how early do u start preparation for an MBA from scratch???

Question

I jus got my first job in a one of the big aerospace companies out here in america :band

....I completed my masters in engineering!!!! I wanna pursue my MBA some years down the line, isit a good idea that I concentrate on my Gmat now and get it out of the way cuz the validity if like 5 years or concentrate on my work at work place and gather some extra curricular activitiy certificates??? Also want to know if I want to apply to an ultra elite school, how early do i start my prep for gmat so that I have enough time to complete the applications process too???/ :madd

Please advice???? :beat

sangoman · Answer

start preparing 3 years ago

no in all seriousness......work for at least 2-3 years. No need to "prepare" for anything. Just keep a close tab on the things you do an why you do them. As far as the gmat is concerned ........take it now/ take it later.........no biggie either which way

seanpatin · Answer

well, I would just find out when you think you will have the most time to prep for the GMAT. For instance, I will occasionally look over prep materials, take a practice test, and look over questions on this site just to kinda keep things fresh and continually improve on different parts, but I am at least 3-4 years from taking the test and won't get into serious preparation until I am readying to take it.

Abhishek.pitti · Answer

Thank you people!!! :pray

You know I am was jus thinking that right now I am in my training period and things are lil free relative to what it will be 2 to 3 years later:wall ...you know, all that projects I see coming..but I was also am worried that if I work these 4 months and write my Gmat and when I am ready to go for my mba in 2 or 3 years and if there would be any changes in the standards of Gmat where they might not accept scores obtained 2 to 3 yrs b4 the time I started applying???? :drunk

shmegs · Answer

The one thing that you can focus on is extras...work with a NGO or outreach organization that has the same goals and those you want to express in your essays. This way you can write some good essays on leadership/outside interests/what makes you unique and make your app stand out. In all honesty I didn't start prepping until 4 months ago...

Abhishek.pitti · Answer

Thank you so much !!!!

riverripper · Answer

Schools would accept your scores, they are good for 5 years. However, schools like to see them closer to your application because thats a reflection of where you are at that point. 

Work for 3 years then apply so you will matriculate with 4 years. Get heavily involved in one or two activities and attempt to get into a leadership position in these. At work obviously try to do the best you can, volunteer for anything pretty much and make yourself as valuable as possible.

loom · Answer

I am curious as to why you, fresh out of Engineering school, are already looking to obtain a MBA. Why do you want one? Is it a requirement in your industry/company to advance into middle or senior management? Are you looking to eventually transition into a less technical role? Or is it because everyone else just seems to be getting one? 

I think if you can answer the question of why, (and be honest with yourself) you are well on your way to a successful application. 

As for the GMAT, get it out of the way as early as possible. You've just finished your degree so everything is still very fresh, so go ahead and ace that quant portion! You'll need it especially since almost every other Engineer applying to B-school is probably going to have an insanely high score on their quant & overall. 

(Correct me if I'm wrong), application process usually starts 1 - 1.5 years out. Right now you could start keeping a journal of your interesting work experiences, potential recommenders, projects, leadership experience, likes/dislikes etc. In my opinion self-reflection is very important. When the time comes for you to flesh out your application essays, you'll have plenty of ammunition. 

In the mean time, volunteer at non-profits where you will have the chance to build leadership experience. I'm sure the ultra elite b-schools are looking for socially responsible, well-rounded individuals with high leadership experience/potential, who can demonstrate a fair amount of maturity. 

I'm not an admissions consultant nor have I applied to B-school (currently prepping for GMAT), but I think those points are useful. Hope it helps.

Abhishek.pitti · Answer

Thanks, riverripper and loom Guys!!!I am sure fresh out of school and I wanna go get an MBA cuz I was trying to figure out :???:

: what I wanna do 10 yrs down the line and though I just finished my masters in engineering, my interest is not in research:writer nor do I wanna be a prof. in some university. I finally concluded that I want to get in investment banking and hoping to get into Private equity and then open my own firm. :yell

:

: Airplanes is my passion agreed but now I wanna do something different and I figured company acquisitions and finance both interested me and gains :cool:

seemed that it would make it worth the trouble of taking the challenge :boxer2

: to have a change in career. Biggest question :wall

: I have right now is what kind of social organization do I get in???any examples would help???? I am sure brushing my quant once in a while and I think your right....i need to get this out of the way soon b4 it fades... Riverripper and Loom, I appreciate your advice.... :pray

:

loom · Answer

Going from Aerospace Engineering -> Investment Banking / PE is quite a jump in my opinion, have you considered working your way into a finance position in your company? 

Aerospace Engineering -> Aerospace Finance -> MBA Finance -> IB/PE in Transportation sector looks like a more natural career progression...but that's my two cents.... With your industry/technical specialization and a top-notch MBA, the sky would be the limit...

Social organization? Whatever your interested in... I would try to find something I actually enjoy, so it doesn't just feel like I'm "putting in the hours" to pad that B-school application. I've always enjoyed volunteer opportunities where I get to teach...I need to talk... so, whatever catches your fancy, go for it.

Abhishek.pitti · Answer

Thanks loom, there is a management group formed by some employees in my company.....you think that would help????or you think a social and non profit organization would be a better choice????

loom · Answer

What does this management group do?

Abhishek.pitti · Answer

The Gulfstream Management Association (GMA) is a chapter of the National Management Association. GMA is dedicated to providing mangement and leadership development opportunities for Gulfstream employees through education, experience, and example.

Sorry had to copy paste what they do....

loom · Answer

Looks like it could help with professional development, leadership training and networking, but I'm not sure how many opportunities you would get to actually contribute or volunteer for a cause / social group. If you can do both (Association + outside volunteering/leadership) that would be even better.

Abhishek.pitti · Answer

Hey loom, 
I spoke to the president of the GMA association, I was told that they do alot of community service and they often need volunteer. I believe they give training for leadership and stufff....I really want to start and get this gmat out of the way b4 this december but its getting difficult to decide where to start from. 

I would make sure I start, all suggestion are welcomed.

Thanks man!!!

Keep in touch....

loom · Answer

Sounds like a plan! All the best, seeya around the forums.

MBAbot · Answer

Hello from the GMAT Club MBAbot!

Thanks to another GMAT Club member, I have just discovered this valuable topic, yet it had no discussion for over a year. I am now bumping it up - doing my job. I think you may find it valuable (esp those replies with Kudos).

Want to see all other topics I dig out? Follow me (click follow button on profile). You will receive a summary of all topics I bump in your profile area as well as via email.

how early do u start preparation for an MBA from scratch???

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