Non-Traditional Background Looking to get into Top-10 program
I am an engineering working in the energy sector at a top corporation (think exxon/chevron). I work in large capital downstream project planning and execution. I have 2 years of full-time work experience along with my degree in engineering from a top-10 engineering program. My GMAT and GPA are both comparable with those of schools in the top 10. I am looking to transition into consulting or investment banking post MBA.
My questions are: - is it harder to get in from with a non traditional background - is it difficult to get in without the typical 4-6 years of experience?
Thanks,
astrosfan
Without insight into how you will actually present yourself in your application or interview, I do like your chances, especially the quality of your work experience.
Only one item gives me pause for concern. Two years work experience.
If you're an URM or a woman, I think you'd have an honest shot at scholarship money as well.
Best of luck, and try to enjoy the process!
I don't think your background is that non-traditional. We see a decent amount of Big Oil candidates every year, and I like that you are in downstream planning and execution. 2 years is tough but not impossible depending on the overall quality of your application and the schools that you are targeting. You may find more luck lower in the Top 10. My general recommendation though is to get at least one year more experience if not two and then apply. One thing schools focus on is how much a candidate can add to the class and at 2 years of WE, they may question this. Hope that helps!
When schools look at your work experience, do they consider work experience at time of application? Or at time of matriculation?
The number that goes into the stats is the experience at matriculation but when evaluating a candidate, they are evaluating based on the person the candidate is today, at that moment. (They cannot assume what the next year will hold.) That's where having 2 years of WE at application can hurt. Hope that helps!
Makes sense. Thanks! So 3 is much stronger than 2.
Thanks for the advice! Do schools take into account internship experience? I was fortunate enough to be able to intern with a renewable energy company during my junior and senior years of undergrad (working an average of 20 hours a week while completing an engineering curriculum at a top school), and that experience has really allowed me to understand the energy sector as a whole. However, since that experience was technically not "full time" will the AdCom look at this experience favorably?
One of my big selling points in my app is the unique combination of "big oil" and renewable energy experience, that I can couple with an MBA to provide me a unique perspective into the business side of the energy sector (energy investment banking).
It's good to see you've already got your story down. That's huge. But no, summer internships aren't considered. Only full-time jobs.
For my younger applicants, I typically let them leave internships on their resumes because it can help speak to experience and maturity. But I agree with @JohnnyLlamma45" ...it's the full-time experience that really counts.
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