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HBS
 

To Get More Work Experience Before B-School...

westsider's picture
(Monkey, 59
 
Points)
 on 5/23/13 at 6:03pm

So, after 2 months of preparation and studying (a lot of credit due to Phantombanker's study guide) I got a 770 on the GMAT. So now I'm turning my focus to actually applying to schools. I'm wondering if I should get more work experience or have a reasonable shot at Harvard/Wharton/Booth level schools (and the Ross/Tuck level too).

My profile is pretty standard:
White
770 GMAT (51Q,44V)
3.9 GPA in Econ from UMich/UNC/Cal level school
2 Years as IB Analyst at GS/MS/JPM (in 1st year)
Assorted PWM and I-Banking Collegiate Internships
D1 - Lacrosse
Very Boring Life Story

Today I finished my first year at Harvard Business School.

RyanAllis's picture
(Monkey, 44
 
Points)
 on 5/22/13 at 12:14pm

Mod note: this is a syndication from ryanallis.com

And So The Journey Begins… Again

Today I finished my first year at Harvard Business School.

I wrote the below post 10 years ago last week (on May 11, 2003)… at a similar point in life after finishing year one at UNC and just four weeks before starting Broadwick with Aaron, which became iContact. I didn’t quite do everything in the below post, but I came close! And I’ve decided not to pursue economics but instead continue on as an entrepreneur.

Top 27 profiles for HBS - Class of 2014

alreadyrich's picture
IB
(Baboon, 150
 
Points)
 on 5/8/13 at 4:00pm
hbs.jpg

As some celebrate the end of the grueling admission process (short,compbanker etc) others are just beginning (class of 2016)

I will be applying to the usual suspects this fall, came across this post and thought to myself "the new formula for getting into HBS" goes something like this; found a start up (no matter how boring) + found/be highly active in an NGO = $$$$

What are your thoughts on this new trendfrom blue chip/BB+PE experience to start up and NGO experience.

**Management consultants still seem to get some love.

Which is more difficult to get: HBS or Jeff. Fellowship at Darden?

mongoose's picture
O
(King Kong, 1,029
 
Points)
 on 4/22/13 at 9:46pm

I am a college student looking to go to B School in the distant future, and just out of curiosity I was wondering which one is more difficult to get.

Admit at HBS
or
Jefferson Fellowship at Darden

I'm not a URM or anything like that.

Why Would Someone Get Two MBAs from Top B-Schools?

John Daggett's picture
 
Points)
 on 3/31/13 at 12:49pm

Why searching LinkedIn I came across this person's profile:

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/alexandre-perez-casare...

Why get get an MBA from Stamford and HBS?

How has HBS changed since the 1980's?

John Daggett's picture
 
Points)
 on 3/28/13 at 4:26pm

Is it mostly more mathematized?

MBA Class of 2015 Roll Call

cinnamontoastcrunch's picture
O
(Orangutan, 262
 
Points)
 on 3/28/13 at 12:56pm
Logos

Fellow monkeys,

With the release of R2 decisions this week for the majority of schools, I thought we'd start a thread for everyone that'll be matriculating somewhere this fall.

Where'd you apply?
Where are you in at?
Where are you headed?

The Diminishing Value of B-School

Edmundo Braverman's picture
ST
(Human, 14,399
 
Points)
 on 3/7/13 at 7:55am
HBS.jpg

I was pretty surprised to find the following article in the Wall Street Journal. Kiplinger's Personal Finance? Sure. But the Journal? Wow. It's a pretty dark day for B-schools when the Journal starts publishing stories about how they're a waste of money.

If you want a business education, the odds aren't with you, unfortunately, in business school. Professors are rewarded for publishing journal articles, not for being good teachers. The other students are trying to get ahead of you. The development office is already assessing you for future donations. Administrators care about the metrics that will improve your school's national ranking. None of these things actually helps you learn about business.

The article goes on to point out that the education you receive in B-school can be found for free on YouTube, and that the real value of B-school is in the network you develop. So is there a more cost effective way to develop your network than throwing $175,000 at a school? The author seems to think so.

Ahead of the Curve (2 Years At HBS): A Monkey's Review

In The Flesh's picture
HF
(Neanderthal, 2,812
 
Points)
 on 3/9/13 at 1:00pm
ahead of the curve.jpg

“Absurdly profitable company seeks journalist with ten years’ experience and a Harvard MBA for extremely highly paid, low stress job in which he can wear nice suits and loaf around in air-conditioned splendor making the very occasional executive decision. Requirements: an acute discomfort in the presence of spreadsheets, inability to play golf, poorly concealed loathing of corporate life, knowledge of ancient Greek.” – The Help Wanted Ad I Sought But Never Found

We spend a lot of time on WSO talking about business school, wondering whether it is right for us. And it seems that for most folks, we don’t really know whether a business school like Harvard is a smart choice because we are unsure of what we ultimately want out of our careers.

Author Philip Broughton (“P.D. Bizzle” to his b-school friends) was the Paris bureau chief of The Daily Telegraph before he decided to make the jump into this legendary New England institution, and by his own admission he definitely wasn’t exactly sure why he was there to begin with. But luckily for us fortunate readers, he had the time to write down his experiences and viewpoints after two years at this most hallowed of elite institutions, so we can see and decide for ourselves.

HBS chances

solntsevskaya's picture
 
Points)
 on 1/13/13 at 12:18pm

I'm trying to finish my bachelors this year. I had taken leave from school due to a health problem.

I know I could succeed as an ideas generating trader or manager at a decent sized fund.

Here's the problem:

I don't have any work experience in the industry.
The school I'd have my degree from is a non-elite school.
By the time I could apply to HBS I would be 32.

What could I do during the next year which would increase my chances (which are now zero) of getting admitted to HBS ?

This industry is never going to even look at me unless I have an Ivy degree, so that's my only shot as I have no contacts who are powerful enough to get me a job.

Amazon or TFA

forws0's picture
(Chimp, 4
 
Points)
 on 1/10/13 at 2:40pm

I am graduating college and I am deciding between doing two years with Teach for America or working at Amazon in a new position which seems like internal consulting. Which would look better for an application to HBS? Which would look better for an MBA MPP program?

MM to MF after HBS

Newspeak's picture
IB
(Orangutan, 341
 
Points)
 on 12/30/12 at 12:20am

If one doesn't end up at a megafund after 2 years in investment banking, but rather, ends up at a MM shop for the pre-MBA stint, would it be possible to transition to a megafund after 2 years at HBS or do megafunds only take post-MBA associates that worked at megafunds prior to H/S/W?

My guess is that this is possible if the pre-MBA stint was at a top MM shop like Madison Dearborn or something but would it be possible if one went to a no-name MM shop? This is assuming an MBA at HBS in between.

Also, how different is compensation between MM and MF shops for post-MBA roles, especially as you move up?

A Letter to the HBS Class of 2015

AndyLouis's picture
 
Points)
 on 12/26/12 at 3:30pm
hbs.png

Mod Note (Andy): This is a syndication from ryanallis.com

The admissions department at Harvard Business School asked me to write a reflection on my first semester for the Class of 2015 pre-matriculation blog. Here’s what I sent in. I hope it gives an insight into what I’ve experienced the last four months. In summary, I’m loving every moment. Come visit me in the Spring semester if you’d like to see HBS for yourself!

A Letter to the HBS Class of 2015
A Review of the First Semester of Harvard Business School
By Ryan Allis, Class of 2014, Section F

College senior, accepted to GSB, Wharton but denied 2+2. Should I accept and not look back or wait to apply to HBS in 2-5 years?

shiitakesurprise's picture
 
Points)
 on 12/14/12 at 4:18am

I've read multiple assessments of HBS vs. GSB vs. Wharton across exit opportunities, school culture, brand, etc. Aiming for future in Asia, so increased brand name of HBS does come into play. Never experienced the west coast. Highly interested in VC and finance environment, but limited previous experience. Consulting-bound after college in MBB in US, though not likely for more than 5 years. Original long term plan was to facilitate growth for company in China, but have often been told, "don't close doors [to entrepreneurship, finance, options in US], you're just a college senior."

Is HBS 2+2 right for me?

kevinwangjiakan's picture
 
Points)
 on 11/30/12 at 5:51pm

Hi everyone,

I am a Computer Science and Math double major, Physics minor (3.97 GPA) senior student from a non-target liberal arts college. My college has only two CS professors, and literally around 4 CS majors each year. Computer Science is definitely one of the weakest programs here. However, through studying on my own outside of class, I became the first student here ever to get an internship at a big tech company, and then score a full time offer from another one (among Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Google, Microsoft).

I have always been interested in doing my own startup later in my career (currently working on one idea), will HBS 2+2 be helpful?

How to Negotiate Your Job Offer - Prof. Deepak Malhotra (HBS)

AndyLouis's picture
 
Points)
 on 12/5/12 at 5:30am

New video from HBS professor Deepak Malhotra

Hi Andrew,
I just posted a new video that you and your Wall Street Oasis community may find interesting. It’s a lecture I gave to HBS students on “Negotiating Your Job Offer”. It is 15 pieces of advice, followed by some Q&A. I hadn’t planned on making it widely available, but then discovered that I had no answer to the many folks who asked “why not?”. :) Just wanted to let you know in case you find it to be of value, and worth sharing with others.

What would you choose - HBS full time or Wharton EMBA

HG14's picture
O
(Monkey, 64
 
Points)
 on 11/11/12 at 6:37pm

A guy I know choose the Wharton EMBA over HBS. He had 9 years work experience, was already making the equivalent of HSW post-MBA salary and was on a trajectory to be the CEO of his family's business over the next decade, which is what he wanted to do. Here is the catch though, the business would pay the entire cost (160k+) of the Wharton EMBA while maintaining his salary but nothing for the HBS degree - roughly a difference of positive ~400k to negative ~200k.

I, on the other hand, had some reservations about his decision. The HBS brand has name recognition in every corner of earth. The alumni network may serve him and the business for years to come, and that may be worth more than the 600k difference.

HBS Application

Matrick's picture
PE
(King Kong, 1,328
 
Points)
 on 11/4/12 at 3:23pm

How many of you are applying to HBS this cycle? What are your "stats" (GMAT, GPA ...)? How far are you in the process?

I'm sorry if such topic has already been posted. Please also feel free to join the group: http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/group/hbs-applicant...

Hertz LBO Harvard Business School case study

TNA's picture
O
(Human, 13,536
 
Points)
 on 11/3/12 at 1:13pm

Anyone have this? Is so can we talk, would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Anyone get a Harvard interview?

TopDGO's picture
CO
(Orangutan, 320
 
Points)
 on 10/17/12 at 12:03pm
Veritas

There have to be a lot of people checking their email every five seconds right about now.

Former Goldman Smokeshow Killing It as Webpreneur

Edmundo Braverman's picture
ST
(Human, 14,399
 
Points)
 on 10/15/12 at 8:09am

Did any of you guys get a hug from these hotties a few weeks ago? Former model and Goldman Sachs employee (I'm thinking sales) Olga Vidisheva, 27, has launched Shoptiques.com after her stint at Harvard Business School. The site is a worldwide boutique aggregator, and it's a pretty cool idea. You can shop the boutiques in any number of cities without leaving your couch. Great for those of you who are looking for one-of-a-kind stuff. Can you believe she worked at Goldman? More to the point, can you believe she didn't come back for an associate stint?

What Harvard Business School is Teaching This Tech Entrepreneur

RyanAllis's picture
(Monkey, 44
 
Points)
 on 10/11/12 at 12:30pm
hbs.png

Moderator Note (Andy): Ryan Allis is a tech entrepreneur currently attending HBS. This is a syndication from his blog following his experience at HBS. Read his full bio here.

Reflections on the Last Three Weeks at HBS:

Over the weekend, I took some time to reflect on my last three weeks at HBS and the key lessons I’ve learned. This post is a follow-up to “What I Learned: Week 3 at HBS.” As an entrepreneur, I continue to be really glad I’m at HBS. From classmates and through the HBS case methodology and out-of-class simulations I’m learning a lot that I’ll be able to take with me into to the next company–particularly about leadership and organizational behavior.

Here’s more color on what I’ve been up to the last three weeks and what HBS is teaching this tech entrepreneur so far…

GMAT General Thread

money.monkey's picture
RE
(Monkey, 46
 
Points)
 on 10/3/12 at 2:28pm
OG-GMAT.jpg

Fellow monkeys. Do any of you take GMAT Prep Classes? Which one of those would you think is the best? What prep book is most useful? Also, how long did any of you spend studying for this exam??

Can you feel Black October Coming at HBS?

Tommy Too-toned's picture
(Gorilla, 505
 
Points)
 on 9/27/12 at 6:37pm

Just a few more days til it's here.

What's everyone's strategy going to be? Are you gonna go in guns blazing, or play the waiting game?

I'd love to get some strategy talk going. Exciting times for the broken hearts in Cambridge.

What I Learned: Week 3 At HBS

RyanAllis's picture
(Monkey, 44
 
Points)
 on 9/18/12 at 3:43pm
hbs3.png

mod (Andy) note: this was originally posted by the author on 9/17/2012. To get caught up, today we are posting up all 3 parts of the series so far and then will continue to syndicate his posts each week about his experience at HBS.

We had one of those beautiful two class days at HBS today, and so I’m taking some time working out of the iLab on this Monday afternoon to reflect on the last week of learning before I jump into three cases tonight on the Subprime Mortgage Crisis, General Electric’s Healthymagination Program, and an Operations Class Process Simulation.

I find that we are learning so much and covering so much material that if I don’t take time each week to reflect on what I’m learning so much of it will pass me by. So here’s a summation of what I learned last week, designed someday to help me reflect and recall and perhaps share a bit of what’s happening here with those who someday may wish to come (and perhaps help classmates more easily explain to their parents what’s going on).

This post is a follow-up to Week One at HBS and Week Two at HBS. Just like I wrote in those posts, I am absolutely loving the experience here and every day feel like I’m a little kid in a candy store taking in a fire hose of wonderful new knowledge. If you’re interested in seeing more photos from the time here so far, check out my photo blog. I’m also tweeting from time to time via @ryanallis on Twitter.

Week Two at HBS

RyanAllis's picture
(Monkey, 44
 
Points)
 on 9/18/12 at 3:34pm
hbs week 2.png

mod (Andy) note: this was originally posted by the author on 9/10/2012. To get caught up, today we are posting up all 3 parts of the series so far and then will continue to syndicate his posts each week regarding his experience at HBS.

Hello from Harvard Square in Cambridge, MA. Here is a reflection on my second week at Harvard Business School. It is a follow-up to “Week One At HBS.” I’m not sure yet how often I’ll be writing–but for now I’ll try to keep sharing my lessons learned each weekend. I’m very much enjoying the experience here so far.

The Purpose of HBS

Week One at HBS

RyanAllis's picture
(Monkey, 44
 
Points)
 on 9/18/12 at 1:27pm
hbs.png

mod (Andy) note: this was originally posted by the author on 9/3/2012

I just finished week one in the MBA program at Harvard Business School. I’ve had a long flight out West for Labor Day to write down some reflections.

The immersive experience is truly exhilarating. Everyone is so prepared and intelligent. Sectionmates can hold so much case information in their head at once and then speak extemporaneously on demand. Since everyone is smart and everyone wants to look good in front of their peers, everyone prepares.

The Sections

HBS Targeting Older Applicants

Boothorbust's picture
O
(King Kong, 1,130
 
Points)
 on 9/7/12 at 6:52pm

HBS is famous (infamous?) for preferring younger candidates (2 - 3 years out of undergrad). But according to a new article from PoetsandQuants, that trend may be changing:

"New admits in HBS’ incoming fall class who earned their undergraduate degrees just two years ago plunged by 48% to 58 from 118 a year earlier—despite the impact of the school’s relatively new 2+2 program to attract younger candidates."

To be fair, it looks like 3 - 5 years is the sweet spot, and that average age at HBS is going up a bit mainly due to a few outliers (49 members of the class of 2014 have 8+ years since graduating from undergrad, maybe due to HBS admitting more military veterans, who tend to be older than applicants from the private sector.