Should I bother applying to M7? Not the traditional tech/consulting/banking background

Hey folks,

Thinking of applying for an MBA in the new year. Thinking whether or not I should even bother with M7. Stats below.

Academics: Graduated top of my undergraduate class from mid tier UK uni (think QMUL/Loughborough/Sheffield) in engineering, distinction in my masters in engineering at top tier UK uni (Oxbridge/Imperial/UCL) on a merit scholarship

Professional experience: heavy on consumer, started in product R&D at two major CPG corporates. Eventually joined 2 seed/series A CPG startups where I transitioned into a Chief of Staff role. Moved on to building my own consumer deeptech startup (VC backed by tier 1 funds), but unfortunately it didn't work out, and we shut down after a year. Currently working as an associate at a 200-500M AUM generalist VC fund in London.

As I appreciate this is quite atypical for an MBA candidate, would love to get your thoughts as to whether or not its worthwhile to apply

2 Comments
 
Most Helpful

Atypical is literally what gets admissions. 

Also, not everyone is consulting/banking, and cpg is a pretty common background imo. Having been in startups, joined startups and doing VC you are so incredibly ahead of the curve. People join MBAs to get into those fields, not to leave them. 

So, what's your goal? If you're looking to get back into startups, you literally go to M7 because that is where all the money, resources and likeminded founders are. Sure, you might choose not to apply to Harvard because you dislike case method or Tuck because you don't like the small community, but you absolutely should research the M7 schools and applying to the ones that fit you. You are absolutely doing yourself a disservice if you don't try. 

 

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