<p>I'm going to start my freshman year as a mech engineer at CMU in the fall. I was wondering if the 5yr integrated BS/MBA program (where I would recieve an MBA a year directly after I get my BS) or working to get experience then going back to get my MBA would be a better choice. The upside to the integrated prog is it would be a lot easier to get my MBA from CMU itself, whereas when I go back for my MBA I will be applying to higher ranked progs (HBS, wharton, etc.) Thoughts?</p>
<p>I wouldn’t do the BS/MBA program. You have no reason to get the MBA yet because you will compete for the same jobs as those with just a BS and probably be look on less favorably because of the MBA.</p>
<p>A better path would be to get a BS (preferably an MS) in Engineering than work for 5 years then get a MBA.</p>
<p>I’ve been looking at job boards for a long time, and am an engineer getting an MBA, and I have seen 0 jobs looking for BS/MBA and 0 years experience. Most want 10+, some want 7+, and a few want 5+ years experience with the BS/MBA combo. With the MS/MBA combo those years are reduced by about 2.</p>
<p>Alright thanks.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t totally rule out the option. A one year MBA right out of UG could be a good option for some. Of course you won’t be competitive with 29 year olds about to graduates from HBS, but you’ll certainly have a leg up on most 23 year olds.</p>
<p>If a student takes the 5th year MBA right from undergrad, is there some way to tweak or upgrade skills later? Perhaps some executive business or management program?</p>
<p>Should I take a couple years after UG so I can get experience and try for something better? Tepper is ranked 8th I think, but I was thinking of applying to Stanford or MIT. I also have the ability to run 3 businesses right after UG so that might be a hook.</p>