<p>What are some things to focus on when considering getting an MBA? Is Undergrad GPA important as much as work experience?</p>
<p>Also, would going to UNC be looked more favorably than going to UNCG (a smaller school), even if one was to have better recommendations and extra curric's from the latter?</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>Honestly, I don't think undergraduate institution matters much. GPA does matter. However, work experience is the most important criterion.</p>
<p>If you want to get into one of the very top business schools, you will want to be strong in all areas.</p>
<p>As for what to focus on..first off, the GMAT is extremely important and is one of the few ways one can make a big difference late in the game (ie if u haven't been to college in 4 yrs, you probably won't be able to improve your GPA much, but you could study your ass off for the GMAT and produce a great score). Essays are another area to focus on. </p>
<p>Also, i would evaluate my own application weaknesses (ie gpa, gmat, work experience etc) and figure out ways to either spin them into positives or mitigate them (ie a high GMAT could help mitigate a low gpa..an essay could be used to explain why a weakness isn't actually a weakness at all). Of course, you don't want to bring up any weaknesses that wouldn't already be quite apparent to the admissions committee.</p>
<p>any other advice?</p>
<p>once you've earned a BS in Business Mangament what type of jobs should you get to meet the 2years+ work experience needed for a top grad school?</p>
<p>
[quote]
once you've earned a BS in Business Management what type of jobs should you get to meet the 2years+ work experience needed for a top grad school?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Generally, top business schools are going to want to see 4 or 5 years of work experience...less if the other pieces of your application are very strong. </p>
<p>As for your question, business school students come from a variety of different employment backgrounds. Many people are going to business school to enhance the career they have already started. Others are looking for a career transition.</p>
<p>One thing that admissions committees are going to look at is how much career progression you have made to that point. They want to see candidates who have grown and taken on additional responsibilities. For that reason, a high paced job such as consulting would be ideal because consultants can typically grow their career fast, and business schools know they will be able to handle the rigorous business school work load.</p>
<p>Also, the committee will want to know how the MBA will help you. So, once you have your 4+ years of experience, you will want to have a precise goal of what you want to do after business school. (ie investment banking, consulting, brand management, IT management, real estate, etc)</p>
<p>However, perhaps someone else can speak on "business management" as a background because I do not know all of the job opportunities out there for someone with that major. (obviously I know store mgrs etc, just not sure what else)</p>
<p>On a side note, have you considered majoring in Finance or Accounting?</p>
<p>
[quote]
once you've earned a BS in Business Mangament what type of jobs should you get to meet the 2years+ work experience needed for a top grad school?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Also, any positions where you are able to display leadership would be good.</p>
<p>work experience is more important than u-gpa, but u-gpa leads to better work experience (generally)..so its all related.</p>
<p>Some good entry-level business programs:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.gecareers.com/GECAREERS/jsp/us/studentOpportunities/leadershipPrograms/bf_program_guide.jsp%5B/url%5D">http://www.gecareers.com/GECAREERS/jsp/us/studentOpportunities/leadershipPrograms/bf_program_guide.jsp</a>
<a href="http://www.gecareers.com/GECAREERS/html/us/studentOpportunities/leadershipPrograms/clp_program_guide.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.gecareers.com/GECAREERS/html/us/studentOpportunities/leadershipPrograms/clp_program_guide.html</a>
<a href="http://www.eis.na.baesystems.com/fldp/%5B/url%5D">http://www.eis.na.baesystems.com/fldp/</a></p>
<p>etc etc etc. Alot of Fortune 500 companies have these "entry level leadership" programs. GE's FMP is probably the premier and most famous.</p>
<p>In addition to the "fortune 500" route, I-Banking/Wall St/Finance or Management Consulting are good options. However these can be competitive and you might not have a chance at them if your school isn't highly ranked.</p>