Big Career Change -- Planning to do a Japanese FT MBA pgm
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02 Apr 2010, 18:42
Currently I am in the US Air Force, and this last week I was told that we (the USAF) will be going through a massive reduction in force. So since I have a very good chance of getting the boot so-to-speak (through no fault of my own), I am seriously considering to re-invent myself with an MBA.
My goal is to live/work in Japan, so I figure going to a Japanese MBA program is the best route since I can also work on my Japanese language ability (fairly basic right now).
So my current plan is to start studying for the GMAT now until December, then apply to Waseda, Hitotsubashi, and various other schools Jan 2011, move to Japan Feb 2011 to begin an intensive Japanese language program, and hopefully get accepted for the September 2011 semester. I figure if I don’t get accepted this year it will just give me a chance to finish up the intensive Japanese course (this would also help fill the gap in my work resume), and I could better prepare for the GMAT. The GMAT is my biggest concern since I suck at standardized tests.
My background:
- Graduated from U-Wisconsin Whitewater, BS Physics, GPA 3.5, 1999
- Entered the AF in 1999 as a Physicist, did a lot of contract management.
- Got my MS in Atmospheric Sciences from the Ohio State University, GPA 3.96, 2003
- Transferred from being a Physicist to a Weather Officer, more of a technical manager than forecaster.
- And since then I have had 4 jobs in the AF (Japan, Florida, Australia, Germany) all showing nice career/leadership progression, loads of responsibility, promoted to Major last year, etc.
Now the other thing I am a little worried about is that when I start school Sept 2011, I will be 34 years old? Is this going to be a factor? Am I late to the game?
As for my MBA goals, I would like to focus on Accounting/Finance/Investment banking. I do have some contract/budget management in my background but mainly it’s been leadership experience. So would it be better for me to focus on a management than finance/accounting (since that’s been my background)?
My ideas are still in great flux, this has been a lot to digest in a week, so any suggestions/advice would be most greatly appreciated.
Cheers,
Rob