A word about work experience and the MBA

I meet with students daily who are interested in getting an MBA. These students come from a variety of academic backgrounds and have varied work experience. Also, at this time, due to the current state of our economy, I am talking to an ever increasing number of student with NO work experience who are wanting to get an MBA. Why are these students wanting an MBA? It is because the job market stinks (I could have used a worse word but I thought I would keep it "G" rated) and they can't find a job right now.

Listen, I know that it's rough out there and that there are not a lot of opportunities. BUT, I cannot stress enough how important work experience is in the MBA. The admissions committee looks at three things primarily: 1) GMAT, 2) work experience, and 3) GPA of your last 60 hours. If you have at least a 600 on the GMAT and any work experience, you are in a very good position for admission.

I just took a quick count of MBA applications. Right now, today, we already have 48% more MBA applications than we did this time last year. Let me break it down for you. COMPETITION IS GOING TO BE FIERCE! There is also an increase in applicants without work experience. These applicants will have a very difficult time being admitted to the Walton MBA. I can't say that we never admit students without work experience. We do admit a small percentage each year with none; however, they all gave us a GMAT score well over the average. I am seeing a lot of high GMAT scores this year too.

Students without work experience face many challenges in securing placement at the end of the MBA program. An MBA without work experience is likely to get similar offers as a student with a BSBA and no work experience.

So, keep in mind that work experience, while not required, is STRONGLY PREFERRED, for admission to the Walton MBA. I know that many of you don't like hearing this and it's no fun being the voice of gloom and doom, but this is the reality of the situation. It is not uncommon for our decision letter to read, "your application was very strong. We recommend that you continue to work and reapply next year." Keep this in mind. GO TO WORK.

It doesn't have to be your dream job. If it was, why would you leave it to go back and get your MBA. You have to get something on your resume AFTER GRADUATION. Internships are great but the committee is really looking for that first "real job."

Get out there, hit the pavement, be creative - you'll get more out of the MBA and you'll also be bringing more into it with this experience.