Work Experience | Ask the Expert

How do I decide if this is the right time for me to pursue an MBA?

Posted on November 19, 2012 by GMAC

Provided by Erin Ernst, MBA Admissions Director, Foster School of Business, University of Washington

Part II in a Two-Part Series

Part II of this blog focuses on your personal preparedness for business school. Do you have a strong support network? Are you ready to deal with the stress of the b-school environment? Do you have the energy it takes to succeed? (more…)

Filed under: B-School, School Selection, Work Experience, Work-Life Balance | 9 Comments »

How do I decide if this is the right time for me to pursue an MBA?

Posted on November 12, 2012 by GMAC

Provided by Erin Ernst, MBA Admissions Director, Foster School of Business, University of Washington

Part I in a Two-Part Series

Part I of this blog focuses on preparedness. Have you done your homework? How well do you know yourself? Are you financially and academically prepared? Next week, we’ll focus on how you can know if this is the right time personally for you to pursue an MBA.

Just like many big steps in life, there is no “perfect” time for the MBA that makes sense for everyone. Regardless of the average age or the average years of work experience represented at the different schools you are considering, the most important thing to consider is your own readiness for the MBA. While you do want to be aware of a school’s profile, and understand their selection criteria, there are a number of factors to consider before you begin diving into the application process. Following are some important questions (in no particular order) that you should ask yourself if you are thinking about an MBA. (more…)

Filed under: Admissions Process, Admissions Requirements, Applications, Work Experience | 1 Comment »

Can I get an MBA even if I do not have work experience?

Posted on May 7, 2012 by Graduate Management Admission Council

Judy O’Neill
Associate Dean and Director of Admission
Atkinson Graduate School of Management
Willamette University

Yes, you can. MBA programs are changing. Different MBA programs are designed to meet different goals. Students who want to complete their MBA early in their career have the opportunity to select an MBA program designed specifically for recent college graduates and students with one to three years of experience who are seeking their first professional position. These programs are generally referred to as “early career” MBA programs because they provide early career students the full range of real professional experience, knowledge, and the career management tools needed to succeed as early career professionals.

(more…)

Filed under: Career, Early Career MBA, MBA, Work Experience | 1 Comment »

What do admissions committees look for in work experience?

Posted on April 20, 2012 by Graduate Management Admission Council

When admissions offices consider applications, and in particular someone coming right out of school, they'll want to know if you're pursuing a graduate management degree for the right reasons. They'll want to know about your work and leadership experience. These admissions professionals offer their tips on how you can stand out.