Recent college grad, questions about pursuing MBA

Graduate School Business School - MBA
1

<p>Greetings all,
To start I'm a 22 year old recent college graduate from West Virginia University with a finance degree. My GPA is 3.33 and I'm currently looking for a job, but not having too much luck. Due to my recent job search failures it has caused me to consider going back to school to earn my MBA. Now I realize with no work experience and my low GPA I will not be able to get into a top 25 program. My question is would it be worth it to attend a less prestigious MBA program in a city I desire to work in (LA, NYC, Miami, DC) in hopes of earning a high paying job after completing the accelerated MBA program? Schools I've been looking into include Cal State Long Beach, San Diego State University, The U, Georgetown, and Penn State. </p>

<p>If I do not attend an MBA program in the upcoming year I plan to move to one of these major cities to continue my job search. Which route would you take if you were in my position? Get an MBA in one year or move to a major city in hopes of landing a good job.</p>

<p>Any input would be highly appreciated</p>

<p>Thank you</p>

2

<p>I wouldn’t get an MBA now. Use the MBA as a signal that you are ready to take the next step in your career. Since you don’t have a career, as of yet, you can’t use it as a signal and will remove this powerful option.</p>

<p>If you must go back to school consider a masters other than the MBA; finance, accounting, etc. Something that is more career specific and will help you to get a job and start that career.</p>

<p>Other options to going back to school that will make you more attractive to employers and/or graduate programs; volunteer work, start your own business (even if unsuccessful), or teach for a short stint.</p>

3

<p>Hi,</p>

<p>I was in your boat a few months ago, as I just graduated in December with a B.S. in Marketing. Graduated with a similar GPA as you. I think it would be great for you to look for your career first (in one of the cities you wish to work in), because there are a LOT of companies that have Tuition Reimbursement programs and will pay for you to receive your MBA (as long as the degree is relevant to your position, you maintain a B or better, and you will most likely have to sign a contract saying you will work with them for a certain number of years, after receiving your degree).</p>

<p>Don’t be discouraged yet, because the job market is tough right now. Like I said, I graduated this past December, and just had to work retail for three months until I landed an account management position at an advertising agency (and I had several relevant internships before, as I’m sure you do) So, be patient. Give it a few months to land something. I’m not sure if a portfolio is relevant for you, but in marketing/advertising field you should have one showcasing both academic & professional work. Maybe you could create something like that.</p>

<p>Then, after you’ve moved to the city of your choice, and working at a great job, when you apply to MBA programs, you can have a game plan. Unless you’re switching careers, they like to see that you have a focused path and this MBA is going to help you stay on that path until you get to your destination: “dream job”.</p>

<p>Also, if you don’t mind me asking, how many positions are you applying to? That may have to do with why you’re not having much luck. My friends used to laugh at me and my “10-a-day” rule. I wouldn’t allow myself to sleep at night if I didn’t apply to 10 jobs for that day. Just push yourself to apply, apply, apply. </p>

<p>I hope that helped. Sorry, I do not know about the competitiveness of finance careers, or what employers look for in candidates. I can only really speak for marketing majors. But, also maybe have someone double check your resume. Good luck! </p>

<p>Be patient. You’re only 22. lol You have time…</p>