<p>I have a degree in Econ from an Ivy, Great GPA, GMAT well above top MBA schools' averages. I can get the required recommendations. What I am worried about is my work experience. </p>
<p>I am working for one of the big I-banks but not in I-banking. I am in a support position for financial analysts. I am learning a lot, but the position has no potential for growth beyond getting a series 7 license and moving on.</p>
<p>I am at the point where I know what I want to pursue in my career and getting an MBA will give me the foundation I need to do that. </p>
<p>I will have been in this position one year next fall when I plan to apply to MBA schools. I will have had 2 years work experience by the following fall when I hope to begin my MBA studies.</p>
<p>My concern is that my current job won't provide strong enough work experience to have a chance at the top 10-15 programs. </p>
<p>How much does the actual type of work matter in MBA admissions at the top programs? Will not having actual I-banking experience hurt me?</p>
<p>
[quote]
I have a degree in Econ from an Ivy, Great GPA, GMAT well above top MBA schools' averages. I can get the required recommendations.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Perhaps you should consider law school that likes good GPA and board scores.</p>
<p>
[quote]
I am learning a lot, but the position has no potential for growth beyond getting a series 7 license and moving on.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Top MBA schools are looking for candidates who may have started out in low end entry level jobs but because of persistence, hard work, tenacity, they can scratch their way out through promotions, transfers, etc. to a higher level job with management responsibilities. That's why they prefer candidates with 4-5 years of work experience.</p>
<p>Remember those stories about certain individuals who started out in the mail room(more dead end than your job) but ended up being the CEO of the company ? That's the type of work experience they like to hear, albeit a bit exaggerated.</p>
<p>
[quote]
My concern is that my current job won't provide strong enough work experience to have a chance at the top 10-15 programs.
<p>I would talk to a career counselor to help figure a few things out and to help get you on a career track instead of a track of credentials and degrees, which gets you nowhere.</p>