Need your opinion!

[chster]

Hi,
I just started looking at MBA as a serious option recently. And think I could really use some help from the experienced people, because my case may be a bit uncommon.

I am a 33-year-old male. Chinese.
Went to USC for graduate school. PhD in a non-IT major from Engineering school
only 3 year working experience by next August in the R&D center of an F500 company
Not sure if my GPA for undergraduate still matters here.
Haven't taken GMAT yet, but it's easier than GRE to me. >700 shouldn't be a problem.

After MBA, I would like to take up a position in a consultancy firm focusing on the same field or play a role in global strategy and management for a leading company. My strength is analytical thinking (thanks to my PhD training), international exposure (study and work in three continents), cross unit collaboration experience. I really think my future is beyond just R&D, while my training and experience from research actually can be crucial for the career later.

My weakness is very obvious. Relatively old with relatively short WE. My experience in management and leadership is growing gradually, but nothing jumping out comparing to lots of other applicants. Right now I supervise a small research team and chair the committee which oversees the daily operation of the site.

I hope I can gain some honest feedback from you. What effect will having a PhD have on my application? Is the combination of my age and WE a big disadvantage to me? Getting MBA is a big decision not only career wise, also money wise. At this stage of my life, I would only go for it if it's from a top school. I have no idea what the odds are. And this is the reason I will really appreciate your help.

Thanks a lot!

[Jon@Admissionado]

Well, a PhD can be a good thing too. I mean on the one hand you are a student, but on the other, in most cases you are also working. And you will have knowledge that others do not. The age is a bit trickier, and to deal with that, I would suggest applying to a mix of EMBA and regular MBA programs, as well as having a look at European programs if they interest you as they seem to be more open to older students.

The important thing when building your strategy though is to make sure that your trajectory makes sense. We don't want you to come across as the "eternal student."

I can't really tell you what your odds are at a Top 10 program without knowing more about you, so feel free to drop us a line, and we will see how specific we can get.