Is work experience really necessary to get into a top MBA program?

College Majors Business Major
1

<p>Is work experience really necessary to get into a top MBA program?
If so, how many years?</p>

2

<p>YES!!!!!!
Several. I would give it at least five, but it could be done in less.</p>

3

<p>considering like 99% of the people who are attending Harvard Business School have 2 or more years of work experience, I would think it's really necessary.</p>

4

<p>Yes it is literally required (if not highly recommended) in many top schools</p>

5

<p>You can get in with 2-3 years if you do ibanking.</p>

6

<p>^wouldn't an Ibanking analyst with 2 years experience be at a disadvantage... because top 10 MBAs may decide that they already let in enough bankers or consultants that year.</p>

7

<p>No...they're very respected because they work like 90hrs/wk....that's like holding two jobs....anyways most top10 MBAs also have ED/rolling/EA/whatever.</p>

<p>ROLLING:
-Harvard
-Wharton</p>

<p>ED:
-Columbia</p>

<p>etc etc etc</p>

<p>I don't know if all of them have special admissions...but anyways :)</p>

8

<p>ooo I've always wanted to know this! When I was younger I always thought you went from undergrad straight to get an mba, so I have been curious about this for the past year or so.</p>

9

<p>its not because working 90hrs a week is respected, its becuase after 2 years of ibanking, most conracts are cancelled and there isnt a whole lot in terms of leadership etc to learn. MBA schools realize 2 years is the expected track for people in that profession, that is all, so they have accomated that</p>