Pre-MBA Job: IT Consulting vs. Business Analyst

Question

Hello all,

I am in quite a conundrum and am hoping to get some feedback.

I graduated college in 2012 with a degree in Chemistry. My main focus during college was on medicine/healthcare. After college I "changed" fields and was able to get a position with a F100 technology company. I have been with this company for ~1.5 years. I am looking for a change, but am not too sure exactly what field to get into.

These are my main options:

1. Continue IT consulting with a global/large company. (ie Booz Allen Hamilton, General Dynamics, Accenture, Deloitte, etc.)

If I were to continue with IT consulting it would only be with a major company that could help me get into Business school. Although I was not much into IT/tech in college I like my current position due to the fact that it is a "more competitive" environment than other positions. In addition, I have been afforded many opportunities to interact with various clients/technologies that I would not have gotten in other positions.

*Another drawback to sticking with this field is that I would be grouped with the Indian, IT, male crowd even though I am an Indian-American.

2. Get a positions as a Business Analyst in a generic business company

This position would allow me more direct business experience. However, I am not sure of the prestige of the company I could get into. I would also try to get into one of the Big Consulting companies although I am not sure how successful I would be.

My main concern is how my experience would look to Business schools esp Top 25. Would I just be another IT guy if I stayed in the field? How "important" is making their class "career-diverse"? I'm looking to get into MC/General Management in Consumer Goods/Supply Chain&Operations after my MBA.

I am applying for a variety of positions currently, but am wondering if I had to choose between the two (which will likely happen) which would be better to go for?

Thanks for your help!

cavalier2012 · Answer

Bumping up my post.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

Or did anyone with an IT background feel less prepared for B school than others?

bagdbmba · Answer

Hi cavalier2012 - which demography do you belong to ? Honestly - if you happen to be from India/China,the two most competitive (and I'd say difficult as well) applicant pools, then you've to pack your story very cautiously and moreover if that comes with an IT experience then you're bound to feel the heat. Believe me

But, I think IT business analyst job is less common than an IT pure tech guy! So, you might have some advantage with the same... A 3-4 year of FT WE with strong leadership exposure is always good undoubtedly for US top 20/25. Why don't you get your profile evaluated and queries clarified directly from GMAT Club's partner admission experts here ? Hope it helps somewhat!

InterviewBay2 · Answer

There are advantages and disadvantages to both your choices. If you get into IT consulting and work in a large company, the brand of the company will make your resume attractive. The disadvantage, as you said, will be being a part of a very competetive group. Business analysts are less common at business school and that will be advantageous. But overall, i think how you do your job matters more than what job you do. Being in leadership positions in an IT Consultant job is more valuable than having no leadership experience as a business analyst and vice versa. In my opinon, both your job options are no way related to your post-mba goals. So, take up a job which you like. Honestly, do not make a career decision based on how it looks on your business school application.

Good Luck!
www.interviewbay.com

Pre-MBA Job: IT Consulting vs. Business Analyst

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