I was going to study undergrad art (maybe double major or major minor in art and marketing). I wanted to after that get my MBA (you don’t have to study business undergrad to get a Business Admin. Masters). I’ve read a lot that you should have 2-5 years experience working business but I’ve found a couple programs in my area that don’t require this experience. What do you think about this (Asking people with MBA’s)? Did your work experience help you in the program or could you have gone without it? Could you have done well on the GMAT or GRE tests? I’m asking because I kind of just want to get all my schooling out of the way ASAP but if that’s not a good idea then I’d be willing to wait.
I got my MBA quite a few years ago, so maybe things have changed. I think it can be done, but you are better off with experience. At that time there were a few folks in my cohort who had little to no work experience. One was in a 3/2 program, did well in school and has had a successful career since then (although it did get off to a slow start). Another I can think of was fairly successful too. But more of the people with little experience struggled in school because they didn’t have the experience to draw upon or to help frame what was being taught. I don’t think they got as much out of some classes as did the people with experience. You could just tell from the questions they asked and how they interacted on projects.
So in the right program you can do it, but you need to ask yourself if you really are getting the benefit of the degree (and the money spent on school). It is more than just taking classes, it is about understanding the business environment and how to interact with it.
Absolutely better to get the MBA after a few years of experience. You could probably get into a better program with experience as well. The level of the program is really important in terms of reaping the financial benefits of an MBA (and being able to pay off the debt). I’m so happy I did my MBA, but I think you need at least 3 years experience… 4 - 6 years seems to be the sweet spot in terms of gap from undergrad to MBA. Employers are very hesitant to give you an MBA level job at 24 with no experience.
BTW, GMAT is just a test like SAT/ACT. Work experience won’t help you get a better score (but do well on it for sure). … Work experience however will help you write your applications with real world scenarios and give you better employment options coming out of the program.
Agreed, it is possible to get a MBA right after undergrad or even in a 3/2 program. So if you want to check getting a MBA off of your list right away it should be do-able. But it likely won’t be at a top school, it won’t give you as valuable of an education, and it won’t help as much in terms of a job search compared to if you work a few years before pursing the MBA.
And agree, the GMAT are like a SAT for grad school. Work experience won’t help, but preparing for the exam will.
My advice for right now is to relax. Don’t try to plan your entire life before you even set foot in college.