<p>Do any Business Schools actually require it? I see that some people say its very very very very super important, but not required. I plan on apply to maybe one or two schools after Undergrad (Univ Minnesota - Carlson & Chicago) and I was wondering what my chances would be with out any work experience but with a very high GPA and GMAT.</p>
<p>hmm... my parents said it's a "new trend" to go to work for 2-5 years first then get a MBA. they said they always thought one could go straight to business school after undergrad, or just work a minimum 1-2 years. but the average age and average number of months worked prior to business school say otherwise. </p>
<p>my question is, isn't it not so effective if you get an MBA at such a young age, because you probably haven't had much real work experience or leadership? can someone shed some light on this? thanks</p>
<p><a href="http://www.hbs.edu/mba/admissions/faq.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.hbs.edu/mba/admissions/faq.html</a></p>
<p>Look under the "Experience" heading. The clear majority of admitted students will have had work experience. And yes, I think the general belief is that an MBA has more meaning to it when a person can relate it to real world experience. Plus, it's usually better to have students with work experience because they can share their knowledge and experiences with each other. </p>
<p>Although work experience seems to be the most practical route these days, I would imagine that if someone got admitted into a top business school straight out of undergrad, they would have a hard time turning it down.</p>
<p>
[quote]
hmm... my parents said it's a "new trend" to go to work for 2-5 years first then get a MBA. they said they always thought one could go straight to business school after undergrad, or just work a minimum 1-2 years. but the average age and average number of months worked prior to business school say otherwise.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Back in the old days (i.e. the 1970's and before), it was indeed true that most B-school students at the elite schools had minimal work experience, and many had no experience. Of course back then, B-schools were entirely different beasts compared to what they are now. </p>
<p>
[quote]
my question is, isn't it not so effective if you get an MBA at such a young age, because you probably haven't had much real work experience or leadership?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>True, which is why companies no longer see (if they ever did see) the MBA as a guarantee of maturity or management agility. A lot of companies see the MBA as an entry-ramp into management.</p>
<p>What type of work experience do B-schools look for? Any work experience or strictly management-type work experience? Would being a cashier work?</p>