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poojaarora1818
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post-MBA goal to get into Non-profit Organistion 20 Oct 2024, 03:28
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Hi Everyone,

I am an Indian female with 10 years of work experience in the HR domain. I hold a PGDHRM diploma from Symbiosis Pune University and want to pursue an MBA in the US. I want to understand getting into a non-profit organization is my post-MBA goal. Is the post-MBA goal not realistic? Yesterday, I was talking to an Alumin from LBS. She told me that very few people go to non-profit organizations after their MBA. This gives me a clear message that my post-MBA goal is not so realistic. So, help me to understand that will I get rejections from the B-schools. Is there a disjoint between my post-MBA goals and the B-schools course curriculum?


Thank you,
Pooja
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post-MBA goal to get into Non-profit Organistion 20 Oct 2024, 07:02
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Dear poojaarora1818,

It is absolutely not true that ad coms don't prefer applicants who wish to move to Not for Profit post the MBA program. In fact a lot of applicants we have worked with in the past and some of my classmates moved to Not for Profits such as Gates Foundation, Tony Blair Institute of Global Change, Cherie Blair Foundation etc. Some other relevant career paths people chose are - CSR team Leads of Large Conglomerates, Impact Investing, Fund Raising Manager in a Not For Profit, Grants Manager, Corporate - Govt. Liaison Officer etc.

What ad coms evaluate minutely is whether the said post MBA career goal is achievable and practical or not, and whether you already possess at least 50% of the skillsets (based on your past and present experiences, education etc.) required to succeed in that role. You should aim to include a relevant experience in your CV that is aligned with the career goal you are gunning for.

Feel free to reach out to us in case you want to develop coherent essays (including and not limited to Goals).

Cheers and all the very best !
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post-MBA goal to get into Non-profit Organistion 20 Oct 2024, 07:33
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Dear poojaarora1818,

It is absolutely not true that ad coms don't prefer applicants who wish to move to Not for Profit post the MBA program. In fact a lot of applicants we have worked with in the past and some of my classmates moved to Not for Profits such as Gates Foundation, Tony Blair Institute of Global Change, Cherie Blair Foundation etc. Some other relevant career paths people chose are - CSR team Leads of Large Conglomerates, Impact Investing, Fund Raising Manager in a Not For Profit, Grants Manager, Corporate - Govt. Liaison Officer etc.

What ad coms evaluate minutely is whether the said post MBA career goal is achievable and practical or not, and whether you already possess at least 50% of the skillsets (based on your past and present experiences, education etc.) required to succeed in that role. You should aim to include a relevant experience in your CV that is aligned with the career goal you are gunning for.

Feel free to reach out to us in case you want to develop coherent essays (including and not limited to Goals).

Cheers and all the very best !
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Thank you so much for the clarification.
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post-MBA goal to get into Non-profit Organistion 20 Oct 2024, 23:48
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poojaarora1818
Hi Everyone,

I am an Indian female with 10 years of work experience in the HR domain. I hold a PGDHRM diploma from Symbiosis Pune University and want to pursue an MBA in the US. I want to understand getting into a non-profit organization is my post-MBA goal. Is the post-MBA goal not realistic? Yesterday, I was talking to an Alumin from LBS. She told me that very few people go to non-profit organizations after their MBA. This gives me a clear message that my post-MBA goal is not so realistic. So, help me to understand that will I get rejections from the B-schools. Is there a disjoint between my post-MBA goals and the B-schools course curriculum?


Thank you,
Pooja
Show more
Hi poojaarora1818,

Your goal of working in a non-profit organization after your MBA is commendable and aligns with many people's desire to make a positive impact. While it may not be the most common career path for MBA graduates, it's certainly achievable.

While it's true that many MBA graduates pursue careers in consulting, finance, or technology, there are a growing number of individuals who choose to work in the non-profit sector. The alumna's experience may reflect a specific trend or personal preference, but it doesn't necessarily mean that your goal is unrealistic.

The fit between your post-MBA goal and the B-school's curriculum can be a factor in your application. However, many top-tier business schools offer a diverse range of courses and electives that can prepare you for various career paths, including the non-profit sector.

Key Considerations:

Program Focus: Research the specific programs you're interested in and assess whether they offer courses or concentrations related to social impact or non-profit management.
Alumni Network: Explore the alumni networks of your target schools to see if there are graduates who have successfully transitioned into non-profit roles after their MBA.
Career Services: Many business schools offer career services that can provide guidance and support in achieving your post-MBA goals.
Addressing Potential Rejections:

While your post-MBA goal may not be the most common, it's not necessarily a barrier to admission. Focus on highlighting your passion for social impact, your relevant experience, and your alignment with the school's values in your application materials.

By strategically preparing your application and showcasing your alignment with the school's values and your career goals, you can increase your chances of admission to a top-tier MBA program that will support your aspirations.

Feel free to schedule a free consultation with our MBA experts to discuss your case in depth. Their expertise can help you make the right decision. You can also connect directly with the team via call at +91 7780769732
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post-MBA goal to get into Non-profit Organistion 21 Oct 2024, 01:08
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poojaarora1818
Hi Everyone,

I am an Indian female with 10 years of work experience in the HR domain. I hold a PGDHRM diploma from Symbiosis Pune University and want to pursue an MBA in the US. I want to understand getting into a non-profit organization is my post-MBA goal. Is the post-MBA goal not realistic? Yesterday, I was talking to an Alumin from LBS. She told me that very few people go to non-profit organizations after their MBA. This gives me a clear message that my post-MBA goal is not so realistic. So, help me to understand that will I get rejections from the B-schools. Is there a disjoint between my post-MBA goals and the B-schools course curriculum?


Thank you,
Pooja
Hi poojaarora1818,

Your goal of working in a non-profit organization after your MBA is commendable and aligns with many people's desire to make a positive impact. While it may not be the most common career path for MBA graduates, it's certainly achievable.

While it's true that many MBA graduates pursue careers in consulting, finance, or technology, there are a growing number of individuals who choose to work in the non-profit sector. The alumna's experience may reflect a specific trend or personal preference, but it doesn't necessarily mean that your goal is unrealistic.

The fit between your post-MBA goal and the B-school's curriculum can be a factor in your application. However, many top-tier business schools offer a diverse range of courses and electives that can prepare you for various career paths, including the non-profit sector.

Key Considerations:

Program Focus: Research the specific programs you're interested in and assess whether they offer courses or concentrations related to social impact or non-profit management.
Alumni Network: Explore the alumni networks of your target schools to see if there are graduates who have successfully transitioned into non-profit roles after their MBA.
Career Services: Many business schools offer career services that can provide guidance and support in achieving your post-MBA goals.
Addressing Potential Rejections:

While your post-MBA goal may not be the most common, it's not necessarily a barrier to admission. Focus on highlighting your passion for social impact, your relevant experience, and your alignment with the school's values in your application materials.

By strategically preparing your application and showcasing your alignment with the school's values and your career goals, you can increase your chances of admission to a top-tier MBA program that will support your aspirations.

Feel free to schedule a free consultation with our MBA experts to discuss your case in depth. Their expertise can help you make the right decision. You can also connect directly with the team via call at +91 7780769732
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Thank you so much for the detailed explanation, I will try to implement all the above key considerations as suggested by you. Will talk to you soon once I am done with my test.


Thank you,
Pooja
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post-MBA goal to get into Non-profit Organistion 21 Oct 2024, 06:36
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poojaarora1818
Hi Everyone,

I am an Indian female with 10 years of work experience in the HR domain. I hold a PGDHRM diploma from Symbiosis Pune University and want to pursue an MBA in the US. I want to understand getting into a non-profit organization is my post-MBA goal. Is the post-MBA goal not realistic? Yesterday, I was talking to an Alumin from LBS. She told me that very few people go to non-profit organizations after their MBA. This gives me a clear message that my post-MBA goal is not so realistic. So, help me to understand that will I get rejections from the B-schools. Is there a disjoint between my post-MBA goals and the B-schools course curriculum?


Thank you,
Pooja
Show more


Hi Pooja,

I have a different take on this and agree with the LBS alumnus about lesser MBAs going into non profit post MBA. I will share what I have understood of this after working with many, many applicants who have post MBA goals in the non profit sector:
1. Adcoms and recruiters will look for transferable skills/experience from your present career into your post MBA career. If an applicant does not have relevant experience in social impact (either as their main profession or substantial volunteering experience), it would be difficult to convince the adcom that social impact is a correct choice for them. In your case, i remember you have an HR background followed by a longish break. My suggestion would be to minimize the impact of the break and suggest lesser deviations form the path you were originally on. Too many deviations can suggest that you are trying to achieve a lot of changes through the MBA, which may realistically not be possible from an employer's point of view. However, if you have worked on some impactful volunteering initiatives during the career break, then it will be easier for you to justify the career switch.

2. Moreover, many NPOs/ Foundations do not recruit fresh MBAs. You should go to the employment pages of every single target b-school and see if the organizations you are interested in recruit MBAs from that programs. The employment reports of most b-schools will also show you that only about 2-5% of the class pursues social impact careers 9Oxfird may be an exception- so look at their program). Getting into consulting and working with their ESG practice is one of the viable career paths for working in social impact post MBA. needless to say, these are very competitive roles.

3. Thirdly, you should also check whether these organizations will sponsor your visa.

4. Lastly, IMO, these roles don't pay as well as compared to the more coveted consulting/ Banking/ tech roles after an MBA, so most MBA candidates are attracted to those kind of roles. However, not every MBA candidate is guided by this criteria, so this is a matter of your personal choice.

That said, b-schools offer a lot of resources around social impact, both in academics and extra curricular activities. Almost every b-school has a Net Impact chapter which offers myriad opportunities to get involved in the local communities. Some b-schools also have social impact consulting club, which enable you to take up consulting projects with local NGOs. Moreover, there are academic courses and sometimes specializations in social impact

However, when applying to b-schools its beneficial to have a mix of academic + employability reasoning when crafting your career goals.

Hope that helps.

Namita Garg,
Founder, MBA Decoder
Email: contact@mbadecoder.com
Reach out to us for a Profile Evaluation
Helping applicants achieve their MBA dreams since 2011
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post-MBA goal to get into Non-profit Organistion 21 Oct 2024, 07:39
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poojaarora1818
Hi Everyone,

I am an Indian female with 10 years of work experience in the HR domain. I hold a PGDHRM diploma from Symbiosis Pune University and want to pursue an MBA in the US. I want to understand getting into a non-profit organization is my post-MBA goal. Is the post-MBA goal not realistic? Yesterday, I was talking to an Alumin from LBS. She told me that very few people go to non-profit organizations after their MBA. This gives me a clear message that my post-MBA goal is not so realistic. So, help me to understand that will I get rejections from the B-schools. Is there a disjoint between my post-MBA goals and the B-schools course curriculum?


Thank you,
Pooja


Hi Pooja,

I have a different take on this and agree with the LBS alumnus about lesser MBAs going into non profit post MBA. I will share what I have understood of this after working with many, many applicants who have post MBA goals in the non profit sector:
1. Adcoms and recruiters will look for transferable skills/experience from your present career into your post MBA career. If an applicant does not have relevant experience in social impact (either as their main profession or substantial volunteering experience), it would be difficult to convince the adcom that social impact is a correct choice for them. In your case, i remember you have an HR background followed by a longish break. My suggestion would be to minimize the impact of the break and suggest lesser deviations form the path you were originally on. Too many deviations can suggest that you are trying to achieve a lot of changes through the MBA, which may realistically not be possible from an employer's point of view. However, if you have worked on some impactful volunteering initiatives during the career break, then it will be easier for you to justify the career switch.

2. Moreover, many NPOs/ Foundations do not recruit fresh MBAs. You should go to the employment pages of every single target b-school and see if the organizations you are interested in recruit MBAs from that programs. The employment reports of most b-schools will also show you that only about 2-5% of the class pursues social impact careers 9Oxfird may be an exception- so look at their program). Getting into consulting and working with their ESG practice is one of the viable career paths for working in social impact post MBA. needless to say, these are very competitive roles.

3. Thirdly, you should also check whether these organizations will sponsor your visa.

4. Lastly, IMO, these roles don't pay as well as compared to the more coveted consulting/ Banking/ tech roles after an MBA, so most MBA candidates are attracted to those kind of roles. However, not every MBA candidate is guided by this criteria, so this is a matter of your personal choice.

That said, b-schools offer a lot of resources around social impact, both in academics and extra curricular activities. Almost every b-school has a Net Impact chapter which offers myriad opportunities to get involved in the local communities. Some b-schools also have social impact consulting club, which enable you to take up consulting projects with local NGOs. Moreover, there are academic courses and sometimes specializations in social impact

However, when applying to b-schools its beneficial to have a mix of academic + employability reasoning when crafting your career goals.

Hope that helps.

Namita Garg,
Founder, MBA Decoder
Email: contact@mbadecoder.com
Reach out to us for a Profile Evaluation
Helping applicants achieve their MBA dreams since 2011
Show more
Thank you for the detailed feedback, Namita! Yes, you correctly remember that I do have a longish career break which is not favorable. I am trying my level best to acquire volunteering kind of service in some NGOs to finish this huge career break. I still remember in your last post you mentioned that non-profit organizations like the World Bank do not sponsor visas for international candidates. But I have inquired about the same from the World Bank and also through other reliable sources that the World does not sponsor H1B visas but they do sponsor either G4 or G5 visas. Thanks again for your valuable feedback and I do consider all the key considerations as mentioned by you while making an informed decision. In case, I need any further guidance I do get back to you soon.

Thank You,
Pooja
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post-MBA goal to get into Non-profit Organistion 21 Oct 2024, 08:52
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Hi Everyone,

I am an Indian female with 10 years of work experience in the HR domain. I hold a PGDHRM diploma from Symbiosis Pune University and want to pursue an MBA in the US. I want to understand getting into a non-profit organization is my post-MBA goal. Is the post-MBA goal not realistic? Yesterday, I was talking to an Alumin from LBS. She told me that very few people go to non-profit organizations after their MBA. This gives me a clear message that my post-MBA goal is not so realistic. So, help me to understand that will I get rejections from the B-schools. Is there a disjoint between my post-MBA goals and the B-schools course curriculum?


Thank you,
Pooja


Hi Pooja,

I have a different take on this and agree with the LBS alumnus about lesser MBAs going into non profit post MBA. I will share what I have understood of this after working with many, many applicants who have post MBA goals in the non profit sector:
1. Adcoms and recruiters will look for transferable skills/experience from your present career into your post MBA career. If an applicant does not have relevant experience in social impact (either as their main profession or substantial volunteering experience), it would be difficult to convince the adcom that social impact is a correct choice for them. In your case, i remember you have an HR background followed by a longish break. My suggestion would be to minimize the impact of the break and suggest lesser deviations form the path you were originally on. Too many deviations can suggest that you are trying to achieve a lot of changes through the MBA, which may realistically not be possible from an employer's point of view. However, if you have worked on some impactful volunteering initiatives during the career break, then it will be easier for you to justify the career switch.

2. Moreover, many NPOs/ Foundations do not recruit fresh MBAs. You should go to the employment pages of every single target b-school and see if the organizations you are interested in recruit MBAs from that programs. The employment reports of most b-schools will also show you that only about 2-5% of the class pursues social impact careers 9Oxfird may be an exception- so look at their program). Getting into consulting and working with their ESG practice is one of the viable career paths for working in social impact post MBA. needless to say, these are very competitive roles.

3. Thirdly, you should also check whether these organizations will sponsor your visa.

4. Lastly, IMO, these roles don't pay as well as compared to the more coveted consulting/ Banking/ tech roles after an MBA, so most MBA candidates are attracted to those kind of roles. However, not every MBA candidate is guided by this criteria, so this is a matter of your personal choice.

That said, b-schools offer a lot of resources around social impact, both in academics and extra curricular activities. Almost every b-school has a Net Impact chapter which offers myriad opportunities to get involved in the local communities. Some b-schools also have social impact consulting club, which enable you to take up consulting projects with local NGOs. Moreover, there are academic courses and sometimes specializations in social impact

However, when applying to b-schools its beneficial to have a mix of academic + employability reasoning when crafting your career goals.

Hope that helps.

Namita Garg,
Founder, MBA Decoder
Email: contact@mbadecoder.com
Reach out to us for a Profile Evaluation
Helping applicants achieve their MBA dreams since 2011
Thank you for the detailed feedback, Namita! Yes, you correctly remember that I do have a longish career break which is not favorable. I am trying my level best to acquire volunteering kind of service in some NGOs to finish this huge career break. I still remember in your last post you mentioned that non-profit organizations like the World Bank do not sponsor visas for international candidates. But I have inquired about the same from the World Bank and also through other reliable sources that the World does not sponsor H1B visas but they do sponsor either G4 or G5 visas. Thanks again for your valuable feedback and I do consider all the key considerations as mentioned by you while making an informed decision. In case, I need any further guidance I do get back to you soon.

Thank You,
Pooja
Show more

Thank you, Pooja, for the clarification on the visa process for World Bank. Always love to build up on my own info and will research this further. feel free to reach out when you have more questions.

Namita Garg,
Founder, MBA Decoder
Email: contact@mbadecoder.com
Reach out to us for a Profile Evaluation
Helping applicants achieve their MBA dreams since 2011
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post-MBA goal to get into Non-profit Organistion 21 Oct 2024, 09:19
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Thank you, Namrita! As always for your guidance and support. I will talk to you soon once I am done with my test.

Thank You!
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post-MBA goal to get into Non-profit Organistion 22 Oct 2024, 01:26
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poojaarora1818
Hi Everyone,

I am an Indian female with 10 years of work experience in the HR domain. I hold a PGDHRM diploma from Symbiosis Pune University and want to pursue an MBA in the US. I want to understand getting into a non-profit organization is my post-MBA goal. Is the post-MBA goal not realistic? Yesterday, I was talking to an Alumin from LBS. She told me that very few people go to non-profit organizations after their MBA. This gives me a clear message that my post-MBA goal is not so realistic. So, help me to understand that will I get rejections from the B-schools. Is there a disjoint between my post-MBA goals and the B-schools course curriculum?


Thank you,
Pooja
Show more
Hi poojaarora1818


Your profile as an Indian female with 10 years of experience in HR and a PGDHRM diploma from Symbiosis Pune, positions you well for an MBA, particularly if you aim to pivot into leadership roles. However, your concern regarding transitioning into the non-profit sector post-MBA is understandable. While it is true that fewer MBA graduates pursue non-profit careers compared to traditional sectors like consulting, finance, or tech, it doesn't make your goal unrealistic. Many top B-schools, particularly in the US, emphasize social impact and have dedicated resources for students interested in non-profit careers. Schools like Yale SOM, Stanford GSB, and Berkeley Haas, for instance, are known for their strong focus on social enterprise and public service.

To improve your chances, it's important to frame your post-MBA goal in a way that aligns with the school's curriculum and resources. Your overall story should be impactful. Your major focus shall be on, how your HR expertise and leadership experience can drive meaningful change in non-profit organizations, and research schools with strong social impact programs. Additionally, focus on strengthening your narrative around why an MBA is the right step to achieve this goal and how you will use the degree to make a significant impact in the non-profit space.You can read an article on how to effectively frame your Post-mba goals, you will get some insights.

In short, while fewer MBAs may choose non-profits, the path is still viable, and aligning your application by connecting the dots and presenting a compelling narrative with schools that value social impact, may boost your chances.

Let’s discuss more about your work experience, leadership skills, impact creation, GMAT/GRE, academics and extracurriculars. If you’d like, we are happy to hop on a call sometime this week to discuss your profile in depth and your chances further. Feel free to book a free session with us as per your convenience.
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post-MBA goal to get into Non-profit Organistion 22 Oct 2024, 01:48
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Hi Everyone,

I am an Indian female with 10 years of work experience in the HR domain. I hold a PGDHRM diploma from Symbiosis Pune University and want to pursue an MBA in the US. I want to understand getting into a non-profit organization is my post-MBA goal. Is the post-MBA goal not realistic? Yesterday, I was talking to an Alumin from LBS. She told me that very few people go to non-profit organizations after their MBA. This gives me a clear message that my post-MBA goal is not so realistic. So, help me to understand that will I get rejections from the B-schools. Is there a disjoint between my post-MBA goals and the B-schools course curriculum?


Thank you,
Pooja
Hi poojaarora1818


Your profile as an Indian female with 10 years of experience in HR and a PGDHRM diploma from Symbiosis Pune, positions you well for an MBA, particularly if you aim to pivot into leadership roles. However, your concern regarding transitioning into the non-profit sector post-MBA is understandable. While it is true that fewer MBA graduates pursue non-profit careers compared to traditional sectors like consulting, finance, or tech, it doesn't make your goal unrealistic. Many top B-schools, particularly in the US, emphasize social impact and have dedicated resources for students interested in non-profit careers. Schools like Yale SOM, Stanford GSB, and Berkeley Haas, for instance, are known for their strong focus on social enterprise and public service.

To improve your chances, it's important to frame your post-MBA goal in a way that aligns with the school's curriculum and resources. Your overall story should be impactful. Your major focus shall be on, how your HR expertise and leadership experience can drive meaningful change in non-profit organizations, and research schools with strong social impact programs. Additionally, focus on strengthening your narrative around why an MBA is the right step to achieve this goal and how you will use the degree to make a significant impact in the non-profit space.You can read an article on how to effectively frame your Post-mba goals, you will get some insights.

In short, while fewer MBAs may choose non-profits, the path is still viable, and aligning your application by connecting the dots and presenting a compelling narrative with schools that value social impact, may boost your chances.

Let’s discuss more about your work experience, leadership skills, impact creation, GMAT/GRE, academics and extracurriculars. If you’d like, we are happy to hop on a call sometime this week to discuss your profile in depth and your chances further. Feel free to book a free session with us as per your convenience.
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Thank you so much for the feedback. I would follow every piece of information that you have given me. Very Helpful!


Thank you,
Pooja