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Hi Manoj,

I'll be quick. I understand your situation. Frankly, there is no guarantee that you'll get into an MBA program (especially one like H/W/S as you wrote about on the message board). I think your plan to get an MMS is okay/sensible as long as you are prepared to work for a few years AND can explain why an MBA makes sense for your career (beyond you wanting to have it/prestige associated with going to a premier program). If you are going to a premier MM program like those of Duke or LBS, it is a harder sell to explain why you need an MBA when you have access to great jobs and heavily-overlapping training.

If the Indian market and visa entry were not so difficult, respectively, I would tell you no. I do understand your intent to make a run at a front-office career in finance and belief that you need a master's degree for that and for the opportunity to work internationally. We've seen Indian candidates without that kind of master's who are working in front-office finance jobs with an undergrad degree, but I'll defer to you on that point since you're over there and working on the situation directly.

So, if you are already accepted, it seems to make sense to pursue this master's degree especially since there are opportunities you want to pursue now and an MBA from one of these premier schools is not guaranteed.

That's my take.

Kof





Hello,

I'm in a (possibly) unique situation. Do Help!

I've applied to both Fuqua's MMS program and the LBS MiM program. I've got admitted into the Fuqua one and have an interview with MiM (which I'm sure I'll crack). Here's where is my major dilemma. The job markets in finance are weird in India and undergrads (I know mine is a masters degree but it is for all intents and purposes an integrated undergrad course that I came to right after high school) are not taken into roles in the front office in finance, which is where I want to make a career for myself. Also moving internationally is not an option because of the stricter visa laws that have come into place and I've been trying like a fiend to get that international experience.

Essentially my problem of choice is that I stay back home (either get a job in finance or work for a startup handling business development and finance) and then apply again for an MBA a 3/4 years down the line. Or I take up the Fuqua program for a year, gain international experience and break into the US geography. If I do take the second option, it'll be purely for breaking into a new geography, getting practical academic exposure and getting a job. But there also is the fact that I'll already have two masters degrees (after the Fuqua degree) and the possible overlap of curriculum with an MBA program, which might make it much more difficult to get into an MBA program later. I need help/advice/insights on how to proceed and what to do.

So my questions are essentially is the MM+4/5yrs of Work Ex+MBA (should I want to do one later on) is really that hard a sell? I'm guessing there'll be quite a few people like me from now/in the near future given that the more prestigious MM program (such as Fuqua MMS/LBS MiM) were started 3-4 years back. So realistically what are the chances if breaking in to a good MBA program with an MM in hand? And will international exposure gained from the pre-experience program be not worth it/won't be of value add?

I'd be grateful if you reply with your insights (I know it's a personal decision to make but want expert insights to ensure that I make the most informed choice)

Manoj

Hi Manoj,

I appreciate the note, but let's do this one one format (either on the message boards or here) - I don't have time/capacity to do both, friend.

Those applications will ask you if you have applied before. As you may know, the applications change year-to-year, so I'm not sure if they will consider you a re-applicant, but most schools only hold that status if you are re-applying in a subsequent year. Otherwise, you have to start anew.

Good luck and reach out if you want formal support.

Kof


Hey Kofi,

Thanks much for your reply. What you say is also my logic on leaning toward going to Fuqua. I also wanted to know how tough of a sell it'll be should I choose to do an MBA later on, but that's not something I should worry about right now, I think. I don't want to be going to Europe now with all things happening with Euro and Cameron. I guess, I'm going to go ahead with the Fuqua MMS unless something changes dramatically.

One last question is about my re-applicant status. I applied to the HBS 2+2 and Stanford GSB early. I want to know whether I'll be considered a traditional re-applicant if I re-apply or will be considered a fresh one as I applied from college.

Thanks again, appreciate all your thoughts on all the message boards here on BTG!!! Keep em coming