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31 Mar 2020, 22:22
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Hi:
Could someone give some feedback on my chance with some of top EMBA programs (Wharton/Kellogg/Booth/Haas/Stern/Columbia/Anderson/INSEAD/IMD)? And, any suggestion on what I can do to improve it?
Motivation: I like to move up to executive role
Age: 50
Experience: 22 years in IT
I had been L1/L2 manager for about 10 years--at one time with over 50 engineers in my team. I worked at top IT companies (Microsoft/Amazon/Google), but now works as IC for a Start Up (but, pays more than before).
GMAT: 640
Executive Assessment: 156
Undergraduate: Engineering at University of California GPA 3.2
There is still a possibility for me to start a new position with better sounding title (I primarily took offers based on pays thus far). My age probably is not impressive either
Could someone give some feedback on my chance with some of top EMBA programs (Wharton/Kellogg/Booth/Haas/Stern/Columbia/Anderson/INSEAD/IMD)? And, any suggestion on what I can do to improve it?
Motivation: I like to move up to executive role
Age: 50
Experience: 22 years in IT
I had been L1/L2 manager for about 10 years--at one time with over 50 engineers in my team. I worked at top IT companies (Microsoft/Amazon/Google), but now works as IC for a Start Up (but, pays more than before).
GMAT: 640
Executive Assessment: 156
Undergraduate: Engineering at University of California GPA 3.2
There is still a possibility for me to start a new position with better sounding title (I primarily took offers based on pays thus far). My age probably is not impressive either
01 Apr 2020, 16:57
Kudos
Bookmarks
Hey Brian:
To be perfectly honest with you, executive MBA programs are not particularly hard to get into. The bottom line is because they are major moneymakers for MBA programs. For you, it's a great way to earn a brand-name MBA, without having to jump through all the hoops the full-time applicants have to. Also, being 50 isn't that much of a disadvantage with respect to EMBA programs. I've had clients (older than 50) get into EMBA programs. It's not unheard of.
I think the big question the admissions committee will want to know is - why now at age 50 and what will Brian bring to the class? Remember, you're going to be in there with a lot of guys and gals who have executive titles and have started their own businesses. So if you want to run with the big dogs, but you're going to have to start thinking about all the experiences you have in the past 25+ years. I know you are an "IT manager", but I'm sure that title belies a lot of the Interesting, unconventional and hands-on experiences you had with a multitude of stakeholders across geographies and problem types. When it comes to stories, when it comes to contributing in class during case studies, there is simply no replacement for experience and the color that adds to the classroom discussion. So don't sell yourself short in this regard.
I'm not sure how many times you've taken the GMAT, but with a 640 you're probably okay. I'm not sure how good or bad a 156 on the executive assessment is or is not. Since they will accept the Executive Assessment, which I understand to be an easier test than the GMAT, focus on improving your score there. They really don't care how high your GMAT score is, they just have to know you're no dummy.
The other thing you should know is that the admissions committees for EMBA programs are very pragmatic and forthright. You should call them up and have a conversation with them and see if they encourage you to apply. They don't want to waste your time or money if you don't even have a shot. And they will politely and Respectfully tell you so, in so many words at least. So call them up and have a 15 minute conversation. It will save you a lot of angst and work in the longer run. Of course, I would have an understanding of the program and your goals before you make that phone call. Don't go in there with blinders on.
As a next step, I would have you look at people who graduated from the executive MBA programs in question. Did anyone have a similar background to yours before they matriculated? Try LinkedIn for this type of research. Pay attention to their goals after the EMBA - what did they end up doing? Could you reasonably do that with your background? Even if it's a start up, could you serve in that role? This would form the basis for your goals.
Respectfully,
Paul Lanzillotti
To be perfectly honest with you, executive MBA programs are not particularly hard to get into. The bottom line is because they are major moneymakers for MBA programs. For you, it's a great way to earn a brand-name MBA, without having to jump through all the hoops the full-time applicants have to. Also, being 50 isn't that much of a disadvantage with respect to EMBA programs. I've had clients (older than 50) get into EMBA programs. It's not unheard of.
I think the big question the admissions committee will want to know is - why now at age 50 and what will Brian bring to the class? Remember, you're going to be in there with a lot of guys and gals who have executive titles and have started their own businesses. So if you want to run with the big dogs, but you're going to have to start thinking about all the experiences you have in the past 25+ years. I know you are an "IT manager", but I'm sure that title belies a lot of the Interesting, unconventional and hands-on experiences you had with a multitude of stakeholders across geographies and problem types. When it comes to stories, when it comes to contributing in class during case studies, there is simply no replacement for experience and the color that adds to the classroom discussion. So don't sell yourself short in this regard.
I'm not sure how many times you've taken the GMAT, but with a 640 you're probably okay. I'm not sure how good or bad a 156 on the executive assessment is or is not. Since they will accept the Executive Assessment, which I understand to be an easier test than the GMAT, focus on improving your score there. They really don't care how high your GMAT score is, they just have to know you're no dummy.
The other thing you should know is that the admissions committees for EMBA programs are very pragmatic and forthright. You should call them up and have a conversation with them and see if they encourage you to apply. They don't want to waste your time or money if you don't even have a shot. And they will politely and Respectfully tell you so, in so many words at least. So call them up and have a 15 minute conversation. It will save you a lot of angst and work in the longer run. Of course, I would have an understanding of the program and your goals before you make that phone call. Don't go in there with blinders on.
As a next step, I would have you look at people who graduated from the executive MBA programs in question. Did anyone have a similar background to yours before they matriculated? Try LinkedIn for this type of research. Pay attention to their goals after the EMBA - what did they end up doing? Could you reasonably do that with your background? Even if it's a start up, could you serve in that role? This would form the basis for your goals.
Respectfully,
Paul Lanzillotti
brianw
02 Apr 2020, 10:08
Kudos
Bookmarks
Hey Brian,
I lead the EMBA team here at ARINGO.
(we have worked this year with two over 50s, so sorry, but you won't be a first
)
Firstly, I think you need to consider the various options for you. you could look at full time or part-time programs.
Option a. You could go for the part-time EMBA programs. You mentioned several, but as I don't know where you live, I am not sure what is doable for you and what is worth your while. if you are based in the US and want to continue living and working in the US, I see little point in doing the INSEAD or IMD EMBAs. I would focus my efforts on trying to get into a respectable program that can lead you to some great career advancements (so if you would like to work for a tech startup or big company in California in the future, Berkeley or UCLA's EMBAs make more sense than Stern or Booth...)
Option b. is taking a whole year off to dedicate to your studies. you have some fantastic options such as MIT Sloan Fellows, Foster GEMBA London Business School Sloan program or Stanford MSx.
these programs will have a bigger cost (As you won't be working during the year of studies) but might help you "stop, then restart" your career into a new path. you can read more about this in my blog: https://www.aringo.com/mba-over-30/
In regards to your GMAT and EA. there is absolutely NO NEED to take the exam again. average GMAT scores for EMBAs tend to be 650 and with the EA, you simply need to pass 150. with EMBAs the significance of EAs and GMATs is less significant than in the full-time MBA, 28-year-old cases. programs will look at your career, your EMBA objectives, and your commitment and just make sure your EA has passed a certain threshold.
Happy to talk to you further about this Brian. feel free to send me a note on shimriw@ARINGO.com and we can take this forward
in any case. good luck!
I lead the EMBA team here at ARINGO.
(we have worked this year with two over 50s, so sorry, but you won't be a first
)Firstly, I think you need to consider the various options for you. you could look at full time or part-time programs.
Option a. You could go for the part-time EMBA programs. You mentioned several, but as I don't know where you live, I am not sure what is doable for you and what is worth your while. if you are based in the US and want to continue living and working in the US, I see little point in doing the INSEAD or IMD EMBAs. I would focus my efforts on trying to get into a respectable program that can lead you to some great career advancements (so if you would like to work for a tech startup or big company in California in the future, Berkeley or UCLA's EMBAs make more sense than Stern or Booth...)
Option b. is taking a whole year off to dedicate to your studies. you have some fantastic options such as MIT Sloan Fellows, Foster GEMBA London Business School Sloan program or Stanford MSx.
these programs will have a bigger cost (As you won't be working during the year of studies) but might help you "stop, then restart" your career into a new path. you can read more about this in my blog: https://www.aringo.com/mba-over-30/
In regards to your GMAT and EA. there is absolutely NO NEED to take the exam again. average GMAT scores for EMBAs tend to be 650 and with the EA, you simply need to pass 150. with EMBAs the significance of EAs and GMATs is less significant than in the full-time MBA, 28-year-old cases. programs will look at your career, your EMBA objectives, and your commitment and just make sure your EA has passed a certain threshold.
Happy to talk to you further about this Brian. feel free to send me a note on shimriw@ARINGO.com and we can take this forward
in any case. good luck!
brianw
