Fresh out of College/ Non-Traditional Applicant Need Advic

Thanks for all the advice!

Just a clarification: I originally thought of applying to an MBA as a non-traditional applicant after doing some public policy or NGO work for a few years and after getting my degree maybe entering management consulting.

Of course, I'm still in the midst of realizing that my 4 years of "law school prep" have gone down the drain and failed to develop marketable finance/business skills which is killing me in the job search now.

I'm such a newb at this so any suggestions of alternative plans would be greatly appreciated.

If NGO or public policy is something that genuinely interests you, go for it! Incidentally, having an Ivy + non-traditional background will be an asset for b-school admissions especially when you'll be up against other Ivy alums, many of whom will have come from finance, consulting, etc.

I agree. If you can build a good solid career in NGO, you can be a far more unique candidate than many others. Good luck!

I say take the GMAT if you decide an MBA is the best option. Although all major schools accept the GRE now, only a small fraction of students apply with GRE scores. So a strong GMAT score would help you more since schools have more familiarity with evaluating applicants who have taken this exam.

If you are not sure of what you wish to do you might look at Leadership Rotational Programs in which you gain experience in multiple areas/regions by participating in multiple rotations.
Here is a list of some of these programs: https://www.mbaprepadvantage.com/blog/le ... -programs/.

Best of luck,

There is no need to take the LSAT, and perhaps don't rush to take the GMAT vs GRE yet. You went to a great school, performed solidly, and now it's time to start thinking less about what do I need to do to get an MBA, and more about what do you want to try! And trust your instincts and don't follow the herd.

You are at such a great time in your life to test and try directions that appeal to your instincts and not to your head. Public policy, NGOs, teaching…and other directions can be very rewarding and very managerial by the way. MBA programs are high on public sector candidates and HBS even gives stipends of $50K to graduates to pursue public sector opportunities. But in trying a job, you may realize that what you thought interested you might not. Some folks find they don’t have the patience for the public sector and are then keen to try an industry job. As long as you try to stick it out in your choices and don't jump around from job to job, you can still protect your MBA viability if you so choose to pursue that or another advanced degree. By the way, my pre HBS experience included teaching English in Spain for a year, and it helped me get a position in Johnson & Johnson's International Development Program---which then had me in Madrid for another 2.5 years in brand management.

So get cracking on finding a job that you feel could be a great fit, and don't worry about what others are trying---but learn from what others are trying! Nobody can answer the question for you of what you should be doing---but also don't be afraid to talk to others, even a career counselor, about avenues. There is no shame in self exploration.