From An Entrepreneur To MBA

Question

As 2016 application process is upon us, I'm really struggling with the question in the title. I already run a small equity research firm in a frontier market. Although the business is good but I think I have a lot more potential than what my current project can pay me in the long-term. But I'm not sure how will the admission committee see this. Is it a good idea to tell them I want to work for a big asset management firm post MBA and in the long-run expand my current company into asset management?

I will really appreciate your thoughts on this.

Thanks!

I will really appreciate your thoughts on this.

Thanks!

MG4MBACrystalBall · Answer

BrainFog,

Adcoms love experienced entrepreneurs provided you can clearly explain your learning and the rationale for a business education. The reason is because a past entrepreneur has higher probability of continuing in this space - and entrepreneurs can bring a lot of fame to the school concerned. So make sure you are convinced that this is an asset and not a handicap - only then will it come across that way in your essays and interviews.

Cheers,

AugustAcademy · Answer

Brainfog,

There are two aspects to your career choice:

1) Technical - equity research/asset management
2) Entrepreneurial - building a company of scale.

Although the MBA will help you with (1), you are probably already an expert at this. What you need help with is (2). You have entrepreneurship in your gut - that is an important place to start out with. But what the MBA will help you with is to establish a company of scale, and to come up with a scaleable and replicable business model.

Keep this in mind, and I'm sure you'll do well on your app.

Best wishes,
Karthik

Admissionado · Answer

Hey,
One more thought I wanted to add to the mix. The AdCom is basically taking a bet on your future potential for success, because that is where their interest lies. If your entrepreneurial project is solid and promising and you have the power and experience to make it happen, it can be a very interesting goal. On the other hand, if it's a one man knowledge-based business that you are having trouble expanding, then it may be better for you to go with the more conservative short-term goal of joining a firm, increasing your knowledge and THEN only in the LT, moving back to entrepreneurship.

Best,
JF

ARINGO · Answer

Hi there,

If your current venture is still a small business and you have dreams of scaling it, then positioning it like that is absolutely fine.
MBA programs have lot of resources that you can tap into to learn how to build and grow an existing business.

Best of luck!

From An Entrepreneur To MBA

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