Talent Agency -> MBA -> Consulting/Finance?
I am a recently graduated alumnus of a top tier non-Ivy and have the opportunity to work at one of the major talent agencies starting next month and was wondering how this experience would impact my MBA application down the road. I understand that this is a prestigious entry level position in the entertainment world (of course nothing prestigious about being a glorified secretary, but anyone who knows the industry would concur), but do MBA programs assign any value to this job as quality pre-MBA work experience? I am concerned about my potential inability to lead or demonstrate progress on my application.
The source of my concern...
I majored in a social science with a 3.24 GPA -- No excuse for this, I was unfocused and partied too hard as an underclassmen. I have upward trend each semester from sophomore year until my final semester with an overall 3.5 GPA as a senior.
However, I recently scored a 730 on the GMAT (96% overall, 94% LR, 82% quant). I also have exceptional extra-cirriculars and above average undergrad internship experience.
My understanding is that these stats amount to a very borderline candidate for a top tier program (NYU is the hope), and I am worried that my work experience might be what it comes down to.
My interest lies in the macro entertainment/media/tech landscape, and my tentative plan is to work in the field, get my MBA, then transfer into relevant consulting or finance. Not to add too much to my already drawn out post, but I am also concerned whether major firms would not value my pre-MBA experience in comparison to my peers whom may have more traditional backgrounds.
Any insight into any of these issues would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.
I'm not an expert on MBA applications, but from what I've seen Business School is more than just grades. They look at the bigger picture, and recruit more on potential and past achievements is only one way of judging this. I think any experience is relevant as MBAs don't only hire from Finance. I think you could add variety to your application and help stand out from the crowd.
But that's just me.
do you actually want to work at the agency? as you mention, an entry-level position would be "glorified secretarial work" (whattup lloyd) and the point of doing it is to bide time/make connections until you can move up. if your heart is absolutely set on finance/consulting, then an MSF would be a much quicker route into the field. if youre not urgent to make the jump and dont mind wasting a few years, kill it at the agency--sounds like a blast to me
as far as MBA acceptance, it will be a good opportunity to diversify yourself from finance and accounting jerkoffs like us. make as many connections as possible--a rec from Bieber or Lohan would make you a shoe-in
as far as job apps down the line, pad your resume with transferable skills. they will assume you have the interpersonal skills given your former experience, but you will need to prove your devotion to finance/consulting. if possible, take on side-projects within the firm or with clients that relate to finance or at least show leadership, and definitely trade equities on your own.
also:
1) you cant change your undergrad GPA and honestly its nothing to be ashamed of. dont stress about it 2) network your "top tier non-ivy" balls off. starting now 3) congrats on the job
Is this a legitimate role in the agency, or are you starting in the mailroom?
Everyone pretty much starts in the mailroom or as an assistant (if you're lucky).
To the OP - I think you'd be viewed as one of those wild card candidates who don't really fit into any bucket, which is both a good and bad thing. However, you would, as others have mentioned, need to work a bit harder to demonstrate that you can handle the bschool curriculum. Definitely use your network (esp. since that's what hollywood is anyway). Some of these top agents definitely do have MBAs and are probably quite influential. I think that targeting schools in the NYU-range is probably the right approach.
GMAT is fine and has a good split so I wouldn't worry too much. The question is whether you'd be able to write some effective essays on your work experience and how it's going to help accomplish your long term MBA goals.
Thanks for the input everyone.
As for specifics regarding the job, it'd be a one month rotation/training (mailroom) then I'll be assigned to a desk.
I am planning on taking 2 continuing education night business classes at UCLA in hopes of demonstrating that I can handle the curriculum and am seriously committed to getting my MBA. I am also planning to find some venue where I can get involved with community service and take on a "leadership" position outside of work. Ideally...I've always been interested in microfinance and am hoping to find an organization where I can volunteer in a business related way. I, of course, will also be networking non-stop.
TJ- I do want to work at the agency, it was my goal when I entered college. Although my goals have since shifted to a more traditional career path, I nonetheless have the mindset that I am going to take this experience for what it is. I'll be doing shit work for shit pay, but I'll truly be learning the business from the ground up and that may make me that much more valuable in the long run (as long as I can get into an MBA program!). I'll probably have some pretty damn good stories when it's all said and done too.
Again, thank you all for the suggestions and don't hesitate to comment if you have any relevant thoughts. The more info I have the better.
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