Applying too soon?

Question

Hi everyone,

A little background on me - I'm 24 years old and have been working for 2 years out of college as a project manager for a healthcare marketing startup. The company is doing pretty well, but I'm looking to take on more of a marketing role within a larger corporate setting. I really think healthcare marketing is a growing industry and I have a great background for it, especially since I graduated with a technical degree in the life sciences and have since been working at a marketing firm. Unfortunately it seems as though having only 2 years experience and working for a non brand-name company puts me at a major disadvantage to other applicants.

My options are:
1. Take my chances and apply, or
2. Look for opportunities at a brand name firm and build up 2-3 years more experience

Any feedback would be much appreciated!

krussell · Answer

You are right that health care marketing is a growing field - it is growing tremendously in MBA studies as well! Rotman at the University of Toronto, for example, has entire programs on marketing health care products.

I say go for it now. Corporations recruit from schools. You'll stand out with your combination of experience and expertise.

I say go for it now. Corporations recruit from schools. You'll stand out with your combination of experience and expertise.

wmcrockett · Answer

I'm in a similar boat - 24 years old, I actually applied last year with only 3 months work experience at my current job which I think really held me back. As long as you can support why you're going to business school now and can put together a stellar application, there's no reason not to apply (even if it's just to gain insight into the admissions process a year or two early).

asimov · Answer

It all depends on the school you are applying to and the quality of your experience. For example, if you are applying for a school outside of the top 20 and you have great stats, the 2 year of average work experience will suffice. Similarly, if you are very accomplished in your job, top 20 school will not be out of the question.

From my observation of my class make up, there are a very few number of students with 2 years of work experience, most have 4-6 years of work experience.

From my observation of my class make up, there are a very few number of students with 2 years of work experience, most have 4-6 years of work experience.

brainhurt · Answer

I think these are the key points. I also agree that the worst case scenario is you get some practice with the admissions process, which is incredibly helpful the next time around. I suggest you apply, but know that you're fighting a bit of an uphill battle -- if you get in, great, and if you don't, no sweat, you're still young.

Praetorian · Answer

Definitely a little early, but there are some members who did get into schools in your age group: isa at Kellogg, foodstamp at HBS, msday at HBS, shadowsjc at Yale

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