I like evaluating these nontraditional applicant profiles. They really offer me an opportunity to put on my thinking cap. I think the greatest benefit that I can provide is in helping you to define your short and long-term goals, upon graduation from an MBA program.
I believe that your value will be in contributing your policing background in a professional consulting services environment. I will be very specific here. When I was at my former consulting company, there was a group within our company that was working for the city's Police Department. They were designing and implementing a "bad cop" database. This database was supposed to alert police officials to troubled officers before they became a liability. The database made use of every conceivable type of data about an individual officer or unit. In a separate example, but relevant one, the NYPD uses statistics in order to measure the efficacy of their departments. In fact, it is almost become somewhat of a liability, as quite a few rank-and-file officers in the NYPD, now believe that the force is governed by numbers and not by building relationships within the community. In particular, I am referencing the case of officer Adrian Schoolcraft. Google him and pay attention to the NYPD's focus on "getting the numbers."
Before I go too far away from your original questions, I believe that your goals lie within working for a consulting company that has extensive public services experience. In this way you can use your knowledge of policing in order to help build systems that monitor security. Let's face it, private security and consulting companies are big business. As these companies evolve and grow, they will inevitably need business minds to help run them. This is where I believe your longer-term goals may find a home. After your short-term goals -- which are in working for a consulting firm -- I believe that you may be able to open your own firm that focuses on building in risk management and information technology infrastructure systems. Basically, your consulting firm will help other security firms "professionalize."
Based on the above, I would to schools that will value your nontraditional experience and will offer strong access to consulting firms and entrepreneurial development. Your first clue and finding these MBA programs is to look and see what percentage of military officers are in their incoming class. This is the first clue as to what schools may be police friendly.
I hope the above helps. if you would like to speak on the phone for an hour, I would be more than happy to do so -- please e-mail me at
MBA@amerasiaconsulting.com.
Respectfully,
Paul Lanzillotti
celticsx34 wrote:
It may be time for a career change...any input on where I stand would be greatly appreciated.
Age:28
GMAT
-710
Work
- 3 years at one of the largest local pd's in the country (southwest us)
- solid career progression with assignments that includes investigations of homicides, gang activities and narcotics
-enlisted military reservist for 3 years
Education
- 3.5 @ Rutgers (BA)
- 3.5 @ John Jay Collge (MPA)
Did not complete the MPA at John Jay because I moved out of state
Extras
- avid runner
- volunteer at a couple local organizations
- involved in alumni association
Career
Short term: transition to a consulting career
Long term: entrepreneurial ventures
Target Schools
- Wharton, Yale SOM, Darden, Duke, Columbia.
Any thoughts or advice are welcome. It is kind of tough to find information on people trying to make the jump like I am.
Thanks,
Sean M.