Chances? Am I Even in the Right Place?

Question

Hey everyone,

To keep it brief, I am interested in one day running an international non-profit, and am new to the MBA search. From looking through the various business school forums I dont seem to be the traditional MBA applicant-- no interest in ibanking, business consulting ect. Instead I would like to combine the practical management and leadership experience of an MBA program with my academic and nonprofit/govt sector interest of IR and public policy. Plus, after experiencing the struggles of getting a good job with a liberal arts degree, it would be good to have some appeal to private sector work if I decided to go down that road in the future.

So, that has left me looking into duel degree programs in public policy or IR with business. Ideally, I could do Georgetown SFS and McDonough MBA. So here is my profile-- let me know if you think McDonough is within my range, or what other schools might be.

Schoolwork:
Undergrad: good private liberal arts college. GPA 3.78, Magna Cum Laude, and Honors in political science
Double major in political science and philosophy

Some graduate work in a non-degree public policy school. two courses in statistics and macro econ with A's.

Work Experience:
currently 1.5 years for major international non-profit working in democracy promotion for the US govt. Have moved up some from first being hired as an intern, but hitting a ceiling in my current capacity.

Additional internship experience on the Hill. Volunteer experience working in South Africa for six months for an education non-profit.

85th percentile for GRE (about 660 GMAT equivalent i believe?) when I took them two years ago. Plan on retaking, but can use this as a reference.

I know nobody can give a definitive yes or no, but it would be good to know if McDonough would be in my range without years more of work experience. Let me know what ya'll think. Thanks!

thugly921 · Answer

Georgetown should be in your range and is a good fit for you geographically to build a public sector network. I am not sure if they accept GRE, however.

OasisGC · Answer

Hi,

Do not worry, Business schools do not admit designations and profiles but admit people.

Georgetown require two years of work experience (full time), and i have not heard anyone with less than 2 yrs experience getting into full time MBA, am not sure the rest of your experience was full time or not ?

You have solid goals, and you must not stay away from expressing your right story, your individual story to make changes in non profit sector must come out very clear in your essays, and believe me you will be a great pick, do not think that those dreaming about consulting and business backgrounds only make it to MBA. You are gonna improve a lot as an individual from your MBA.

Best approach is - talk to the admissions director about your profile at length, if you are at the same location, take prior appointment and meet the concerned.

In general, you must express your goals in structured manner with time frames, you said SOME appeal (what does this SOME mean ?), you must have clear road map for your career post MBA.

You would be a part of less than 5% for most of the schools (as far as goals are concerned), but do not worry, you have an opportunity to show that you are unique , and the only way to let adcom know who you are is ESSAY.

Good Luck.

Do let me know if i could be of any help.

Chances? Am I Even in the Right Place?

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