How would I choose the proper MBA program for my career goals?

Graduate School Business School - MBA
1

Hello,

I am currently a Mechanical Engineering, Business Management, and Japanese language (minor) undergraduate student who is in need of some guidance regarding MBA programs.I hope to pursue a career on the international level where I can be an executive, or representative, of a company who manages:
-Negotiations
-Collaborations
-Project development
-etc
…within the high tech engineering field.

I am doing everything possible to become a more well rounded, diverse, and “one of a kind” candidate.
I have done is tried to achieve a global perspective and understanding of international markets (mainly Asia). I have:
-Studied in USA, China, and Japan (#1,2, and 3 economies in the world)
-Studied in California, Hong Kong, and Tokyo (largest american economy, most stable Chinese economy, and largest metropolitan economy in Asia)
-I speak 4 Languages
-Pursuing multiple degree background to understand both aspects of the industry (engineering and management)
-Competed on international teams
-Current honors student within my university
-4 internships
-and much more

I am trying to determine which program would be right for me and when I should seriously pursue it.
One program that has heavily peaked my interest is
-Booth Business School in Chicago

I understand that I will have to gain professional experience, work off some/much of my undergraduate debt, etc; however, I know where I want to be in my career and where I will be able to be myself. I just turned 22; but, by the ages of 27-31, I want to seriously be pursuing my MBA.

Is there any advice you might be able to offer me?

Thank you.
(Sorry for the terrible grammar, wrote this on my phone)

2

You won’t like hearing this, but now is not the time to worry about MBA programs. Your focus should be entirely on a job search. The ticket to a top MBA program is a combination of success at a) your undergraduate studies, b) your early career, and c) the GMAT.

Your timeline is reasonable - 27-31 is a good range for entry - so now you need to focus on the controllable part of your future, which is your career. You don’t need to land a top job, nor do you even need to land a job in your target long-term field. What you should try to do is what any other undergrad in your situation would do: Look for a role that will give you opportunities for advancement. The best indicator of success at work, aside from recommendations, is your career track. If you come in as an analyst at 22 and are still an analyst at 27, then you haven’t been deemed qualified for advancement. If you come in as an analyst at 22, move up to senior analyst at 24, then move up to manager at 27, you will be able to show a clear upward track.

Sometime around 4 years from now, consider taking a GMAT prep course (even the free online ones are pretty decent) since your test-taking skills will deteriorate between now and then. Take the GMAT and see where you stand. You may be in a position to look at full-time programs, but you may also want to look at part-time programs so that you don’t lose your income. I speak from experience here - I am starting an MBA program next week and couldn’t imagine spending the money on the program and losing my income at the same time!

3

@chrisw thank you for the detailed reply.
I appreciate it :slight_smile: