I am applying to MBA programs later this year for Fall 2013 admission. Up until now, I have had a pretty good idea of what I wanted to do (marketing/brand management). But lately I've been feeling like some other career path (international business; general management) might play to my strengths better. Also, and perhaps more importantly, it might lay out a more coherent career path for both schools and potential employers to look at. The problem is that I have a less clear understanding about the kinds of jobs those other paths might lead to and how I might leverage my background best to find meaningful employment in them.

In a nutshell, I had decided on a career path that would be essentially a career change and now I am thinking that I might be able to use more of my background than I thought to have a more linear career progression.

After that long-winded intro, my question is basically this -- how would you go about evaluating various career paths and your place in them? Can anyone recommend a good book or other source that lays out MBA careers in practical terms?

Would you hire some kind of consultant to look over your resume and guide you through your career plans?

Would you talk to someone in an MBA program that you don't plan to apply to about it, maybe in an informational interview?

The bottom line is that I want to present as concrete a career plan as possible when seeking admission to MBA programs. I can honestly say that I am interested in and have an aptitude for several different MBA avenues, so I am trying to find the one that gives me the best chance of success, both in school and career terms.

Thanks for any help,

Gorgasali