Emilio95 wrote:
Hello, I have applied to 7 MBA programs that start next Fall:
-2 that I should get into (both Co-op/internship based programs)
-2 slight reach
-2 reach
-1 Huge reach
As I am 22 years old with extensive WE during undergrad with measurable accomplishments, but only a few months post-grad I had a very small selection of schools as to which I could apply to. My Bachelor's is in History at a second tier Canadian school and I was accepted to a thesis based MA in History at the same school. My most clearly defined career goal is to go into the food industry/consumer goods post MBA and then go into food industry entrepreneurship after 4-5 years of work exp. Somewhat surprisingly I was accepted to the MA (18-24 months to complete/tuition not an issue), for reference it is very hard to get into History masters programs nowadays, harder than some of the MBA programs I applied to. I am not the most "academic person" and despite graduating in the top 10% of my program I don't often fit in with the academic crowd. I am more drawn towards practical work hence my rationale for doing an MBA, the BA in History helped me build up various other skills. However, interestingly enough my MA thesis intersects with my professional goals. My MA thesis will focus on the food industry but more particularly economic history/food production history, this is one of the few topics in History that really excites me. In light of this and thinking maybe that I shouldn't start my MBA during the fall, I am thinking of a ~5 year plan to "boost" my MBA candidacy and I would like some constructive criticism and opinions.
-As of May 2018 I will start working at the Canadian division of a very large American retail distributor. At first I will likely be in a rotating role, working in distribution/supply chain, sales and all the way to customer services. I would like to and probably will eventually focus more on sales or distribution.
-Start MA program in September 2018.
-Keep job during MA.
-Study for GMAT re-takes during MA. Aiming for 730-740 which I believe is doable; I didn't study verbal for my 650 score, I should get a 40+ verbal score and a 49 Quant with more studying.
-I already have a plan for the extra-curriculars, should not be an issue.
-Graduate MA and publish thesis by Spring/Summer 2020. Hopefully I will be through with the GMAT my this point.
-Take Sales and Distribution experience along with my unique perspective/expertise of food industry, and work for a multi billion dollar food company. (There are at least 6-7 noteworthy companies with either their Canadian or Global HQs near me) Names include: General Mills and Kraft, I would also be open to relocating internationally at that point.
-Work in Food Industry starting Fall 2020
-Start preparing for applications in Summer 2022
-Apply for programs that start Fall 2023, I will be matriculating a week after my 28th birthday.
Ideally I will be applying to top-20 American programs and top Canadian programs (Rotman, Ivey and McGill), maybe even consider top European MBAs if I am working in the European food industry. I do not want to sound naive and think that this plan will help me get into Harvard and Stanford. Obviously I would have to paint a picture in my essays that I need the MBA to move up to more management oriented positions in the food industry and for future entrepreneurial aspirations. Also, I think that by that point my application and background will be that diverse/unique that it may raise a few eyebrows. What I should mention is that I would like to work post-MBA in Canada, preferably Montreal or Toronto. Many have argued with me saying that if I want to stay in Montreal, than McGill is good enough however, I would really enjoy the experience and flexibility that doing a top American MBA can give me.
I think this whole plan is doable however by the application period it will also come down to how I shape my story. Obviously everything can change and I may find myself not "needing" or no longer wanting an MBA at some point during this timeline.
Any constructive criticism and opinions are greatly appreciated. If I choose to follow through with this plan (really depends on my admits/rejections come late May) I would also be interested in learning about any 5 year MBA consulting packages that are offered by any of you.
Thank you for reading,
Emilio
Hi Emilio,
Wow, what detailed planning! I am, however, not a great planner and hence find a 5 year plan as somewhat long. So rather than discussing the plan, I will offer advice where I can.
1. If the MBA programs where you have applied excite you enough (and will make you feel proud even 5 years later), then go ahead and join.
2. To prepare yourself for an MBA, you do not need to do anything extra ordinary. Your impact and leadership at work and within the community will be most valued by b-schools. So work hard towards achieving these, and make yourself a valued worker.
3. I'd leave the decision of where I do the MBA, when I do the MBA to a later time when you are closer to applying. As you rightly mentioned, you may not need one at all at that stage. Moreover, there are a lot of factors out of your control that will come into play when you are starting to apply- visa issues, the economic situation of the target MBA country, job opportunities, your personal situation etc.