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I havent started applying yet, taking the GMAT next month, and anticipating 680-720 (if the practice exams tell the truth)
I have about 4 years work experience with 2 well known companies (although a gap in-between them), and graduated from an ok undergrad with a 3.3.
The goal is a total career change. I have experience as a market analyst at a large financial firm, and more recently as an IT Security analyst at a large discount dept Store. I'd love to get back into finance or event marketing on the analytical side.
The dream is full time NYU or Columbia, the reality is a regional school like BU, BC or Babson, most likely Part Time.
Is it worth it? Do I really need the big name school to land the good job out of school, and build a strong network?
This is a very good question. I have a bachelor's degree and I am thinking of getting an MBA later on.
I would be very interested to see the responses to this one.
What is your salary right now? As someone who goes to a top 20 school, I can honestly say you can expect a salary between $90k-$110k right out of a top 20 program.
The top 20 schools have unbelievable networks that you would never be exposed to at a lower ranked school. Those networks are really what gets you the good job with a high salary.
What is your salary right now? As someone who goes to a top 20 school, I can honestly say you can expect a salary between $90k-$110k right out of a top 20 program.
The top 20 schools have unbelievable networks that you would never be exposed to at a lower ranked school. Those networks are really what gets you the good job with a high salary.
I'd be expecting a salary bump for sure, in the mid 60s right now. For it to be worth it monetarily, I'd be hoping to touch the 90s coming out (especially if I go full time). If I go part time, I could deal with a slight bump for now, with more doors opening in the future, and a 6 figure salary in veiw. The issue I have with part time, is I think I would miss out on an essential part of B-School, mainly building the strong bonds with classmates, and internships.
If you think Part time is a decent option (for someone not advancing a current career track, but looking for a change) is there a difference between a top 20 pt vs ft. NYU's PT is a bit easier to get into, and would also be an option.
I'd be expecting a salary bump for sure, in the mid 60s right now. For it to be worth it monetarily, I'd be hoping to touch the 90s coming out (especially if I go full time). If I go part time, I could deal with a slight bump for now, with more doors opening in the future, and a 6 figure salary in veiw. The issue I have with part time, is I think I would miss out on an essential part of B-School, mainly building the strong bonds with classmates, and internships.
If you think Part time is a decent option (for someone not advancing a current career track, but looking for a change) is there a difference between a top 20 pt vs ft. NYU's PT is a bit easier to get into, and would also be an option too.
The most important thing with going part time is to look at the degree you get. Some schools give you a different physical degree (executive MBA on the diploma, or part-time MBA). Don't go for those...there are many top ranked schools that give their part time students the same degree as full time students.
I am part time right now, and when I graduate you will not be able to tell if I went part or full time by looking at my diploma. Full time is absolutely the way to go if you want to do a career change though. Internships and on-campus networking opportunities are how you get a full time job, and those are difficult if you are part time.
The most important thing with going part time is to look at the degree you get. Some schools give you a different physical degree (executive MBA on the diploma, or part-time MBA). Don't go for those...there are many top ranked schools that give their part time students the same degree as full time students.
I am part time right now, and when I graduate you will not be able to tell if I went part or full time by looking at my diploma. Full time is absolutely the way to go if you want to do a career change though. Internships and on-campus networking opportunities are how you get a full time job, and those are difficult if you are part time.
Yeah, thats what I'm thinking... But, with an opportunity cost that high, I have to make sure its worth it. If I can break 700 or even a bit higher, I'll be more confident in my chances.
With my stats, I'm thinking 740 and a prayer might be needed...
Thanks for the opinions, really confirming what I figured.
Yeah, thats what I'm thinking... But, with an opportunity cost that high, I have to make sure its worth it. If I can break 700 or even a bit higher, I'll be more confident in my chances.
With my stats, I'm thinking 740 and a prayer might be needed...
Thanks for the opinions, really confirming what I figured.
I only have my personal opinion...so what I am saying is not law...but if I were going to switch careers (instead of growing in my current one) I would switch from part time to full time.
Also be aware that the $90-110k is an average. I just looked up last year's grads salary statistics and the low was $50k and the high was $210.
Work experience, personality and interviewing counts for a LOT. Your GMAT has to be up there (at least over 700), but with good work experience, undergrad GPA doesn't matter too much. My undergrad GPA was 3.15, but I did well on the GMAT, got great recommendations from old and current bosses, and had an impressive work history which more than made up for my undergrad GPA.
One piece of advice is to know why you are doing this. In your admissions essays/interviews have a cohesive theme. My theme was to bring organizational and process improvement to the world of corporate information technology. I had that theme in every essay and every answer to every interview question. Top schools want someone who knows exactly what they want to do. If you apply and they get the impression you are doing it because you think 'an MBA might be good for me', then you will not get in, regardless of test scores.
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