Lack of Work Experience

Dear Adamv30,

Thanks for your note. From the information you've provided, I take it that you are going to apply this fall to Smeal (Penn State) and Katz (U. Pitt) so as to start your MBA in the fall of 2010, directly after completing your undergraduate degree. Assuming this is the case, I have a few thoughts I'd like to share:

1) While neither of these programs absolutely require work experience, you should be aware that the average number of years of experience for Penn State MBA students currently sits at 4.5 years. At Katz/Pitt, the average is a bit less (3.2 years). My suspicion is that direct-from-ugrads (with 0 years of full-time experience) makeup less than 5% of their class each year.

2) With both Penn State/Smeal and U. Pitt/Katz, the programs have some very clear language on their web sites about what it takes for undergrads to gain admission directly from college:

Smeal/Penn State MBA
Is work experience required, or can I apply right out of my undergraduate program?

You may apply immediately after finishing a bachelor's degree, but on average our students have nearly 4-5 years of full-time work experience prior to entering the MBA program. Applicants admitted directly into the MBA program without full-time work experience generally have superb academic credentials; evidence of leadership through extracurricular or community activities; and quality part-time, summer, and /or internship work experience. These applicants are mature and self-confident and can effectively articulate the reasons why they wish to attend business school at this time.

https://www.smeal.psu.edu/mba/admission/faq

Katz/U. Pitt
Work experience can be an important differentiator for you during the admissions process. Moreover, it is important as you seek post-MBA employment. Although work experience is not an absolute requirement for admission to the Katz MBA program, it helps us distinguish one applicant from another.

•Work experience is preferred but may be substituted with strong academic ability, to be reviewed by the admissions committee.
https://www.business.pitt.edu/katz/mba-a ... ments.html

3) As you can see from above, the best way to gain entrance into these programs directly from ugrad is to have stellar marks, a fantastic GMAT result and an impressive array of XCs, part-time work/internships, etc. You also need to demonstrate a level of maturity that goes beyond your years and showcase a very clear set of career plans.

4) I'd be remiss if I didn't at least ask you why you are looking to go directly to b-school. The MBA model is really designed to help educate students who have been in the work force and can bring their own experiences into the classroom, etc. While you might be able to work your way into one of these programs (by boosting your GPA a bit, acing the GMAT, displaying great leadership experiences from XCs/internships, etc), I can't help but wonder why you wouldn't work for a couple of years first. Are you concerned about not finding employment post ugrad?

Best of luck,

Graham

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