tastyfreeze wrote:
Hi:
Work Experience: 5 years of research and technical experience as research platforms officer at a University
Education: Bachelor of Science (Molecular Biology) ,Top 3 University in Australia (with some study experience at an Ivy League University)
Nationality: Australian
Motivation for MBA: Interested into delving in the business/financial side of life sciences via a consulting role post-MBA.
I am a Life Sciences professional who has been working in a scientific support role at a university for the past 5 years, so I guess I would be considered a non-traditional applicant in this case.
I have been contemplating applying for admission into an MBA program for the last year and am probably looking to apply in two years, and will probably sit the GMAT in the next 12 months. Despite my STEM background, my field would not be considered particular quantitatively rigorous and I have only taken 4 quantitative courses in my undergraduate degree. In the intervening period should I enroll in some quantitative business and finance courses to highlight my seriousness in applying for B-school in addition to (hopefully) doing well on the GMAT? My extracurricular activities are rather light at the moment as I have been recovering from some major surgery for the past 1.5 years, however, am looking to get into some volunteering as well as getting back into club sports. Furthermore, I am looking to gain some international work experience at the moment and actively applying for work outside my home country. In a nutshell, how can I position myself to be as competitive as possible given my profile and the time I am allowing myself?
Thanks for your input
Hi tastyfreeze,
At the moment, you are doing all of the right things to prepare yourself for the MBA application process. Your first priority should be the GMAT and establishing a plan of attack. Give yourself enough time to really get into the material and do not take your first actual GMAT until you are achieving the score you want on your practice exams.
Taking quantitative and/or business related courses and doing well will show admissions you are serious about getting your MBA, so if you've got the time to do this I recommend it as well.
In terms of finding a new job, you can do so if you feel the position is an upgrade over your current role or supports your post-MBA goals. Don't switch jobs just to switch jobs, and remember, you're going to need recommendations from either your fomer or current employer, so make sure not to burn any bridges if you leave and keep in mind what any new manager might think when you tell them you are leaving to pursue an MBA.
Finally, begin researching and networking with schools and determine which would be a good fit from both a learning and culture standpoint. Look for programs that send a good number of graduates into life sciences and consulting and try and speak with current students through school visits or e-mail. Are you looking to apply in the US or leaning towards more international programs?
Feel free to reach out at
scott@personalmbacoach.com for help with the GMAT and/or planning your MBA application process!
Regards,