So I’ve recently graduated with my bachelors and due to the struggling economy, I cant seem to find a job. I have a social sciences background and therefore my line of work is associated with state/government agencies.
I am now thinking of pursuing an MBA. Although, I know its not necessary to have a business background to get into an MBA program, I have ABSOLUTELY no business idea/background/experience. This concerns me for my aptitude of being successful in an MBA program and also concerns me for the GMAT. Should I be concerned?
Another big issue I’ve got on my mind: LOANS! The schools I am interested in range from about $30K-$40K for full tuition. I am worried to start the program, have massive amounts of loans, and then wind-up not landing a successful job and NOT being able to pay off my loans! SCARY!
The thing is, im not sure if I should even consider starting right away. I dont know if age really matters, but i think there must be some correlation, ofcourse keeping in mind that age brings experience. Im 23 and not sure if I should take a slow or jump right in. A very successful lawyer once told me that those who took time off between undergrad and graduate school were the ones who came out the most successful. But family pressure is ON to go right into it.
It's not necessary for a business background but good schools in the US do ask for at least 1 year work experience and good Mathematics results in maybe school or university courses in Mathematics that you took for your Bachelors. GMAT results are also taken in to consideration. Usually good schools, their MBA programs have more strict entry requirements. Of course it will be considered if you did Business Studies in IGCSE or A levels. It will give you a better chance of acceptance if your Bachelors degree is in Business, however anyone can apply for an MBA program.
I have contacted in the past, University of Michigan Ann Arbour regarding doing MBA from there. I interacted with the Enrolment Advisor via Email correspondence and she told me that if I satisfied their entry requirements, there is no reason why I should wait to do an MBA. I already have the required 1 year work experience though.
From what I have read, you just graduated and you might not have the work experience for good schools entry requirements. I suggest wait and get an year's experience and raise some money and then go to US to pursue an MBA. (I am assuming you are not in the US already) You can even combine it with some other major and do a Double MBA. I am thinking of doing Masters of Health Care Administration/Masters of Business Administration dual program from University of Washington, Spokane. That, or dual Masters in Journalism and Business from Columbia University.
You are going to support yourself with loans and in this case best scenario is to work for 1 or 2 years before you do an MBA. Experience gained, money in the account, more responsible person, these are all qualities which will give you a strong backbone for support while in the US. Also if then you do get a loan for Masters, you won't have a lot of stress since you will have some money in the account, for worst case scenarios.
I suggest you keep on looking for a job and don't give up that easily. If you can't find one at the place you are living currently, then look for jobs abroad but go for a job first before an MBA.
thanks DW, actually I am in the USA and did my education from here, and plan on only staying here, lol. well i wanted to get the feel of the job security out there with an MBA, i know nothing is really promised but those have been through the same can share their experiences. but considering the responses of this post, i dont think many people have been through it.
I do have work experience but nothing at an executive or highly professional level. I attened one info seminar at a local univeristy and got plenty of info, and going to another uni this week. But what i did come to realize is, is that every uni has their own wants and expectations but they are pretty flexible. i guess i just gotta see whats out there for myself before making a decision.
Im in texas. Who is X2? And how do I get ahold of him/her? lol
I spoke to the addimissions advisor at one uni and he said they consider different things, such as undergrad, experience, personality, even poise! And its up to the advisor to determine if one of these factors can be compensated for the other...such as job experience and school. Very individualized..which made me a bit more comfortable.
There are a few other folks aside from myself with business degrees who can help.
Can you get into an MBA program, very likely, different programs have different requirements. more rigorous ones would even have interviews where they will gauge your aptitude and interest and fit.
but the bigger question is if this is the right thing for you to do, and based on what you have written, I dont know if it is until you have figured out what you want to do and how an MBA fits in your goals.
GMAT is pretty simple really so no need to be concerned.
Exactly, what are my goals, is the bigger and more important question.
My original route was law school, as that is my initial point of interest. My undergrad degree is in criminal justice, dealing with public service sector. But, considering how lawyers are a dime a dozen these days, I dont feel so comfortable with that. So I came across a uni that has a MBA/JD joint degree program. So from that i stemmed off to just considering an MBA. If i do an MBA, i have decided that i will specialize in HR, but again, i dont already have a job that im in. So I would have to really put myself out there to find something.
But in the meantime, I cant even seem to find a regular job, ANY job! So, that really scares me. My main concern is job placement after graduation, in order to be able to pay off my loans. The admissions is not so much my concern.