I am one year out of school and working BO in asset management. The job basically consists of low level accounting work for about 45 hours a week doing the same tasks every day with little opportunity to get on other projects. You can always do your best to BS in interviews, but it would be pretty hard to make my work experience sound interesting/challenging against candidates from IB/Consulting/Etc.
I recently I got a 710 on Princeton Review's practice GMAT with about 5 minutes of studying. I'm thinking with some real preparation I can get a 750-760 on it.
I am wondering if a 750 GMAT can overcome subpar work experience to get me into a top 10 business school? Or if I need to get a new job if I want a real shot of getting into a top tier school? I am looking at other jobs anyway but I am also considering sticking around and getting promoted and riding this out until I apply for MBA programs in a year or two.
Does anyone know if it's doable to get into a top program without high quality work experience?
Hey @RJBR
Thanks for posting and I am glad you are thinking ahead! Now, GMAT. I hope you can pull off the 750-760!! That would be great! Keep in mind that on the real exam, there are all sorts of things that can affect you. In general, people tend to score lower on the real exam. So just be prepared for that and do everything you can to prevent it.
What strikes me about your description of your job -- you don't seem to like it!! Why are you still there?? If you are unhappy, switch jobs! Also, I can tell you that back-office investment management isn't a traditional MBA feeder and may be tough at the top-top schools. I hope that somewhat helps and I wish you all the best for your possible job hunt!
Krista
Dilemma : Focus on MBA Prep with high gmat score or Applying for a job ? (Originally Posted: 12/09/2016)
Hi, I am a newbie at WSO and I need advice. I have an IT background and have resigned from my job as IT consultant to focus on pursuing MBA in order to be a management consultant. Can anyone give me advice to help me get out of facing dilemma whether i still focus on pursuing MBA or applying for a job/internship ? Anyway whatever choice I pick, I think I will pursue MBA. Your any kind of answer would be appreciated.
kind of in the same position. curious to see what others think.
It would be helpful if you provide some additional detail on your situation. What exactly do you mean that you resigned from your job to focus on pursuing the MBA? Do you mean that you resigned to prepare for the GMAT, write applications, or perhaps something else? Also, what are the choices that you are considering. From your message, it sounds like you're considering applying for the MBA or applying for jobs / internships?
First of all, thanks for your reply.
yes it is, I resigned from my job to prepare for GMAT, write MBA applications, and improve my IELTS score. After resigning from my job, I had an offer to teach privately a high school student and I took it. Besides preparing for MBA and teaching, I often help my family in other activities. I was wondering whether what I am doing now will make my MBA application less preferred. In order to reach my goal I am considering whether I do what I am doing now or I apply for jobs/internships during pursuing the MBA.
I was wondering also to apply to Management Consulting Company but I don't have any experience in that area and I feel that my background is not match in that area. I don't know either if my IT Project Management experience will help in job application.
any advice/suggestion would be appreciated.
Thank you for the additional detail. To be blunt, I think quitting your job could end up hurting your application rather than helping it. I believe MBA programs have a preference for applicants that are employed and expect most applicants to take the GMAT/TOEFL and complete the applications while working full time jobs. Given you have already quit, I think the path forward that maximizes your chance of acceptance would be for you to secure a new job as soon as possible. I do not believe privately tutoring a high school student will be viewed as favorably as a more traditional job. In terms of the specific job, if you think you can get a job at a management consulting company before starting your MBA, you should apply. I do not personally know how IT Project Management experience will be viewed, that is a question for the consultants on these boards. I believe the management consulting firms are primarily interested in intelligent individuals rather than those with a specific knowledge set.
Hope this is helpful.
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