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

Thank you people!!!

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????

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...

Thank you so much !!!!

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.

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.

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. :

: Airplanes is my passion agreed but now I wanna do something different and I figured company acquisitions and finance both interested me and gains seemed that it would make it worth the trouble of taking the challenge : to have a change in career.

Biggest question : 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....:

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.

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????

What does this management group do?

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....

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.

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....

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

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