greenmurph wrote:
Help! My work experience is very atypical - no consulting or finance experience here. I'm hoping for a good GMAT score, but with my unusual background, I'm really struggling to predict my chances.
1) Total of 5 years full time work experience: Includes 1 year as head medical records clerk for a clinic, 1 year as an assistant manager of a foreign hotel, and 3 years as general manager of a small independent hotel (50 rooms) here in the US. It is a very independent role, and as GM, I oversee the day-to-day operations of the entire hotel, and make all decisions regarding operational upgrades and improvements (including renovations, procedural changes, staffing changes, advertising design and implementation, payroll decisions, budget decisions, and rate changes). Since my time as general manager, I have increased our average occupancy by 20% and revenue per occupied room has also increased significantly.
2) Target GMAT - 700
3) College info: Bachelors in Public Health from a private University in the same league as Tulane/BU/George Washington. GPA 3.52
4) In college I was an intern for a non-profit, worked as a volunteer EMT, and went to mission trips to developing countries. After college spent 6 months volunteering at a non-profit in a developing country doing nutrition outreach. Currently part of a community leadership program designed to educate area leaders, also sit on a couple of Public Health boards.
5) No certifications.
6) Target Programs:
1. Northwestern
2. U Chicago
3. USC - Marshall
4. Wisconsin - Madison
5. U of Minnesota
6. Georgetown
7. UCLA
8. Cornell
7) My post-MBA goal is to work in product or brand management. I have no experience in this area - though as GM of the hotel all decisions about our brand and product are mine.
Thanks in advance for your advice!
While the MBA programs are certainly searching for a mix of backgrounds and experiences to unite in the classroom, you are correct that it is going to be more difficult for you to prove your leadership and business skills given the nature of your work. You are obviously leading and making decisions, but those decisions are "small scale" still. You may want to make a move into a larger hospitality corporation using the experience you've gained so far. There, you'll be able to gain greater perspective on marketing, management, and long-term strategy, which will be useful for your applications and future career in marketing.
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Updated on: 11 Jan 2013, 19:08
