MBA Prep

Starting my MBA this fall and have already completed the MBAMath.com curriculum -- found it really helpful since I haven't used my Math/Excel skills in years (or really ever...) Is there anything else you guys would recommend to help me get a head start on this stuff? Aiming for an IB internship next summer so any program targeted towards the skills I'll need for that would be great. Thanks.

 

There's a a pre-MBA program called PracticeMBA.com -- for newly admitted MBAs to get a head start on the program. It is run by a very good guy, Ivan Kerbel. (www.practicemba.com).

Good to hear real-time good things about MBAmath.com I too have heard tremendous things about MBAmath.com and the course is tremendous value for money. I do know someone who took it to show his math smarts (no quant background) and got into Sloan. The guy who runs it is Peter Regan. http://www.mbamath.com/peterreganbio.htm --He is very approachable and down to earth.

It probably makes sense to look into some MOOCs on business stats if you haven't done that before. And, if you haven't done any accounting or corporate financial reporting classes -- that would be really good. I took accounting before b-school (me too from non-quant) and it was super super helpful in getting a head start for finance. Ended up on Wall Street, so I cannot complain.

UPDATE: And yes, you could buy a package -- especially one run buy WSO
here's some info on which one http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/financial-modeling-training

Betsy Massar Come see me at my Q&A thread http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/b-school-qa-w-betsy-massar-of-master-admissions Ask away!
 

Schools tout community service but I saw a statistic somewhere showing extracurriculars as the least important factor for adcoms. Empirically I'd agree. You have to have SOMETHING, but unless you started an international nonprofit with media coverage or some other crazy stint 20 hours compared to 80 hours isn't going to make a huge deal. They just want to make sure you have some depth to you.

I'd focus instead on developing one or two more really interesting work related bullet points for the resume. A much better differentiator. That's something you definitely have time to do that won't look squeezed in last minute.

 

"a team sport which I heard is often played at that school among students. " Are you a real person? That's the dorkiest explanation of athletics I've ever heard.

I'm assuming this is a foreign MBA program given the late start. I'll be done with my first quarter by the time you begin.

Nothing to do to prepare. Relax. There will be plenty of reading once you get there. If they have a math camp, that might be worth attending. Or you could do mbamath.com. Otherwise I would just rest up.

 
Cartwright:
"a team sport which I heard is often played at that school among students. " Are you a real person? That's the dorkiest explanation of athletics I've ever heard.

If I said which sport is that it would have been obvious which is the school.

So, I should expect lots of drinking there? Had no idea about that, but I like it.

 

good on you for thinking about this stuff but I hope to Christ you are enjoying being a freshman a bit. go to parties, get drunk, get laid, play sports, whatever, have some fun. college is a great time (not going with the cliche "best years of your life") but it doesn't last forever.

ok, onto your question. I'd focus first on getting your ideal job, and the way to do it if you go to a small school is through your alumni network. if possible, look at getting an internship at a small firm (IB, PE, HF, AM, something). It will be very difficult to get something at a bigger firm being a freshman, unless it's PWM and those internships are worthless unless you want to do PWM (I know, I work in PWM and also interned there).

don't worry about b school just yet, because that's usually a post-career type gig. focus on a few things in college and just see where it takes you:

  1. having fun, making friends (social/soft skills)
  2. get good grades (unless you're engineering/math/CS, >3.5)
  3. network
  4. ECs (frat, internship, student govt, charity, etc)
 
gwhit1218:

I also plan on taking internships later, once I have taken the right business classes.

You may not get any internships as a freshman but I'd be as proactive as possible. There are many threads and resources on this site devoted to resumes, networking, internships, interviews, GMAT prep and grad school. You'll be starting out with a lot more knowledge to work off of than your peers. Just be sure to enjoy college.

 

My guess is too early from a give me a job perspective, but I'm a huge proponent/fan of long-term networking (ie actually building relationships with people you genuinely like over time versus just reaching out to people hoping they'll help you get a job) so I would definitely try to reach out to people, if only to learn more about how much you'd actually be interested in the buy-side (if you don't know for sure and are just basing it on a passing interest and consensus).

 

I would stick with your current firm and just work your ass off to get glowing recs, advance in responsibility (a smaller firm will probably allow you to do this better), etc. Also, don't forget to keep doing ECs after college. Do community service, join an intramural sports club, edit an independent newspaper, start a blog, whatever. Just make sure you can show the schools that your life isn't just work and nothing else.

 

Definately have some EC's. It doesn't really matter what it is as long as it's meaningful and something you enjoy. These are great for essay topics as well. I think I wrote about tutoring in all of my applications.

As for admission consultants, it depends. I have okay, but not great writing skills. However, I was fortunate enough to have several friends that write for a living (journalist, tech writer) etc as well as some b-school alum to edit and help me with my essays so I didn't feel like I needed a consultant. If, however, you don't have anyone it might be a good idea for at least the first set of essays. Essay writing is very different from the writing I've done for work.

You might also consider expanding you school list. H/S are basically a shot in the dark no matter what your profile is. Your chances get a lot better with the rest of the MBA business schools">M7 and chicago/columbia/kellogg etc are still great schools.

 

bumping to get some feedback from MBAApply.

also, i am doing a thesis now. don't know if i'll finish it. does a Thesis help on the 'academic side' of things? i think it gets me 'Honors' in the major.

think i am going to stick with my little firm. i've gotten to know the folks there better (informal dinners, they flew me out) and they're awesome.

 

Thesis isn't really a factor at all -- it might seem like a big deal to you now because you're in the middle of it, but with time chances are (especially a few years from now) it won't be a big deal to you either.

As for the firm, if it feels good, stick with it. In small workplaces such as PE funds, it's essential that you get along or even enjoy the people you work with or work for -- otherwise, it'll be a very miserable experience (it's cabin fever because you see the same small group of people for long periods of time of the business day). And if it's a miserable experience, you'll have a tough time doing well at work (and getting folks to be enthusiastic recommendation letter writers for you) let alone even keeping your job - no matter how renowned the fund. Not saying that a fund's reputation isn't important (because the more renowned funds tend to get access to the better deals), but so is fit. It's a balance of both.

Again, if you're gut says that it's a good place to be, trust your gut.

Alex Chu

Alex Chu www.mbaapply.com
 

Here is my opinion: 1- Therein your decision to go to B-school. Leadership does not have to be work related; actually they expect it to be something else. You can create a group (choose your affinity) a your work place and lead it. You can lead groups already established. You can teach as a part of the on boarding program at your job. You can have leadership role at charitable activities. etc. etc.

2- More mature discussions than your undergrad level courses.

3- Very feasible. Actually it is a very safe route. VC down the road is another beast, B-school will not make a huge impact, at least right now. Opportunity cost: yes/no, it depends on what you want to do. If you are entering a field where MBAs are not needed. Why bother then?

4- Can't tell whether your chances are low or high. I don't see your stats, and the admission process is quite strange. Leadership activities would help. 700+ GMAT. And maybe applying after 4 years not 6 or 7. Anyway, ask the admission consultants in this website.

5- Your nationality. But again why bother knowing all that? If you are good you will get in, if not, you will not get in.

Hope it helps

 

Hi iwagj87,

Thanks for posting.

  1. Business schools are looking for a record of excellence; this can seen in a larger or smaller company. If you are interested in pursuing a startup, do so because of the passion you have for the company, not to impress an MBA admissions team.

  2. Studies have shown top MBA programs to have a strong return on investment. Your career path seems very realistic.

  3. Have you taken the gmat test yet?

  4. If you are not a US citizen, you will be considered an international candidate.

I hope this was of help. Please let me know if I can answer any other questions.

Best,

Conrad

www.StacyBlackman.com
 

Why specifically do you want an MBA? Especially so early on?

the magic formula is: great gpa and GMAT, ECs that include volunteering, leadership, and personal development (the more interesting the better), internships and/or work experience that show good progression and support your career goals/story-and essays that drive this point home. Ideally you want to work somewhere known-think fortune 500s, banks, the biggest non-profits, etc Schools love to say that their students come from the best companies in the world-read any student profile from a b-school website and you'll see "previous employer" listed somewhere. Keep in mind there are no guarantees in this game, but hitting each one of these thresholds should at least get you interviews.

The rest is nailing those interviews.

to more directly answer your question...volunteer. tutoring underprivileged kids is a great one. also join professional groups and honor societies that will offer opportunities to run for and obtain leadership positions. If possible, start something on your own as well ( be sure to paint a picture of it growing from an idea to reality). These schools want to see that you're an asset to your community, because the more active you are outside of work/academics, the more active you'll be in b-school AND out in the real world as a rep of said b-school. They want to know that you can be their marketing tool and cash cow for your entire career.

 
keenbean:
1) I have/ will have some finance/ consulting-related work experience with some well-known. I understand 2+2 (for example) is for people not otherwise into these sectors, so should I give little importance to these?

This isn't true. The Harvard 2+2 program is indeed for people who have some experience in and aptitude for business. To get in, it isn't required to have had business experience, but successful applicants have have had a lot of leadership, for example having run a complex student organization. Yes, there are some students by their junior year in college who have already either built for profit or non profit organizations. That's what the HBS 2+2 is really looking for, someone who has either done that, or is the kind of person who would normally have done that if they weren't doing something else amazing.

Am I depressing you yet? HBS 2+2 is actually quite a bit more competitive than the regular application process to HBS, since they are looking for much stronger patterns of historical success.

Rather than focus on the far-in the distance MBA, you should see what you can do to excel in your university career academically, as you suggested you would. Consulting and finance are great ways to get prepared to go to business school. You will also work with people who already have their MBA and you will learn more about how the degree can help you. And yes, you should get involved in student activities,challenge yourself personally and academically, and also make sure you are involved in teams of any kind. Either team sports or community-related teams.

Hope this is a start for you -- feel free to visit over at my Q&A thread if you have other questions.

Betsy Massar Come see me at my Q&A thread http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/b-school-qa-w-betsy-massar-of-master-admissions Ask away!
 

Thanks for the replies all. This is all still very speculative thinking, but I want to be prepared if I do choose to apply at some point. I will look into/ continue looking into some of the points mentioned.

Betsy Massar:
keenbean:
1) I have/ will have some finance/ consulting-related work experience with some well-known. I understand 2+2 (for example) is for people not otherwise into these sectors, so should I give little importance to these?

This isn't true. The Harvard 2+2 program is indeed for people who have some experience in and aptitude for business. To get in, it isn't required to have had business experience, but successful applicants have have had a lot of leadership, for example having run a complex student organization. Yes, there are some students by their junior year in college who have already either built for profit or non profit organizations. That's what the HBS 2+2 is really looking for, someone who has either done that, or is the kind of person who would normally have done that if they weren't doing something else amazing.

Am I depressing you yet? HBS 2+2 is actually quite a bit more competitive than the regular application process to HBS, since they are looking for much stronger patterns of historical success.

Rather than focus on the far-in the distance MBA, you should see what you can do to excel in your university career academically, as you suggested you would. Consulting and finance are great ways to get prepared to go to business school. You will also work with people who already have their MBA and you will learn more about how the degree can help you. And yes, you should get involved in student activities,challenge yourself personally and academically, and also make sure you are involved in teams of any kind. Either team sports or community-related teams.

Hope this is a start for you -- feel free to visit over at my Q&A thread if you have other questions.

Thanks for the reply. Sounds tough as expected! I thought as it's mostly for college students, it would be an opportunity missed if I did not apply. If I do apply next year say, would I be able to reapply to 2+2 or to HBS later on (or would my previous outcome be taken into consideration). Also, can GMAT be taken more than once (can only best score submitted)?

 

You absolutely can apply after 2 years' work experience, but not to anything but the regular program because the 2+2 program is only for current college students who will be able to defer.

They are even worried that the message is out that "it's now or never." Dee Leopold (head of admissions) has said in a webinar,

[quote]"if anyone applies during there is no stigma about reapplying later. One of the real dangers, that [people think that] if you are not admitted to 2+2, which is a tiny program, we hate to think that you might go away and never think of yourself as a candidate for HBS. We already have people matriculating who apply during regular process after being turned down.{/quote]

and you can take the GMAT as much as you want. They will only look at the highest combined score. Remember that the scores do expire after 5 years.

Betsy Massar Come see me at my Q&A thread http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/b-school-qa-w-betsy-massar-of-master-admissions Ask away!
 

HBX core seriously. it's a pretty thorough pre-MBA program itself and it's like 10-15 weeks depending on the format. about zero background required

Cheaper options include 6 months of Wall Street Journal / Bloomberg.com / Other financial press - read Daily. Most business intuitions are also from very Introductory economics - macroeconomics & microeconomics. Tons of those on Coursera/EdX for free with audit options

Unless you're interested in Finance particularly, CFA L1 is likely a grind.

 
whattherock:

HBX core seriously. it's a pretty thorough pre-MBA program itself and it's like 10-15 weeks depending on the format. about zero background required

Yes, that. Best thing is you'll also get to meet a lot of new people who will be in similar situations.
I'm talking about liquid. Rich enough to have your own jet. Rich enough not to waste time. Fifty, a hundred million dollars, buddy. A player. Or nothing. See my Blog & AMA
 
whattherock:

HBX core seriously. it's a pretty thorough pre-MBA program itself and it's like 10-15 weeks depending on the format. about zero background required

Cheaper options include 6 months of Wall Street Journal / Bloomberg.com / Other financial press - read Daily.
Most business intuitions are also from very Introductory economics - macroeconomics & microeconomics. Tons of those on Coursera/EdX for free with audit options

Unless you're interested in Finance particularly, CFA L1 is likely a grind.

I'd actually recommend both, especially if you can grab one of the discounts on WSJ/Bloomberg/Economist. HBX will help prep you from an academic standpoint; the publications that are read by many post-MBAs will help frame the real-world issues you'll likely be discussing through case work/strategy and ops classes/case competitions.

Also -- enjoy yourself over the next few months. BSchool is fun and you'll learn a lot, but there will absolutely be those few weeks every semester/trimester/quarter when you ask yourself "wtf did I do this for, again?" Hang tough -- it's absolutely worth it, but those weeks will happen.

Director of Finance and Corporate Development: 2020 - Present Manager of FP&A and Corporate Development: 2019 - 2020 Corporate Finance, Strategy and Development: 2011 - 2019 "An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." - Benjamin Franklin
 
kariraisu:
So I shouldn't take the six-country month-long Asia excursion right before school?

Damn, ruin my July plans.

Dude, the chick made it clear. Penis jokes and slutty costumes, duhhhhhhhh.

Thanks,

Hipper-Than-YOU New Yorker

 
FlakieBear:
This can't be serious. This made front page? I thought WSO was better than that.
Just went to check out some of your posting history, looked at 5 random posts total. All you do is talk shit to people, make fun of people's posts, provide sarcastic comments that are not the least bit funny, and most importantly provide absolutely zero value.

I thought WSO posters were better than that.

 
trailmix8:
I don't get people that make fun of humorous joke posts. I'm guessing you would prefer posts on how to ask recruiters about DCF models.

Finance is full of weirdos...just enjoy the humor it was good

Do what you want not what you can!
 
TheKing:
I liked the post. Haters need to chill out.

The thread is lame as hell. Does it mean that the author is lame as hell? No.

I just feel like the post is out of touch with the current realities.

''13: Penis jokes. Learn them, craft them, perfect them. I’m not kidding. This is not optional.'' Penis jokes? Really? Are we back in high school? I mean, I'm about to drop half a mil on a b-school and I'm suppose to laugh at a penis joke?

ANYWAYS,

lol

 

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I am permanently behind on PMs, it's not personal.
 

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'Before you enter... be willing to pay the price'
 

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Betsy Massar Come see me at my Q&A thread http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/b-school-qa-w-betsy-massar-of-master-admissions Ask away!

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