How to get into Top MBA w/ non-biz Degree and No IBank internship
Hey,
I was wondering how you get into a top MBA if you have a quant degree (i.e. math, a science, or engineering), but because these programs are hard, you didn't have a high enough GPA to land a ibanking or consulting internship at a big firm. I know probably misinterpreted part of what people have said, but mostly I hear that if you don't get a job in ibanking, MBB, and to a much lesser extent Big 4, then it is extremely hard to get into a top MBA. So what can you do with say an engineering degree to get into a top MBA? Does just having work experience with reputable companies help at all or what do you have to do to get noticed besides having the highest GPA possible and amazing GMATs?
thanks





ibanking and consulting
ibanking and consulting experience is def. not necessary to get into a top MBA. In fact, almost all of the top MBA programs have less than 30% of its student body composed of ex-bankers/consultants (with schools like Harvard taking well less than 10% from banking). M/B/B will almost certainly get you into a top program... can't say the same about banking (GS/MS will help, but not to the same degree as M/B/B). But honestly... 70+% of students don't come from these two industries; why are you worried?
well the thing is, I really
well the thing is, I really think I want to study engineering because it interests me, and its versatile, but I also have a strong interest in consulting, and if I don't get into right out of undergrad (which is probably what is going to happen statistically speaking, especially since eng lowers your GPA), then I don't want the EE degree to keep me out of getting into a top business school, and maybe trying again from there. Also, most posts I've read have said that if you don't get good internships (i.e. I-banking/consulting) out of undergrad, then you won't get into a top MBA. Who knows, I might not even care about consulting anymore, but I still want an MBA from a top school so I can move up into management at my engineering firm (this is something I KNOW I want to do) or so that if I do consulting in the EE field, the prestige can help carry me a bit further. So that's why I care, but yeah.
So now the question is, what kind of companies would top MBA schools want to see from an engineer?
well the thing is, I really
well the thing is, I really think I want to study engineering because it interests me, and its versatile, but I also have a strong interest in consulting, and if I don't get into right out of undergrad (which is probably what is going to happen statistically speaking, especially since eng lowers your GPA), then I don't want the EE degree to keep me out of getting into a top business school, and maybe trying again from there. Also, most posts I've read have said that if you don't get good internships (i.e. I-banking/consulting) out of undergrad, then you won't get into a top MBA. Who knows, I might not even care about consulting anymore, but I still want an MBA from a top school so I can move up into management at my engineering firm (this is something I KNOW I want to do) or so that if I do consulting in the EE field, the prestige can help carry me a bit further. So that's why I care, but yeah.
So now the question is, what kind of companies would top MBA schools want to see from an engineer?
If engineering is something
If engineering is something that you are passionate about then you should pursue it. Your college experience is about the journey not the final product (i.e. GPA and diploma). You can major in engineering and still maintain a solid GPA. An engineering background will provide you with a solid foundation from which you can delve into banking or consulting.
Top b-schools are looking for well-rounded applicants and this includes people from diverse backgrounds (bankers, consultants, military men, fine art appraisers, etc). You need a solid GPA, strong GMAT score, community involvement, and a few differentiating factors. Good luck.
Answer: Save the whales
Answer: Save the whales
Engineering is OK
Don't worry, there are tons of engineers in Top 10 business schools. There are also lots of engineering applicants and the Top 10 schools draw from a global pool, many with good grades. That said 4 to 5 years of really impactful work experience as an engineer can overshadow a less than perfect GPA.
your fine
just kill the GMAT!