Non-traditional workexperience and chances?

CheeseBadger

Hi,

I am considering applying to business schools in a year or two and was curious if I would be competitive.
I graduated with approx a 3.51 from a top public university with a BA in Sociology

I've been practicing the gmat and scoring in the low 700's

I was involved in a good amount of activities and clubs during college such as a published paper in the library of congress,4-5 church groups,helping professors in research, boxing food for the homeless,tutoring,bodybuilding(non-competivie),and a few others.
I've taken macro,micro,intro to bus. an intermediate stats class and plan on taking calculus at a local college.

My concern is the work experience portion of the application. I have been working for a couple years with a small independent fitness business assisting in marketing and promoting the company. I know it's somewhat different career path than my fellow peers who apply to business school, but I have always been very passionate about exercise and bodybuilding.

My reason for a mba (in quick layman terms) is to eventually open up a Gold's gym franchise of my own , but I'm noticing already through my current job that I'm lacking managerial education that I would need to obtain to become successful.

The schools that I'm considering are those that stress entrepreneurship..columbia ED,NYU, Michigan, UCLA,Virgina, USC,and possibly Duke

Would I have a competitive chance at any of these schools if I can demonstrate how my work experience can contribute to the diversity of the class,and also show school fit? I would probably hire the blackman services for assistance with those schools when the time comes. I'm just concerned about throwing money away, if my non-traditional work experience would ding me off the bat.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!!!

Lisa Anderson · Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2008 5:46 am Post subject:

Dear CheeseBadger,

Non-traditional work experience is not a negative and in many cases can be leveraged to your advantage. Schools want people from a variety of backgrounds--different education, different work experience, different geographies, etc. It is what you have done in your career to date and what you plan to do in the future that really matter.

Schools want to see evidence of career progression, managerial/leadership potential, and a solid rationale for the MBA. If you believe you have examples of these attributes you can convey in your application and can make your case for why you need your MBA, then you should definitely apply to business school.

Good luck,
Lisa