<p>How is work experience at a small (30-60ppl) family run business viewed. The reason I ask is that I would like to pursue an MBA, and eventually take over my family's business. However, I only have less than 1 year of full time experience (post undergrad; I'm 23) and years of part time experience (while still in school, summers, winter breaks, etc.) I know that school's would like to see 5 years full time, but my father would like to slowly faze himself out and so I would ideally like to go back to school now or the opportunity might be lost. Thanks.</p>
<p>The same situation applies for my brother who works as a lawyer and does side work/consulting for the family business. He is 26 (only one year post law school graduation).</p>
<p>Most colleges want at least 2 years full time (part time doesn't usually count) experience. 2-5 is the average, which mean some people with less experience do get in, but usually those people have high GPAs and GMAT scores or founded a multi-million dollar company. Your brother, however, with JD might have a better shot seeing as he already has an advance degree.</p>
<p>Have you ever considered part time programs? Might help with helping your father phase out while you learn the trades of management, and will probably be more useful as the experience you will receive at your family store will be just as valuable as anything college will teach.</p>
<p>I was hoping to convey the fact that I have been working part time for years and that it was not some bs answering phones position. It was leadership roles in a multimillion dollar business (not just a store).</p>