a perfect way to make sure your year starts strong and with purpose.
2. Compete for a Full-Tuition Scholarship
One of the best opportunities for our PMBA students is the Simon Games competition, held in the fall. If you start in January, you’ll be perfectly positioned to participate, giving you a shot at winning a full-tuition scholarship. This is an exciting way to put your skills to the test, network with other students, and potentially earn significant financial support for your degree. Plus, it’s a great chance to sharpen your business acumen and have fun while doing it!
3. Flexible Scheduling and Non-Matriculated Option
Our PMBA program is designed with flexibility in mind. Whether you prefer to take classes one or two nights a week, or need to take a break between terms, Simon’s PMBA adapts to your schedule. Starting in January gives you the opportunity to ease into your studies while easing into the new year and balance your workload over time. You can even complete the program over as many as seven years if needed, so it’s a great option for busy professionals who want to earn their degree without sacrificing balance in their work or personal life. In addition, Simon offers the ability to "test drive" the PMBA with a non-matriculated start option—meaning students can take up to two classes before officially applying. Contact us to learn more!
4. New Year, New Network
By starting in January, you’ll have the advantage of connecting with two cohorts of peers—those who started in the fall and your own spring cohort. This unique timing increases your exposure to diverse professionals from various industries, giving you even more opportunities to collaborate, share insights, and build relationships throughout the program. These relationships are incredibly valuable—not just during your studies, but throughout your entire career. Simon’s PMBA program is a fantastic place to connect with people who can offer new perspectives, potential job leads, and long-lasting friendships.
5. Apply What You Learn Right Away
Kicking off your PMBA in January allows you to implement new skills and knowledge in the early months of the year. This timing can be particularly beneficial for getting a jump on your career growth ahead of mid-year reviews or performance assessments at work, allowing you to demonstrate immediate impact before you even finish your first semester.
Ready to Begin?
Starting your PMBA in January offers flexibility, scholarships, and immediate career growth. If you’re ready to take the next step, feel free to set up a time to chat with me—I’m here to help!
Related Blogs
-
Are you considering business school for 2025? With the Round 4 – March 31 application deadline for our full-time MBA and MS programs fast approaching, now is the perfect time to seize the opportunity and set yourself on a path to success. Whether you're looking to advance your career, pivot to a new -
We are excited to share information about our employment results for the MBA Class of 2024 and internship outcomes for the MBA Class of 2025. The results reflect our ongoing desire and commitment to facilitate excellent career outcomes for all of our graduates. The data include both domestic and -
We get it—seeing a large scholarship offer is exciting. It’s a well-earned validation of your hard work, your potential, and your future. But before you commit, let’s talk about what those numbers actually mean for your finances and your career. At Simon Business School, we work with admitted -
Join us for the Simon MBA Experience! Network, attend a sample class, connect with the Career Center, and tour our beautiful Rochester campus. -
My day begins with the gentle hum of my alarm, nudging me awake before the world fully stirs. The first moments of my morning are sacred. I start with a quiet prayer, a quick review of my calendar on Notion, and a crafted to-do list after reviewing my calendar. Journaling comes next, a ritual that -
Deciding to pursue an MBA is a major commitment. For many working professionals, it can feel overwhelming to dive into a full program with a significant investment of time and money. But what if you didn’t have to choose all or nothing? What if you could take just one class, explore a topic you’re -
In Simon Admissions & Programs, we share the same goal: for you to submit a standout application. In order to do that, it's important that you submit a complete application. This will ensure your application is evaluated in the round you applied in and will keep you on track to receive your -
If you're considering pursuing a business degree at Simon Business School, here’s an opportunity you don’t want to miss: Simon Games! This business simulation competition lets you showcase your skills, compete for a scholarship, and experience real-world business decision-making. Still on the fence -
I’m Karthik Muthuselvam '26S (MBA), a first-year MBA student at the University of Rochester’s Simon Business School, gearing up for a career transition into strategy roles. Before jumping into the MBA world, I spent four years in the IT industry, leading teams and working on innovative projects -
With the February 15 application deadline rapidly approaching, there are several important factors to consider before clicking that “submit” button. The February 15 deadline corresponds with Round 3 for the full-time programs and Round 1 for the part-time programs, and we always encourage candidates -
Simon’s Full-Time MBA offers the option to pursue STEM designation in any specialization. The majority of MBA students elect this option (89% from the Class of 2023 and 82% from the Class of 2024), which can be achieved by completing 50% of coursework in STEM-designated credits. Hear from three of -
January 24, 2025 | Simon Admissions Team If you’re considering business school, it’s likely you’re not only thinking about your short-term success but also your long-term career goals. If you’re an early career professional, start your Simon journey with one of our newly enhanced specialized master