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wsc
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Joined: 10 Jan 2012
Last visit: 12 Jan 2012
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Need advise for MBA -stayed home mom with lower gmat score. 10 Jan 2012, 12:36
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Hi everyone!

I graduated from state university of NY 5 years ago, with a BS in Management, marketing concentration.

I had a baby right after graduation, and stayed home taking care of her for about 3 years.

i got a job in a small local retail store two years ago, as a office manager. it is really small business and there is not much to learn from or not much room to grow. i live in a small town because of the family, there is not many places have opening that i qualify and able to utilize what i learn from school (business management, marketing).

I've been thinking about MBA, hopefully for a career change. about 3 months ago, i start studying the gmat. i don't have enough time to study the test, so my scores are really low. i only got 540 in my second attempt.

i really don't know where to go from here.

questions:
1. is MBA the right path for me at this time? if so, with the 540 score and those minimum experiences that i have, what kind of school should i look for?

2. if i could retake and get a core like 580 to 600, would that make a big difference?

3. in order to build my career, should i get out of my current job and look for something that is able to utilize what i learn from school and have room to grow?

4. all i can find around this town is sales jobs. but they are big companies like walmart, target, etc. i should get one of those, and work my way up?

4. any general suggestions?

thank you!
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Cr3at1v3
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Joined: 09 Jan 2012
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Location: United Kingdom
Concentration: Strategy, Marketing
Schools: Kellogg 1YR '15 Goizueta '16 Booth '16 Haas '15
GMAT 1: 660 Q47 V33
GPA: 2.93
WE:Analyst (Energy)
Schools: Kellogg 1YR '15 Goizueta '16 Booth '16 Haas '15
GMAT 1: 660 Q47 V33
Posts: 35
Kudos: 24
Need advise for MBA -stayed home mom with lower gmat score. 12 Jan 2012, 02:51
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wsc
i got a job in a small local retail store two years ago, as a office manager.

is MBA the right path for me at this time? if so, with the 540 score and those minimum experiences that i have, what kind of school should i look for?

all i can find around this town is sales jobs. but they are big companies like walmart, target, etc. i should get one of those, and work my way up?

any general suggestions?
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Let me try to comment as I see it.

First, it would be helpful to know where you want to go. As it appears I do not see you in a big company working 60+ hours a week to achieve a postion on the board.

The question you should ask yourself is, where do I want to be after the MBA.

The MBA makes sense, if you answer this question in a way, where this educational push can get you.

Qualification I believe is always a matter of how you talk about it. Be more optimistic. The office manager position is certainly better, because it involves people management, organisation and maybe creative solutions. Did the sales increase? Did you struggle with something? What were challenges, what did you learn...

Not going for the MBA might be a decision you want to think about. Then working your way up sounds like a plan.

Concerning the score: When you think you can do better. Do it! An increase always puts you in a better position.

Before taking the GMAT again, I would ask first: Do I want the MBA? And why? Where do I want to go with this?

All the best!