Question by Oscar: Do I go for MBA or job?
Is work experience a requirement to apply to an MBA program? I was wondering what is better. Should I get a job first and then get the MBA or should I just go straight to the MBA program? I know having the working experience is better, but will not working diminish my chance in the workforce if I have an MBA and no experience?
Best answer:
Answer by Robin Sparkles
Take my word for it, not working will absolutely 100% diminish your chances of getting a job after your MBA. Get work experience. Go get a full-time job, then apply to an MBA program. There are programs that will accept you straight out of undergrad, but it is much more respectable to get some experience. In addition to this, you will actually be able to apply the concepts learned in your MBA and participate in conversation with classmates. Looking for a job with little experience and an MBA is very difficult! Every place that is willing to pay for your level of education is not willing to pay without the experience. Another plus to getting work experience is that the company may pay for continuing education. Otherwise graduate school is paid out of pocket. I strongly, strongly recommend getting a job first. Don’t be too scared to move out of the education system (the way I was).
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!
In this economy the MBA and fifty cents will get you a very small cup of coffee. If you have some job opportunities then take them and be glad you aren’t working at UPS sorting packages. If you don’t but you aren’t struggling financially then go ahead and get the MBA. It won’t hurt and by the time you complete it then the job market might be back to normal and the MBA will really help you. Job experience IS better but the MBA will let you start gaining experience at a higher starting level in a company.