For a bit of context about me. I have previously worked for a bit over a year in software engineering, and went to Georgia Tech for my BSc in CS with a focus on modelling. I currently work in a technical sales role at a FAANG company making around $200k a year with a likely promotion next year that should bump me up to around $300k.
In my role I regularly work with customers and have to see them make the same mistakes over and over again, despite my advice. Coming from a technical role, all they want from me is validation that they're approaching the problem from a viable route technically. Often they've not considered the problem space well enough to understand the long term trade offs that they're making.
I'd like to start a professional services firm at some point that handles the intersection of building out solutions, upskilling employees, and helping companies plan their digital transformation. To do that effectively, I think I need an MBA to increase my business acumen and build out a network of people likely to be in 'decision maker' roles in the future. Obviously I could attempt to start this business without the MBA, but I think it would be a mistake without the necessary network to get initial clients and recommendations. Professional services results are very dependant on who you know.
Being in the position that I'm in, and making the tradeoff of $500k + cost of admission for a two year program, I'd only consider Harvard, Wharton or Insead (sg), or potentially MIT Sloan. I am avoiding GSB because startups are not core to most successful professional services practices. My wife also grew up in California and never wants to go back.
My biggest issues are:
- GPA in undergrad. I had a decent GPA (~3.8?) from the first school I was in, and transferred to Georgia Tech where I graduated with ~3.0. I think I can explain this in my optional essay as I had a number of extenuating circumstances throughout these two years.
- Recommendation letters. Asking my current manager for recommendation letters would not go very well I think. I've asked my previous manager who has agreed, and who's gone to b-school before and understands what I'd need.
- Speaking about job performance -- most of my customer stories are non-referencable due to NDA.
I think my biggest strengths are:
- Relatively unique background compared to other b-school applicants
- History of working internationally and across different US geographies.
- I'm guessing my GMAT. I'm a strong test taker and would be surprised at anything less than a 750.
- I have a coherent story about moving towards business. I took computational finance and economics courses at the University of Washington. My roles over time are consistently more business focused.
- Publicly available content I've produced and an active history in local tech communities/meetups.
Do you think my chances of getting in are reasonable? What can I do to bolster my application?
Why not consider a strong EMBA program (any m7 program)? The cost of an MBA incl opportunity cost is extremely high for you. If you're looking to start a firm at some point, an EMBA will give you the skills and network needed accomplish this. With your experience, a full time MBA may not be needed.
What is the relative quality of network gained from both options? My understanding was that EMBA would get me a completely different network and potentially less strong connections
The difference is in your classmates. A FT MBA gives you super strong ties with your classmates. Since you're in this day and night together for 2 years, the bonds are much stronger than an EMBA which is purely weekend focused (just a matter of time spent). That being said, if you want to start a business you don't necessarily need to be BFFs with your classmates. The benefit of the EMBA is they tap the same broader alumni network as the MBAs do, and a few years out no one really cares you did an MBA or EMBA. Also, the EMBA network is going to be ppl who are further along in their career (i.e. already more successful), which itself is a benefit vs the FT program for your goals.
If I were in your shoes with such a large opportunity cost, I would opt for the EMBA route. There's also the added benefit that you have a better chance of getting into a better program via the EMBA route.
Since you mentioned MIT, I would also check out their SDM program w/ its flexible degree option. Seems a very interesting program and I've heard the network is very strong, even with the flexible option.
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