Question by Matthew M: Does PhD research count as work experience toward getting into an MBA program?
I am currently a 3rd year PhD student in Chemistry. I only have about 6 months of traditional work experience, but my research experience is very similar to work experience. Would an MBA program accept this kind of research experience as work experience? Note that most business schools require at least 2 years of work experience before application.
Best answer:
Answer by Kate
MBA programs don’t just want any old work experience, they want business related experience. I don’t think good programs would accept you as it is now.
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I’d talk directly with some admissions advisors at schools you’re considering, but MBA programs are looking primarily for work experience that demonstrates success, leadership, and teamwork, so you’ll need to be able to spin your research in that way. You’ll also need to be able to have a pretty clear plan for what you want to do with the degree, so it doesn’t just look like you got bored with your research and this seems like a good change of pace.
Many programs would accept your research as work experience. It depends on the school and also on other factors that they evaluate, such as your GPA and GMAT score. And despite what many people think, it does not have to be business experience. Schools are interested in knowing that you can do responsible work, make decisions, take orders, work with others, and understand a working environment. Most MBA programs prefer students with 2-3 years work experience after the first degree, but some accept students right out of college if they have good grades and a high GMAT score. Some MBA programs are designed specifically for new college graduates without work experience.
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