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fstep
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How will MBA programs view my work experience? 20 May 2010, 18:50
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I've gotten so many mixed review on this i don't know what to think so figured i'd ask here.

I ran a marketing business for the past 10 years (mainly a home based operation) but i'm ready to move on and work for a big company. My business specializes in advertising (both on and offline), website development, and some small business consulting. I've had from 3-20 employees over the years. I'd like to know how the top MBA programs will view this when it comes to my application. This is the only job i've ever really had (i started it when i was 18 and i'm 28 now).
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dalmba
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How will MBA programs view my work experience? 21 May 2010, 07:09
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From that description it's hard to tell what you really did. If in your application you have a chance to elaborate, I'd do so.

Since it was your only job, you'd do well to focus on your responsibilities and results of actions. Tell them how you managed stuff; how did YOU make hiring decisions, what kind of teams did you like to build? Tell them about times when you made mistakes and how you learned from it and how you improved for next time. You might want to explain how you drove revenue, what sort of clients you handled, and how you dealt with the difficult ones.

If you just state to them what you stated here they're likely to have similar thoughts. It's not enough to know the bare basics of what you've done. You gotta give them examples so they can judge your aptitude as a manager and your personality/style. Highlight mistakes and how you learned from them communicates humility and intelligence, so don't skimp on that department (but don't only serve up examples of failure).

Hope this helps!
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EndDream
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How will MBA programs view my work experience? 21 May 2010, 14:31
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If you can market yourself as an entrepreneur with unique experience you might have a good shot. You will need proof that you managed these employees, had revenue etc.
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ariel
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How will MBA programs view my work experience? 23 May 2010, 08:53
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I agree with the previous posters. To add another wrinkle, in your case adcoms will be particularly interested in why now (you waited 10 years to decide you need an MBA), and why a bigger company (what is it going to give you that you down't have now). Make sure you have a good story and explain how your prior experience will help in your new role at a bigger firm, why you want to be at a bigger firm and have you reached a plateau in your current role (you don't want them to think that). Also, what would you do if you didn't get in. Definitely doable, but make sure you have a good story.
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How will MBA programs view my work experience? 24 Sep 2011, 06:04
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I agree with you. Good story..Beside I would like to add a comment that there is a heavy saturation for MBA and it is going quite difficult to get a job. If you are doing an MBA from a government institute then it has some scope in future.