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11 Oct 2016, 07:02
Kudos
Bookmarks
Hello!
Some quick background--I'm hoping to get into a part time program, I'm considering holding off a few years and looking into executive programs, and I'm not looking for a major career/industry change; right now I'm in the non-profit, healthcare industry and I hope to stay here. The path my career is currently on is exactly as I hoped (mid-management in the next ~1-2 years, $110k salary, etc.).
1) Basic demographic info: 26, Male, United States
2) Educational Background: Biomedical engineering BSE (GPA 3.95), Biomedical engineering MSE (GPA 3.98)- both from University of Michigan; GMAT score 640 (I'm not really planning on taking it again but I know I can get ~670-90 with some additional studying).
3) Work experience: Currently, an internal consultant at a midwest, non-profit (1 promotions, 1 year). Before that , leadership program associate at public Fortune 10 company (rotations, 3 years).
4) Extracurriculars: On a healthcare society's donor/sponsorship committee as an active member (1 year); on a professional board of directors at a non-profit (1.5 years). Both positions are focused around fundraising to continue funding operations or community support/development.
5) Short/Long term goals: I hope to use my MBA to gain a wider professional network, allow me to transition to higher visibility/exposure work sooner in my career, and give me a level of business credibility in my management/executive recommendations/interactions.
6) Schools: Initially, my target schools are Northwestern (PT), Duke (Executive), John Hopkins (PT), and Booth (PT) (not in that order).
Any and all thoughts are appreciated!
Some quick background--I'm hoping to get into a part time program, I'm considering holding off a few years and looking into executive programs, and I'm not looking for a major career/industry change; right now I'm in the non-profit, healthcare industry and I hope to stay here. The path my career is currently on is exactly as I hoped (mid-management in the next ~1-2 years, $110k salary, etc.).
1) Basic demographic info: 26, Male, United States
2) Educational Background: Biomedical engineering BSE (GPA 3.95), Biomedical engineering MSE (GPA 3.98)- both from University of Michigan; GMAT score 640 (I'm not really planning on taking it again but I know I can get ~670-90 with some additional studying).
3) Work experience: Currently, an internal consultant at a midwest, non-profit (1 promotions, 1 year). Before that , leadership program associate at public Fortune 10 company (rotations, 3 years).
4) Extracurriculars: On a healthcare society's donor/sponsorship committee as an active member (1 year); on a professional board of directors at a non-profit (1.5 years). Both positions are focused around fundraising to continue funding operations or community support/development.
5) Short/Long term goals: I hope to use my MBA to gain a wider professional network, allow me to transition to higher visibility/exposure work sooner in my career, and give me a level of business credibility in my management/executive recommendations/interactions.
6) Schools: Initially, my target schools are Northwestern (PT), Duke (Executive), John Hopkins (PT), and Booth (PT) (not in that order).
Any and all thoughts are appreciated!
Kudos:
0
13 Oct 2016, 21:18
Kudos
Bookmarks
Hi there,
It's so refreshing to hear from someone who really likes the career path they are on! It's great that your career is going in the right direction and is in-line with your long term goals. That said, it sounds like a PT or Exec program is the right path for you. Typically people looking at PT or Exec programs are focused on developing higher level strategy and management skills so they can make the leap from management to executive at some point. I have to be honest, there is some element of "check the box" (as much as everyone hates to admit it), but as you pointed out, the network is for sure a huge part of those programs. Especially for someone who has always worked in the same industry, it's extremely helpful to learn from others who have worked in other industries and round-out your perspective. Notice that you'll hear often about CEOs being brought in from other industries to turn-around a big company etc. That's because sometimes you need the benefit of someone who can problem solve in a way that hasn't been done before (because clearly the normal solutions didn't work). Anyway, all that said, given that you only have ~4 years of work experience right now, you could certainly look at PT programs, but most Exec programs will be a stretch. The younger candidates in Exec programs tend to come from more boutique firms or their own firms where it's clear that they will be running things very soon. For example, last year I worked with a guy who's now at Booth's exec program. He only had a few years of work experience but he was climbing the ranks in his family firm and he was clearly going to be taking over when his father stepped down, so it wasn't a hard sell that it was the right time for him. I can't tell from your description what your situation is, but if you want to go Exec I recommend that you call and speak with them first. The PT and Exec teams are much more open to having "case by case" discussions than the FT programs in my experience.
I would also recommend retaking the GMAT to be conservative if you go the PT route. Check out the 80 percent range and assume that you will not be the exception - try to be over the average if possible.
I know it's a big decision and for the PT and Exec programs you have time - don't feel pressured. Go at the right time for you.
I'm always happy to chat more if you have any additional questions. Best of luck!
Kindly,
Meredith
It's so refreshing to hear from someone who really likes the career path they are on! It's great that your career is going in the right direction and is in-line with your long term goals. That said, it sounds like a PT or Exec program is the right path for you. Typically people looking at PT or Exec programs are focused on developing higher level strategy and management skills so they can make the leap from management to executive at some point. I have to be honest, there is some element of "check the box" (as much as everyone hates to admit it), but as you pointed out, the network is for sure a huge part of those programs. Especially for someone who has always worked in the same industry, it's extremely helpful to learn from others who have worked in other industries and round-out your perspective. Notice that you'll hear often about CEOs being brought in from other industries to turn-around a big company etc. That's because sometimes you need the benefit of someone who can problem solve in a way that hasn't been done before (because clearly the normal solutions didn't work). Anyway, all that said, given that you only have ~4 years of work experience right now, you could certainly look at PT programs, but most Exec programs will be a stretch. The younger candidates in Exec programs tend to come from more boutique firms or their own firms where it's clear that they will be running things very soon. For example, last year I worked with a guy who's now at Booth's exec program. He only had a few years of work experience but he was climbing the ranks in his family firm and he was clearly going to be taking over when his father stepped down, so it wasn't a hard sell that it was the right time for him. I can't tell from your description what your situation is, but if you want to go Exec I recommend that you call and speak with them first. The PT and Exec teams are much more open to having "case by case" discussions than the FT programs in my experience.
I would also recommend retaking the GMAT to be conservative if you go the PT route. Check out the 80 percent range and assume that you will not be the exception - try to be over the average if possible.
I know it's a big decision and for the PT and Exec programs you have time - don't feel pressured. Go at the right time for you.
I'm always happy to chat more if you have any additional questions. Best of luck!
Kindly,
Meredith
