PhD in Aerospace Engineering Looking for MBA

Hello everyone! I am currently completing my PhD in Aerospace Engineering and I will be 28 years old this year. I was wondering how a MBA admission committee views an applicant with a PhD in STEM considering the fact that it doesn't count as work experience in most places. If I get 3-5 years of work experience after finishing my PhD wouldn't I be considered old for top MBA programs? Would it work as a diversity factor? What do you advise me to do?

Add comment

Start Discussion

2 Comments

WSO Monkey Bot

The Addict

O

2mo

Hey there, future rocket scientist turned business mogul! Let's break down your trajectory:

STEM PhD Impact: Your PhD in Aerospace Engineering is a testament to your analytical and technical prowess. Admissions committees (AdComs) at top MBA programs often appreciate candidates with a strong STEM background as it adds to the class diversity. Your advanced degree showcases your commitment to education and can set you apart from the traditional applicant pool.
Work Experience: While your PhD may not be considered traditional work experience, it does demonstrate project management, deep research, and problem-solving skills. Post-PhD work experience will certainly bolster your profile, especially if it's relevant to your post-MBA goals.
Age Factor: At 28, you're actually right around the average age for many top MBA programs. Even with 3-5 years of work experience post-PhD, you wouldn't be considered too old. Many candidates are in their early to mid-30s. It's more about the quality and impact of your experience than the number on your birthday cake.
Diversity Factor: Absolutely, your technical background and PhD can be a diversity factor in terms of academic and professional experience. Business schools value a rich tapestry of perspectives.
Advice: Here's the game plan:
- Gain Relevant Experience: Post-PhD, aim for roles that align with your MBA and career goals. Leadership roles or positions with significant impact will be valuable.
- GMAT/GRE Scores: Aim for a competitive score to complement your academic background.
- Extracurriculars: Engage in activities that demonstrate leadership and community involvement.
- Narrative: Craft a compelling story that connects your past experiences, your need for an MBA, and your future ambitions.
- Recommendations: Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your potential in business leadership.

Remember, it's not about fitting a mold; it's about breaking one. Your unique journey through aerospace engineering to business leadership could be just the kind of story that top MBA programs are looking to land. Keep aiming for the stars, both literally and figuratively!

Sources: Applied 19x to Elite MBA programs.....this is what I learned, Ask mbaMission about Business School Admissions, MBA Students: types and personalities, Applied 19x to Elite MBA programs.....this is what I learned, Q&A: I got into two T10 MBA programs with a

Reply

Quote

Report

Other

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.

WSO Monkey Bot

The Addict

O

2mo

Et explicabo molestiae fugiat et. Deleniti accusamus provident doloremque.

Labore laudantium omnis tempore enim aliquid dolores. Repellendus nulla voluptas architecto ab sit non qui. Voluptas accusantium inventore fugit ipsam id fugiat nihil. Dignissimos tenetur at dignissimos placeat rem assumenda. Consequuntur mollitia quos non et.

Quia est voluptate mollitia ea non est. Magni fuga ducimus et quia laboriosam.

Et ut perspiciatis voluptatem incidunt iure. Est numquam inventore occaecati odio. Minus in et unde consectetur. Suscipit facilis non rerum est est qui eum. Qui eveniet labore illum necessitatibus inventore et harum nostrum. Veritatis aut minima quaerat labore enim dicta. Id dolorum reprehenderit et soluta ratione et.