Is working experience in management area much helpful for MBA application?

Question

Hi

I am planning to apply MBA next year, but now I got a chance to become a product manager in a Fortune500 company. Is it better I go apply for MBA as an engineer or take this job and apply 2 years later?

Will working experience in management area (product manager/project manager) really help apply for top business schools? Is it worth I spending 2 years work as product manager, in the hope of applying for a better B-school? I m already 28 years old.

Thanks for comments.

Answer 1

sure. business major undergrad students who want to get into mba program need a lot work/internships experience and leadership experience when applying to a good mba program. and if you plan to apply to a top one, mostly you need at least 2 years work experience. so becoming a product manager in a fortune 500 company is a really great experience which might stand you out.

Answer 2

My goodness, take the position rather than an MBA. Good business programs wont even look at a candidate seriously unless they've had some sort of supervisory or preferably management experience. You'll benefit so much more from an MBA program when you have first-hand knowledge of the issues that will be tackled in the program. Also, note the average age of an MBA is between 28-32 so you would not be 'behind' at all, if that even matters.

Answer 3

All good business schools want at least 2-4 years of work experience from their applicants (they only accept about 3-5% straight from college). Being a product manager at a Fortune 500 company would be fantastic experience for you. It will help you get into a better school. Also study for your GMAT, and look for other experiences that show leadership ability and teamwork aptitude.