Applying as a college senior

Question

I'm planning on applying as a college senior in round 2. I'm a female, and I'm getting my degree in STEM from a very well recognized state school in the US. I also happen to be an international student from Europe. I'm hoping to go into healthcare consulting. What schools tend to be more receptive to accepting college seniors like me? I know Harvard and Stanford have the deferred admission option, and Yale has the Silver Scholars program. I absolutely love Northwestern, but the students there basically flat out told me I have a zero chance without full time work experience. Do you have any info about Berkeley? UCLA? Duke? Any other schools? I'd love to hear your input on this.

aswer · Answer

What is your reasoning to go straight into MBA as opposed to gaining real world working experience first?

There is a plethora of hard and soft skills that can only be learned "in the field. These skills are necessary for not only getting the most out of your MBA but also contributing to the classroom and learning experience of your peers.

cztouw · Answer

Personally, I need the theory and networking. I have been running a nonprofit, and I can clearly see I have the potential, but I need the techniques. Also since I'm from far away, I need to expand my networking circles. I understand that with a stem major (and the necessity for a visa), it would be almost impossible to find a job that fits my interest, and an MBA nicely gaps the bridge in between

Fielding · Answer

Every application has an employment section. What are you planning to put there?

For many of us, it was impossible to find the job we wanted right out of undergrad for many reasons. You're not alone. Still, business schools rely on that previous work experience to enhance classroom dynamics. That's how it is.

I used to be one of those people who did not believe that work experience mattered. Now, after four years out of school, I realise how important it is. You need to have experience to contribute to the classroom and tie the theory you will be taught to your own experiences. How will you do that?

Take a chance, if you want. Just know what you're getting into and be realistic about the outcome.

cztouw · Answer

I can completely see your point; however, my circumstances aren't allowing me to even get a job in business. I could probably get a job in a lab (as I said, I'm a stem major) because OPT only allows me to get a job in the area of my major, which is diametrically opposed to any business opportunity. I am under the impression that I can't put my part time jobs in that field, but it has provided me with a pretty good grasp of a professional setting. I've also had an internship for the past few years for an overseas company, so hopefully that could help. However, I'm in no way dismissing full time work experience (in fact, I understand it's essential), but there are not feasible circumstances letting me pursue it. Thoughts on that?

Fielding · Answer

There is usually no room for part-time jobs or internships on MBA application forms. I had to leave out a part-time job because of that reason (and it  was  in business).

What you could do is open an application form at one of your target schools and see if you're now in the position to complete all the pages. That will determine the strength of your candicacy at this moment. You will notice that they want a very detailed account of your employment situation.

aswer · Answer

What is your major?

cztouw · Answer

Neurobiology. I know, it's pretty random, but my parents didn't go to high school, and they always told me education isn't important. When I made it to college, I picked an area I knew nothing about on purpose just so I can expand my thinking capabilities. Weird logic, I know. I can't say I didn't find it fascinating (and now I guess it's the main reason why I'm drawn to healthcare), but I wouldn't wanna pursue a lab job.

jwang27 · Answer

Realistically, every top school (with the exception of specialized deferred programs) will require you to have full time work experience, ideally around 4-5 years or more.

Why do you say you have no interest in your field? You don't have to work in lab, what about medical devices? Pretty sure you can get into a company such as Merck, Stryker, etc, and potentially transition internally into their customer engineering and/or technical sales disciplines.

cztouw · Answer

I never said I have no interest in my field (in fact, I wouldn't spend four years studying it).

While that sounds as a valid option, it's not really an option of you need a visa. I went to a career fair - hit it off really well with a few recruiters at big companies (some didn't even notice my accent), and when we got to the point of scheduling an interview I mentioned the need for work authorization. All of them backed away. One of my friends happens to be a recruiter at an engineering company, and he mentioned it's always very unfortunate when he meets great foreign applicants because he politely has them submit their resumes at this website that in fact is a giant black hole. And yes, while there is an option to go back home and work there for a couple of years, the healthcare system is terrible there, and hence there aren't the greatest healthcare consulting job opportunities. If you tell me to use the opportunity and change my country's entire healthcare system... I mean, let's be realistic.

I want to add that visa definitely isn't my main reason to get an MBA (I'd definitely seek cheaper ways to do that). I know what I want to do in the future, and I know that an MBA can get me there.

PersonalMBACoach · Answer

I certainly understand your issues with getting a job given the visa requirements, as has been posted above, most of the top programs will require some work experience. There are applicants who go with very little experience, even one or two years, but having no experience won't get you into an MBA program right away without any deferral.

Have you looked into other graduate programs? MSc in finance is often popular for younger applicants looking to get a degree. The jobs you will get out of a masters program are closer to entry level, but you will have a much easier time of getting them so it is often worth a year for someone in your position who can't secure one of the visa sponsoring professional services jobs.

Contact me if you want to discuss how I can help you identify and apply to those programs if they interest you. https://www.personalmbacoach.com/#!contact/c17jp

Good luck!

Best,
Scott

VeritasPrepMike · Answer

Why the rush? Most MBA applicants have at least two years of experience and many have four to six years of experience. This makes them more competitive for jobs after school and helps them contribute more and learn more during their program. Without any experience you probably won't have anything to base your learnings on. Take a few years and find a job you like and use that time to put together a strong application package.

Applying as a college senior

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards