<p>I've begun applying to jobs in the government, and I was just wondering how this would be significant for a good MBA program (assuming I do well on the GMAT). Most positions I'm looking at are Economist positions, BLS, IRS, etc... Thanks.</p>
<p>I know some EPA guys who have MBAs. I would doubt universities would view the work experience any differently.</p>
<p>Business schools admit all experiences and majors. You don't need to have a financial or technology background to get an MBA.</p>
<p>I know if I was a manager, it would definitely be a negative if you had a decent amount of experience working for the government. This type of experience would most likely label you in the Keynesian school of thought which would question your economic wisdom. </p>
<p>-Just my preference so don't regard this post with any serious, but seriously this is what I would do :p.</p>
<p>What B schools want to see is career progression over the years you work. In private industry it is probably easier to be promoted quickly and take on more responsibility during those few years. So assess the situation with the specific gov't jobs, can you move up quickly based on merit?</p>
<p>hmom5, That's what I'm worried about. It seems like there is a strict guideline for government promotions. But at the same time, I'm on the track to make $10/hour after graduation, so I'm not really sure of the path I should take.</p>
<p>I wouldn't necessarily be basing the decision of which job to take based on how you think it would be perceived by MBA admissions people. You have to live your own life and can explain your actions and goals much better when they come from within rather than doing what you think (correctly or incorrectly) they would most prefer to see. All top MBA programs are looking to create diverse classes. Pursuing what you most inclined to like is your best chance at admittance.</p>
<p>I think if you were a Fed Governor, you would be a shoe-in for any B-school.</p>
<p>There are not many "sexy" jobs open to kids just out of college. Get an interesting job, do something with it, and you should be ok (at least job-wise).</p>
<p>Same situation as you. Parents keep telling me to apply for govt jobs, but my heart is not in it at all. Also have the same concerns about what people will think when applying for other postions later on.</p>
<p>The problem is that the best access they will probably have to sexy jobs is via the top MBA program they seek. I think it's a good thing to be thinking about how your job will play in those future applications. </p>
<p>These guys aren't asking if the should pursue what they love. They are asking if they should run for safety into a government job.</p>
<p>IMO, give yourself some time and work like a dog to land somewhere you'll both enjoy and will play well on the MBA stage. It might mean less money and security for now, but hopefully you're young and can go anywhere and don't have lots of debt or responsibilities.</p>
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What B schools want to see is career progression over the years you work. In private industry it is probably easier to be promoted quickly and take on more responsibility during those few years. So assess the situation with the specific gov't jobs, can you move up quickly based on merit?
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In government, it is extremely easy to get promoted quickly if you have the right credentials. I'm in the National Guard and for the officer corp promotion to Captain takes about 4 years and is nearly automatic. I'm also in my 3rd year of pharmacy school so if there seems to be a lack of vacancies for Major positions, I could always change to AMEDD where promotions are unrestricted and you can hit Lt. Col. way faster (at a younger age)than your peers. This is an example of being able to move up quickly based on merit. It also gives you the flexibility of working in the private sector as well so you could potentially have the best of both worlds: government and private sector.</p>
<p>Don't forget that the government has ridiculous benefits. I'm pursuing my PharmD for free and after I graduate I plan to go back to school for a MS ChemE and JD (both of which would be free).</p>
<p>Really? Can you go to any school or is the budget limited?</p>
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Really? Can you go to any school or is the budget limited?
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It depends on the state. NJ is one of the few states with full tuition remission for people who are in the Guard and you can use it for any public university, any degree, any # of credits so essentially it's not budget limited.</p>
<p>So for degree programs where it teaches you a technical expertise such as law or engineering, it is better for me to go to a public university. However, for an MBA, you do want to go to a top 10 school because an MBA is all about networking.</p>
<p>However, there are some ridiculous incentives out there in the National Guard. For example, if you are accepted to a public med school such as UMDNJ, it would be completely free. The Guard will also put you on ASR orders so basically you would attend med school for free AND get paid 90-120k/year to go to school with zero drilling responsibilities. There is an additonal 24k/year stipend for those who are in med school and an additional 24k/year stipend for those who are in residency. I believe as a military doctor, you will have a LOT of preference when choosing a specialty/residency at a military hospital as well.</p>
<p>The government has a very diverse talent pool. There are some people in government that go nowhere and never get promoted. There are also some people that can utilize the system and its benefits beyond imagination to get ahead in life as well.</p>
<p>I know many use an MBA as a career change. I believe that when I do go for my MBA, this won't be the case. If I had a PharmD, MS ChemE, and JD, I would have already picked a career field or two that I want to stay in and the purpose of an MBA would only be either to get promoted or bring all my technical expertise together in a management role. I don't think the financial sector would ever offer me the level of compensation or security that I would have at that point.</p>
<p>What are you looking to do with a PharmD, MS ChemE, and JD (and then possibly MBA)? Pharmaceutical patent law is the only thing that I can conjure...although it is still an unusual route to that profession.</p>
<p>It doesn't matter! Really! So long as you have the right stats, and enough work experience, schools do not care! Some of my most successful students (in terms of the calibre of MBA program they got into) worked in social services! And non-profits! You'll be fine.</p>
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What are you looking to do with a PharmD, MS ChemE, and JD (and then possibly MBA)? Pharmaceutical patent law is the only thing that I can conjure...although it is still an unusual route to that profession.
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That is a good question. I'm not particuarly sure either. However, being that I would do the MS ChemE and JD part-time and that it is FREE, I really give nothing up by doing it except my time. There is really no opportunity cost since pharmacy is one of the most flexible and high-paying per hour professions I figure that if I do have a chance to learn those other fields, I might as well take advantage of that opportunity.</p>
<p>So I've received 2 interviews with government agencies, 0 in the the private industry. It's probably not something I'm in love with, but at least I'm getting the interviews. And I'll have something to write on my resume besides, "slept on couch playing call of duty for 2 years."</p>
<p>I just don't want to end up working in government for life lol.</p>
<p>That won't happen... pension kicks in at 55!</p>
<p>Seriously, everyone I know who works in the government, at a business level, love it. You're probably not going to make a fortune, but you'll be well paid and have a compfortable life balance. Give it shot, but give it 100%.</p>
<p>Some people have given good advice here. If you are talking about top-tier MBA programs, they want also to see leadership abilities demonstrated. That's why, from the pool of govt. employees, there are a fair amount of military people who end up in top MBA programs. I'd assess the job and see if there will be leadership opportunities. Also, I haven't read this thread carefully enough to know whether you are looking top-tier. Other programs might not care as much.</p>
<p>The work-life balance I'm sure is great, but I'll never have the "models and bottles" on a government salary, lol</p>
<p>BedHead, I understand how the military gives leadership experience, but I think I'm a little confused on how schools decide what's good leadership and what isn't. Yes being a leader in the military is strong leadership, but I doubt something like managing a Target would get you into a top BSchool (I could be wrong though?). So where is the line drawn between good and bad leadership? I'm just using Target as an example because I know they have an entry-level management program for recent college grads.</p>