Kingfalcon - thanks for your response.
kingfalcon wrote:
So, it seems like the TLDR version is this (correct me if I'm wrong):
You got your degree from a top engineering school (good) with a 3.0 GPA (bad), albeit with an upward trend (good). You now work in engineering at a big, but no-name firm (probably not a big deal outside HSW), have been promoted once (sweet), and are responsible for managing contracts that are worth big bucks (awesome). Looking forward, you want to continue in technology/engineering as a business analyst or program director (umm... see below).
How'd I do?
Bingo!
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Assuming the above is true, I have a few questions: Why a full-time MBA? If you're pretty happy with your career path, could a part-time MBA suffice? Also, do you really need a top-tier full-time MBA to be a business analyst or project manager? In my experience, people don't need MBAs to go down that path (and may pursue the PMP credential instead).
Why MBA (versus PMP)? I want to move above project management but I feel that my business skills are lacking. While I'm familiar with my company's business, I need to know more about businesses in general; how they're set-up from the beginning, how they grow and prosper, etc. It would help me land a job as an analyst/consultant at a larger company. There are also a number of intriguing start-ups that I'd like to be involved in and I feel like an MBA would help me understand their volatility. Overall, it would open doors.
Why full-time? My current position requires that I work long hours and travel, often over the weekends. I'd rather finish top of class full-time rather than struggling to stay average part-time. The networking opportunities are also a big plus.
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If you do find you are sure you want to go full-time, I'd also suggest you look into Sloan. It's LGO program may be right up your alley, plus MIT as an institution is obviously well-known in both the technology and engineering worlds. Likewise, you may want to check out the Kellogg MMM program, although I don't know nearly as much about that.
Thanks for the suggestions. I looked into the programs you mentioned but getting a Masters in Engineering is not something I'd pursue.
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All in all, I think your work experience keeps you competitive, but your GPA hurts you. I'd suggest aiming for 720+ on your GMAT to offset it. Have you considered taking additional math/stats classes online or at a local university to build an alternative transcript?
My undergrad (engineering) was heavy with math and stat classes which I did well on. Would re-taking them add value?
Thanks for your suggestion on offsetting the low GPA with a 720+ GMAT. The saying "when we look for advice, we are usually looking for an accomplice" rings true here. I'm glad to hear that you think my experience keeps me competitive. I had seen success stories of those with lower GPA's getting into top 10 schools, but the job descriptions are typically exotic and/or include working for the Armed Forces, neither of which would be present on my resumé.
The reason I am looking for suggestions as to where I apply is because while I am ambitious, I realize that I also need to be realistic. I saw a sound rule of thumb, for applying to schools, which read "2 that are reaches/dream schools, 2 that are competitive/attainable, and 1 that's a backup". Prior to taking the GMAT, I want to make sure that I am devoting my time and money to the schools within that scale, and not 5 "dream schools".
Keep 'em coming!