When to apply and MBA profile

Question

Hello All,

I am not sure if this is in the right sub-forum. If this needs to be someplace else mods please move or someone guide me. Thanks!

I am graduating senior and plan to get my MBA in the future. I am asking for some advice on which road would be the best and when I should start. I will be working for a Big 3 automaker starting in June and will be in their finance rotation program (3 years). This automaker pays for your MBA degree and I have met employees during my internship last summer who got their Ross MBA paid for by the company. My plan is also to go to Ross since I live in the same metro area.

These are my two plans:

Plan 1: Work for 3 years, sign contract with company to get PT MBA and continue to work for company. 
-This plan requires a lower GMAT score and the paid MBA, but is a PT MBA, and continue to work for company after MBA (30% raise).

Plan 2: Work for 3 years, leave company, and pay for my own education and get a FT MBA.
-Plan requires higher GMAT and lots and lots of money.

I may have some assumptions incorrect since I do not know much about the GMAT application yet.
Can I get some help on these questions?
-Three years exp. is enough to meet Ross MBA requirements (generally). 
-A FT MBA is more valuable than a PT MBA.
-The automaker I work for (Big 3) is reputable company on application.
-A lower GMAT score can get me admitted into a PT program over a FT program.

GPA: 3.86
I have started for the GMAT this past week. I bought Magoosh and have the OG 2015. I plan to take my GMAT this summer. Since I am done with school and don't start working till June I have been putting 8+ hours into GMAT studying which will increase once I am done watching the videos (today).

This raises my second question? When should I start b-school? 2018, 2019,2020? I know its far out but since this is a major milestone I want to prepare well ahead of schedule.

Admissionado · Answer

Hey there good sir,

Allright, looks like you have a good road ahead of you.

Whether you want to get a full-time or part-time MBA is something I would wait until you are at least two years in to see. I mean a part-time MBA is great if you are happy at work, if your company is supporting you, if you have opportunities for advancement within your firm. But you also may discover after a few years that you want to do something else, in which case the Full-time MBA will make more sense. I assume if the firm pays for your MBA, they will require you to stay on for a few years, but if you have a vision of doing something else afterwards then a full-time might be the right choice (will also allow you to attend school in another region).

So first of all, see what happens in your life and at work. I would say for a PT program you are likely a shoe-in, anyhow. Start thinking about your GMAT now, and take it when you have a bit of a lull in your work (maybe a few months- one year in, after you got used to things.) The GMAT score is good for five years.

As for when to do the MBA, again it's up to YOU.

Probably the best time is when you feel you know what you are doing in the firm real well, but maybe have reached a plateau in your abilities/knowledge/skill/etc. This could be anywhere between 2-6 years in, and it really is up to you.

But basically: Things look good for you. Do well at work, make us some nice vehicles, and then start thinking about this again in about a year and a half. (and don't forget to keep up some sort of community service the whole while)

Best,
Jon

When to apply and MBA profile

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