History to M7 MBA?
Hello WSO
First time poster here.
Here's my story in a nutshell: I graduated from a top 10 public in 2009 with a decently high GPA (3.7) in history. LOL @ me, right? I know, I know.
Since I graduated in the worst job hiring market since at least the 1970s, I decided to defer the real world for 1 1/2 years and took the now cliche route of teaching English in China. The upshot of that experience is that I am now decently fluent in Chinese, and have the certification to back it up (if it matters, I'm white).
Flash forward to 2011, I returned to the US and took the first job I could find in supply chain/logistics. I knew nothing about the industry prior to starting, thought it didn't sound horrible and felt lucky to have an offer. I started working for $39k and have stayed at that income since.
The job has been, in my opinion, nothing short of an unmitigated disaster. Non-existent training or management oversight, no direction, uneducated and obese coworkers, bad location, ugly office, pretty exactly the kind of job anyone would want to avoid. The attrition rate among anyone with a modicum of ambition, charisma or talent is 100%
I have two basic questions: Is MBA business schools">M7 MBA a feasible option for me at this point? And if it is, should I bother going?
Or should I be aiming for something lower? Or should I avoid MBA altogether?
Your thoughts are much appreciated. I am ready for the abuse.
Since you were a history major you might consider taking CFA Level 1 before applying to Bschools. I still think you have a chance, because of your Chinese experience. It something that differentiates you from other candidates.
3.7 GPA, top state school, Chinese speaker, and actual supply chain work experience. I'd say a great GMAT and coherent essays could get you into an M7.
Don't underestimate the supply chain experience. Quite a few cases that b-school students study could use the type of input your perspective in logistics affords.
of course, the question remains: why do you want an MBA?
You gpa is fine. I know multiple humanities majors with much lower GPAs than yours who got into M7 programs. Your Chinese experience sets you apart, and supply chain experience is in vogue right now with adcom. The quality of your experience there and lack of salary progression does concern me though. I mean if the company was that bad, then it's not going to look good on your resume, which in turn will require a lot of creative spin on your part. Were you promoted at all? Do you manage any people? How much leadership experience have you gained from the job? And how strong will your recommendations be? These are all questions that will play a large role in dictating where you get in (assuming your gmat score is in line).
Finally, what are your short and long-term career goals? It looks like consulting is a natural fit for you and easiest to get post-mba. You definitely want to apply to a few non-M7 schools such as Haas, Fuqua, Darden, Ross. I think all those schools would like your profile. HSW is out; I just don't see those schools happening.
GMAT and execution (how well you craft your story) will be determinant here. A 3.7 in history from a good school will not close any doors at b-school, if that's your fear.
M7 can def be in your cards if you can rock the GMAT and have a cool spin on your story
Your current job sounds exactly like my first job. It was in the supply chain field as well (which I technically am still a part of). I wonder if that's a typical industry experience.
i like the story, took a chance and have a solid gpa, get some good gpa and some leadership.. you have the international component and supply chain / procurement is super valuable to some businesses and esp for consulting (at kearney esp). craft the story is always very important and will be important for you too, dont think top 15 will be an issue at all for you and m7 you have a shot. best of luck :_)
Thanks all.
I am also considering a supply chain MBA from a "top" supply chain school like MIT or some others. Is this a better idea? It seems like a more vocational degree than a traditional MBA, less versatility but with a huge advantage (in my opinion) of being one year vs. two.
I actually like the industry and would one day like to start my own import/export business specializing in luxury goods (Chinese people love anything that says "Made in USA" with a huge price tag)
Just to be clear the MIT SCM program is not an MBA and is not offered through MIT Sloan.
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