<p>Recently, I've been thinking over which is right for me: Masters or Ph.D. I got some good advice so far but I would like some more directed at an MS/MBA program such as MIT's LFM. I don't want to go into the work force for 2-4 years before going into this program. What sorts of things will help me get into one of these programs right out of undergrad? Here are my stats:</p>
<p>Major: Electrical Engineering, graduating June 07
GPA: At application time, 3.8 overall, 3.92 Engineering
Research Experience: Yes, with a physics lab directed in Nanotechnology
Work Experience: Just a part time tech job here at school
My school offers a technology management set of courses and I'm enrolled but I'm not sure if this will help my application.</p>
<p>Admissions to an EE PhD anywhere is really tough. Master's is a bit easier requirements and hopefully easier to get into.</p>
<p>I'm still not decided either way, but I would like all the information I can get from MS/MBA and PhD.</p>
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I got some good advice so far but I would like some more directed at an MS/MBA program such as MIT's LFM. I don't want to go into the work force for 2-4 years before going into this program.
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<p>Well, then I'm afraid you have zero chance at getting into LFM. Why? Because LFM specifically requires at least 2 years of full-time work experience.</p>
<p>"Do I need work experience to apply to the program? </p>
<p>Yes. You will need to have two years of full-time work experience; preferably, three to five years. "</p>
<p>I'm also afraid to say that you probably have little chance at getting into Kellogg MMM, Michigan TMI, or any of the other prestigious MS/MBA programs. While I don't believe that any of them have a specific rule about minimum work experience the way that LFM does, the fact is, they all strongly recommend that you have some, to the point where it is quite difficult to get in without it. </p>
<p>Might you get in? Sure, you might. But don't hold your breath. I would argue that you have a far better chance of getting into a PhD program than getting into any of these top MS/MBA programs if you don't have any work experience.</p>
<p>What about the Stanford MBA program where they set aside space for 'outstanding' seniors? Stanford doesn't have a special program for Engineering MS/MBA but they do support it. What kinds of things do they look for? On their website, they say they want leadership potential. Are they looking for leadership positions of clubs and such?</p>
<p>As far as general MS/MBA programs, almost all schools "support" it in one way or another. However, in most cases, it's up to the individual student to have to run around and complete all the requirements for both degrees, with no integration and nothing more than informal aid from the school. This stands in stark contrast to something like LFM or MMM where an actual organizational body exists to shepherd people through the whole process and to mediate conflict resolution when the requirements of one school clash with another (as happens many times). Couple that with the fact that LFM/MMM students are intentionally placed in many LFM or MMM-specific classes and LFM even gets its own student office (with your own desk!) and dedicated administrative staff (I don't know about MMM but I think they get that also), which ultimately translates into a deep and well-knit community amongst LFM and MMM students. </p>
<p>Stanford used to have an integrated MBA/MS program but they got rid of it. Like I said, you can still get both degrees, but you are going to have to be the one to stitch that all together yourself. No organizational body exists to serve your specific needs and guide you through the process. And there certainly is no dedicated student office/hangout for the dual-degree students. </p>
<p>Now as far as getting into a top MBA program with zero work experience, sure it happens, but it's a very very rare thing, and in general open only to those people who have demonstrated strong leadership potential in college. It's not just a simple matter of doing club work, it usually involves something far more extraordinary than that. For example, starting and running your own successful business while you're a student. Or creating great political change within your school or some other organization while you're a student. It's gotta be quite impressive if you really hope to get in without any work experience. The point is, don't hold your breath.</p>
<p>Besides, what's so terrible about going out there and working for a couple of years?</p>
<p>Well, I'll put it to you this way. Only an infinitesimal percentage of students at any top MBA program came in right after undergrad. The vast vast majority of the students are all coming back to school after having worked and gotten their own place. So if they can handle it, why can't you?</p>