1 Semester Left
Need some advice on what to do with my last semester-- long time reader, don't post too often / at all.
I'm currently a senior at a semi-target (think included in UG BW rankings) and I'm liklely to finish with a 3.42-3 GPA with a double major in Finance and Accounting when its all said and done. I'm taking the "other route" and will be commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Marine Corps in May when I graduate.
I'm shooting for a combat arms MOS (infantry, artillery, armor), (no not supply, log, finance, or any other "business-like" job), which will make it necessary for me to get an MBA when I leave active duty in 4-5 years depending on what my assignments include.
Of course, I could end up making a career of the military and never end of leaving, but at the advice of my ROTC instructors, I want to start working on ways to make my B-School file competitive.
A couple of points to consider: 1. gmat scores are good for 5 years - should I take it in the spring? probably. 2. I'm not necessarily dead-set on H/S/W i.e. pimping myself out to get to the absolute best B-School, but I do like Wharton alot. 3. I ultimately want to be in VC/PE when its all said and done, even if I do an Associate IBD stint somewhere first.
Now, my grades could have been better while in college, yet the ROTC commitment adds up to something like 30 hours a week on top of schoolwork not including additional classes taken for PT, ECs, and other stuff, and while I've been debating the merit of the work ethic its instilled, do you think admissions committees would understand that? Ironically, with my GPA i'm considered one of the academic stars of my commissioning class.
I've had two solid internships while in college, (1 with a botique prop trader, 1 with a startup WM that ultimately never got off the ground bc of all the events of 08-09.)
Besides my fleet CO, who else should I have write a REC for me when I apply? and what kind of GMAT do y'all think I need to be competitive at a top 5/10 MBA program? Again, nontraditional background, and I'm not counting down my days 'til I leave the military like some, but I have been told by my military advisors that its definitely a good idea to have a plan in place for something like this.
Any other thoughts on navigating this environment would be greatly appreciated. As for industries, I'm definitely thinking I could leverage my background to work in an A/D group for a bank/fund.
second-hand info
There are quite a few threads on here that cover what you need to do (at least for banking, not so much PE I don't think). If you've read this forum at all, you'll see two main issues:
1) PE: They like to see PE experience pre-MBA, I don't know how that works with retired military. 2) VC: They like people with hard, technical undergrad degrees (I believe), although I'm sure they take some business majors, too.
I have a feeling people are going to tell you to network, and that's probably your best bet. Alumni at your school and also former military people (especially from your branch) would undoubtedly be willing to help you figure this out better.
Hi thedubs,
For your GMAT score, it is a very good idea to take the test now, as it does carry for 5 years. I highly recommend you get this out of the way. Top MBA programs look for applicants to have scores of at least a 700.
For your letter of recommendation, consider people who genuinely know you, your background, and your strengths. I agree with Denver Monkeyannabe, as you should look to tap your alumni network, particularly those who attended business schools you are interested in.
I hope this was of help.
Conrad and the Stacy Blackman Team
700 is the "box check" but given the fact that your GPA is a bit on the lower end if you can pull 720-730 it will definitely help solidify that your ROTC time constraints were what impacted your grades... nonetheless with the stellar experience you are sure to get as a comm'd officer in the military and a 700+ you'll have a good shot at top tier schools... best of luck and enjoy your last semester, it'll go fast...
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