Ask Stacy Blackman

Dear Stacey,

I am a 24 yr old candidate (GMAT 710, AWA 5), with 2 years full-time work ex (8 months in business research and 1.5 years in a real estate and hospitality consultancy as an Analyst). I have international work experience (Indian working in Dubai for 1.5 years).

I am applying to Wharton, Columbia and NYU Stern

Reasons for an MBA (and now!)
- I want to make a radical shift in my career. I want to get into finance industry (private banking or wealth management). This maneoveur would be impossible without an MBA

2 big stumbling blocks

- In 2003, I enrolled for a 2 year PG Diploma program in International Business. Along the way, they converted it into a dual MBA degree (I chose Finance), and managed a university affiliation (with a seedy university). However, as luck would have it, the private univ was strapped of its affiliation and its AICTE approval (an Indian education accreditation agency). This in turn meant that we did not get our degrees (I just have a probational degree which ironically says MBA). It's been over 2 years (I passed out in 2005), and even though we have our marksheets (all of them say MBA), they have no credence in the local job market. So even though my app might be red flagged owing to my so-called MBA degree, I factually don't have one. How do you think I manage this. I reckon I should make use of the optional essay. BTW I outperformed most people in my batch (a CGPA of 7.8/10, and amongst the top 1% of the class)

- Secondly, I read on BusinessWeek (according to the Berkeley ADCOM), that if students want a career change, they should explain why and most importantly how would they align there present to their future goals. Now I tried to get a job with the banking/financial services sector, but this market (UAE), will not touch me with my research/consulting background. I have a great offer from a rival real estate consulting firm (much better work content, salary etc), but I am scared - How would this reflect on my desire to work for the banking sector in the long run? How will I squeeze my recco from my present boss (the first recco is coming from my ex-boss from the research firm).

One more Q - When is the best time to apply for Columbia, since technically there is no deadline. I want to really increase my chances!

Please help. I am on very slippery grounds in here. Also do you think I should go in for safety schools? Especially since this might be technically viewed as a second MBA?

Hi Cybermusings,

You can certainly explain the first MBA in the optional essay. Since you had enrolled for a different program, and the MBA program lost it's accreditation I think it will be seen as reasonable to apply for a more robust MBA program now that you have some work experience.

As for the career change issue, I think it's reasonable that you would want to change to finance after school since that is a natural recruiting opportunity. However, I'm not sure I would switch jobs right now if you are planning to return to school next year. If you're planning to switch careers entirely after your MBA, why are you looking to switch jobs within the industry now?

You should apply to Columbia as soon as your application is ready. The earlier the better, but I wouldn't rush your process just to get the application in.

Good luck!

Amy