UUUIUUU

It's pretty weird posting here again. I haven't posted in about 5 years when I was applying to grad school for engineering.

I'm back to get some feedback on my chances at getting admitted to a top b-school. My main concern is my lack of business experience. Here are the bullet points:

-Graduated from a good ugrad with a high GPA (including a 4.0 in my engineering major)
-Received MS from top school
-Had a brief stint teaching at a top school overseas
-Been working for a few years at a very well known company doing pretty exciting sounding work

Again, all my education and corporate experience has been technical, though I'm not clueless about business.

How much will a lack of business experience hurt me? I've heard it will, but isn't the point of going to school to learn stuff you don't know to allow you to get into that field?

Any feedback would be appreciated.

cbreeze

What is your career goal? Why do you need an MBA? How old are you?

These are relevant questions you need to answer in your MBA application.

UUUIUUU

I am thinking of a career switch. I've found that I find business issues more interesting than technical issues. Also, this sort of work would allow me to live in more desirable locations and travel more. Then there's also the increased salary. Management consulting is especially intriguing to me.

I'm in my late 20's.

cbreeze

I think you are a competitive candidate for business schools. For career switchers, I recommend a full time program because on campus recruiting is better and you are able to do a summer internship.
Management consulting loves MBAs with engineering backgrounds. Good luck.
Also, don't wait too long to apply as some firms may favor younger candidates.

UUUIUUU

So besides getting a good GMAT score and good recs, what should/can I do to improve my chances at a top school? I plan on applying next year. Also, how random are admissions? Assuming I have decent recs and a 700+ GMAT, would it be surprising if I got cut out of the M7?

cbreeze

MBA admissions are more based on holistic issues than law and med schools. Job progression, leadership achievements are emphasized. Excellent essays are important. You have to realize engineers are over represented in MBA candidates so you are competing against them and most have high GPAs and GMATs. M7 schools are never guaranteed.