jwiner wrote:
rca215 wrote:
Disclaimer: I'm not an expert by any means, but here are my thoughts from what I've read in my research and from the experiences of others.
You're GMAT and GPA are good for all those schools. I don't think the 5 years will be an issue as long as there is a good rationale for the CC transfer (such as a financial one). The study abroad is good. What will matter most, I imagine, is the quality of your work experience in terms of significant advancements, responsibilities and leadership. Also, do you have any extra-curricular activities? If not, start.
My guess is that you're pretty much a shoe-in at Colorado and MSU, highly competitive at UNC and competitive at Duke and Ross (depending mostly on quality of work experience).
I don't know much about Colorado's business program, but maybe check out University of Denver if it's the area that attracts you. Univ of Denver seems to get decent regional sorts of ratings (and part-time, I think).
I'm not sure about the PhD/professor thing. Are you talking about getting a business PhD and teaching business? If so, then apply to PhD programs! If not, then why would you want an MBA? Also, I think what matters more is the why and how of your long-term goals, as opposed to the basic what.
Thank you for your well thought out response!
Work Experience is pretty good... I have made advancements and grown responsibilities.
Yes - I want to earn a business PhD and become a professor. I want to earn an MBA first because... frankly... I would not be competitive (yet) for PhD admissions. In addition, I may want to work a couple years after MBA and before PhD to gain additional experience. Nothin' worse than a professor without real world experience...!
Allow me to clear a few misconceptions.
-- Need an MBA to be competitive
Not necessarily. You will definitely learn a lot during your MBA, but it wont necessarily make you more competitive. An MBA is too broad for you to become an expert in one field. In fact, an MS in a relevant field would be far more valuable.
The term competitive is a little nebulous when it comes to the PhD. Strong Motivation, discipline and hard work are perhaps the most important traits of a PhD student. Academia is well aware of the "smart but lazy" student phenomenon.
Picking the right person to work with (your advisor) is perhaps the most important challenge. You will spend 4 years or more at a school. Look beyond the brand name and find professors that share your interest.
-- Nothings worse than a professor with no real world experience.
A Ph.D is training for research. As a logical consequence, your primary job as a professor is research. You may eventually consult with companies and even do an internship while you are in a PhD program.
Its good that you are thinking that far ahead. Real world experience is good, but not necessary. If you think you need to be more competitive, get an MS first, preferably at a school that you want to get a PhD from.
A lot of students never complete their dissertation and hence never complete their PhD. Think about your current training in terms of math coursework and other coursework related to your discipline.
To sum it up, I wouldn't get an MBA. An MS is more focused in your discipline and will give you a taste for research.
Please be sure to read posts in the "Ph.D in Business" forum.
Good luck. Prepare yourself for a roller coaster ride.