Take Time Off Work for Pre-MBA Classes?

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Take Time Off Work for Pre-MBA Classes?

by norse2585 » Mon Jul 27, 2009 6:34 pm
I am preparing to take the GMAT this Fall and enter an MBA program in the Fall of 2010. I currently have over two years work experience at a major law firm in their IT department. My job has been rigorous and challenging, and I feel that despite my relatively low number of years employed, an MBA really is the next step for me.

Despite the strength of my undergrad background (History/Spanish double-major - magna cum laude - top 75 US News ranked liberal arts college), I fear that I don't have an academic background that would prepare me for an MBA. I took two semesters of Accounting in undergrad + a semester of MIS - but no Econ, Calc, Stats or Finance. Many programs don't require but "strongly encourage" applicants to have taken these courses.

If I were to apply this Fall for Fall 2010 admission, would it be recommended/frowned upon if I were to leave work in December to take a full-time "pre-MBA" course load in the Spring? Of course, I would ensure that my preparatory semester includes the most challenging classes my local comm. college can offer.

Thoughts? Thanks in advance for any feedback!
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norse2585 wrote:I am preparing to take the GMAT this Fall and enter an MBA program in the Fall of 2010. I currently have over two years work experience at a major law firm in their IT department. My job has been rigorous and challenging, and I feel that despite my relatively low number of years employed, an MBA really is the next step for me.

Despite the strength of my undergrad background (History/Spanish double-major - magna cum laude - top 75 US News ranked liberal arts college), I fear that I don't have an academic background that would prepare me for an MBA. I took two semesters of Accounting in undergrad + a semester of MIS - but no Econ, Calc, Stats or Finance. Many programs don't require but "strongly encourage" applicants to have taken these courses.

If I were to apply this Fall for Fall 2010 admission, would it be recommended/frowned upon if I were to leave work in December to take a full-time "pre-MBA" course load in the Spring? Of course, I would ensure that my preparatory semester includes the most challenging classes my local comm. college can offer.

Thoughts? Thanks in advance for any feedback!
While I think preparation is a great idea, I'm not keen on you leaving your full-time job to do it. Given that you only have two years of work experience, I would advise you to take classes online or at your local community college in the evening. I realize that may be tough because of your job, but the school frequently offer "pre-sessions" where those with weaker quant background or relatively little formal business education have a chance to "catch up." I'm thinking that you will learn a lot in those additional 6 months on the job and when applying for your post-MBA job having that additional work experience on your resume may be more helpful to you than the couple of courses you couldn't take at night. Another option is MBAMath.

Best,
Linda
Linda Abraham
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