Why MBA?

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Why MBA?

by DvdBonan » Mon Dec 17, 2012 10:46 pm
Hi there,

I posted this question/ask for feedback in a different forum on this site except see that it hasn't been responded to since October so am posting this here.

I am very early in my MBA preparation process (looking at starting Sept 2014) but I'd like to ask you to provide some advice on how I am to position myself as to why I want an MBA. I just want to know if this is an acceptable answer (because it is the truth and I always want to show the real me when answering questions).

But I want to share a little about myself and why I think I want an MBA.

I am currently 25 years old and will be 27 once I enter b-school. I graduated from a very reputable business program in Canada when I was 21 and am looking to apply to UCLA, Haas, UT-Austin, USC, Stanford, Harvard, Northwestern, and Booth. I have began studying intensely for the GMAT and plan on taking it in April so if I do not do as well as I would like, I can retake. My GPA is approx 3.6 on the US scale (had a 12 point scale at my school). I had 3 internships as part of my program (2 at very large multinational, well-known companies (one multinational retailer the other a multinational tech company), and one at a very small consulting company for agriculture), when I graduated, I spent a year working for my father's small business trying to help him improve his marketing efforts, then I spent a year working for one of the large companies I interned at as a marketing and communications coordinator, and for the last 2 years, have been working for a small consulting firm and work specifically for one of the what I like to call "big 3" tech companies (Apple, Google, or Microsoft). I started as a Data and Marketing Coordinator and have been promoted to a consultant and there is a very high possibility I receive another promotion by the time I enter b-school.

Now, this is what I worry that b-schools might not like. The number 1 reason why I want an MBA is because of money. I set a goal for myself that I wanted to make $100K by the time I was 30. At my current company, I know that it is impossible for that to happen and I feel like my opportunities to do that are very limited without an MBA. The second reason why I want an MBA, particularly from a US institution, is because I have always had a dream of living and working in the US since childhood. When I told my parents I decided I want to do an MBA in the States, they said they knew this day was coming. I feel that an MBA from a US institution will help me secure a job in the US. It seems to be extremely difficult for a Canadian to secure a job in the US. My company even has a US office and continues to hire people to our team in the US office but when I asked for a transfer they said unfortunately, it is impossible because they would not be able to sponsor me for a VISA. Those are the main reasons but not the only reasons. In addition, I understand the importance of education and improving oneself and I absolutely have loved school and thrived in and have wanted to go back since I graduated. Next, I know this is a great opportunity to learn from people all over the world. Lastly, I am a little unsure of what I want to do - UCLA for the entertainment/media focus seemed really exciting, but I also do enjoy the aspect of consulting and would like to continue doing that but also have a passion for money/finance so think that may be an option but it seems more likely to be a hobby and a club I join on campus.

I think that I have an interesting background/story to compete with others (assuming I do alright on my GMAT). Based on this, my question is, how do b-schools react if you reply to the why an MBA question with the focus of making more money as your number 1 reason. Obviously there are others but clearly it is to "get rich" quickly.

Based on what I've told you can you offer any feedback on anything? I would love to hear your thoughts... positive/negative anything to help better myself would be appreciated.
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by Jon@Admissionado » Tue Dec 18, 2012 12:52 am
Hah! you made me laugh dude. I mean we ALL apply to Bschool cause we wanna make more money. Nothing special about that.

But it would still be a bit stupid to write that in an essay. It's diplomacy... So instead of writing "I wanna be rich" you write "I want to move up to position X" (which will make you rich), and that's how you approach that question... I mean think about: imagine you have 750 words to answer why MBA. And you write "Cause I want more money". Wouldn't make for a very interesting read!!!

Otherwise, in your profile, things seem mighty good... let's see what that GMAT turns up as.

And good luck!
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by lpatrick036 » Tue Dec 18, 2012 5:24 am
I found an interesting article on AIU that completely explain MBA degree.As everybody knows that after recession in US it is one of the most popular degree mention in corporate offices across the country and around the world.MBA is an academic degree but there is more to learn from an MBA program than academics.MBA program teaches students advance financial skills and help provide them with a analytical skills to view corporation or industry as a whole.

You can further read more at https://www.aiuniv.edu/Student-Life/Blog ... nistration

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by DvdBonan » Tue Dec 18, 2012 9:08 am
Thank you for your replies... I think that is part of what frustrates me is that 95% of the people hide the fact that the underlying reason they are doing it is for the money.