hi,
have you looked here:
http://www.find-mba.com/board/24548
?

I did. But the consensus seemed to be that there is less networking potential and career services support in a GMP versus an in-class program. But these qualities seem to be also true in general for online MBA programs, which is why I'm finding it hard to justify the extra expense and time.

Also, wouldn't I be able to better develop my soft skills and leadership potential through an in-class GMP, compared to a distance-based MBA?

Hello Robert,

I am the community manager for the MBA@UNC program and I would be happy to set up a conversation between yourself and our admissions team if you are interested.

This could be a good opportunity for you to learn more about our program as well as our career services and how we ensure that you are still able to take advantage of the networking opportunities that a traditional MBA program offers.

You can contact me directly via email: [email protected]

Thank you for your interest in our program and best of luck with your search! I look forward to hearing from you.

Best,
Harrison

Hi Robert,

Whilst a lot depends of each specific programme, my strong instinct would be to choose a solid GMP over a pure distance learning MBA.

This is because a well-run, comprehensive GMP should boost your soft skills. A pure distance course can't do this. In my experience, it's the soft skills that truly count. (I have worked with MBAs from top tier schools and recruited MBAs.) Having said that, the better distance MBAs in the UK, such as Warwick and Manchester, use blended learning.

HOWEVER, a lot depends on the specific school and programe. A GMP from Harvard would obviously count more than an MBA from a little-known school. NB: I'm based in the UK, so the position in the US may differ.

<blockquote>This is because a well-run, comprehensive GMP should boost your soft skills. A pure distance course can't do this. In my experience, it's the soft skills that truly count. (I have worked with MBAs from top tier schools and recruited MBAs.) Having said that, the better distance MBAs in the UK, such as Warwick and Manchester, use blended learning.</blockquote>
Good point, but like OP said, the Harvard GMP only requires two on-campus sessions, which pretty much matches up with many blended-learning MBA programs.

I think it ultimately would depend on your age and experience level. Participants in Harvard's GMP program are usually pertty senior, having between 15 and 20 years of experience. For the Durham and Warwick programs, it's more like 10-12.

Thanks everybody for your advice.

I think I'm going to opt for an MBA program that has online elements - just because I think I'm under the experience level for most general management programs. So, I'm checking out MBA@UNC, Worcester Polytechnic, Carnegie Mellon, specifically.