I am looking to pursue an MBA next year at either the Columbia Business School or NYU's Stern School of Business. My primary concern however is being able to utilize my military experience to make my application appealing to these schools. I graduated from a small, private university (Bellevue University) with a bachelor's of science degree in business and a cumulative GPA of 3.446. Although the fact I graduated from a relatively unknown school with a general degree may work against me, I have taken on numerous leadership roles (on and off duty) and received several awards, decorations and accolades during my time in the Air Force thus far, but is this enough to overshadow the disadvantages of my graduating from a small university with a broad degree?
I've heard that one can make their application shine with a high GMAT score and stellar essays, but is that all it takes? Also, while answering the question of "why do I want to pursue an MBA at this time", what would be the best way to say "because I am getting out of the Air Force and want to segway my career from a subordinate capacity to more of a leadership role" or should I tailor my response in a different direction?
Ultimately, I am just trying gauge how I should tailor my application package in lieu of my situation.
Answers
Frederick -
* In addition to "leadership development", what are your goals during your MBA program?
* What are your career goals?
* Why have you identified Columbia and NYU? (These are good programs but there are many others to also consider ... Yale, Stanford, MIT, INSEAD, Harvard, etc.)
see:
http://rankings.ft.com/businessschoolrankings/global-mba-ranking-2013
* Have you identified professors you admire greatly? This might be one reason to choose a particular graduate program. (For example, I admire Prof. Robert Shiller of Yale.)
* Reach out to current students and graduates affiliated with university's Veteran clubs.
https://www.google.com/search?q=mba+veterans+clubs
* Consider working on the civilian side for a couple years, and then pursuing a graduate degree.
-Tom
David, Ben, Alan & Benny, thank you all for your input. All of you have truly been instrumental in helping me gain a sense of direction in this tricky transition I am looking to pursue.
As of this moment I have enlisted a tutor who is helping me prepare for the GMAT, which I am planning on taking sometime in late August.
I will make sure to keep you all updated on my progress as I embark on this journey toward B-School.
You didn't list Wharton but it has a great Vet club that is very responsive and will help with the process of getting a top MBA. quick Google search will get you to its website and contact info.
I know of a UofPhoenix grad at CBS but he was a special forces guy. I mention it because b schools are more interested in your story than your undergrad. Does it help to go to a top undergrad? Sure but a good GMAT score and a great story are the best combo.
Oh and the CBS Thurs night Uris HH are awesome.
I echo the congratulations and thanks.
You are primarily evaluated based on the last 5 years of your experience, and on your motivation. What do you want to do with the MBA? I suggest that a vague desire to get a high paying job would not be a good response. If you have a particular kind of business or position in mind, especially if it derives from your recent experience, then really emphasize that. Too many people go to MBA programs expecting that a piece of paper will get them a managerial position with nothing else. Few employers are going to want you to manage anything of theirs with only schooling. They want you to know a business well, and understand their customer base and their industry. If you plan to be your own employer, then you should feel the same way about it. If this requires working in an industry before tackling the MBA, maybe that is a better approach. Work study programs are a superior way to address this, if you can find the right program.
I hope this is helpful.
Alan
Fredrick,
Congratulations on an exciting time of transition. I would echo some of what David had to say, but I am also happy to chat by phone to expand my thoughts. Short answer, a number of my ex-military classmates at Tuck shined and I think you offer a lot, regardless of undergrad, to a program. Shoot me a note (ben@frazierhealthcare.com) and we can cover more.
Best,
Ben
Fredrick,
First, congratulations on your success in the Air Force and thank you for your service. You have certainly selected two of the hardest MBA programs to get accepted to. I would first say if your goal is to start in an MBA program next year, you broaden your options to make sure you get into a program. Still apply to NYU and Columbia, but some second tier programs as well. I assume you are interested in NYC area. If that is a requirement, there are other programs in the area you can consider.
As for getting into the program at NYU or Columbia, your undergraduate will play a role, but not nearly as important since you now have six years of employment history. What you need to do is show how your military experience has prepared you for the rigors of MBA studies at these institutions. I believe they are looking for two things 1) your ability to succeed in their program academically and 2) your potential for success as a graduate of their program. Schools are increasingly graded on how well their graduates do, so they are looking for qualities that would make you a success in business. Goes well beyond academics and gets into character, drive, and your career goals. So you need to show these qualities in your essay, work history, and your personal life. Make sure you have references that can speak to these qualities. I am interested in what others have to say as well.
Good luck
David
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