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Best MBA's for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

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Best MBA's for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

by skalevar » Sun Oct 24, 2010 4:27 pm
Hi,

I'm wondering if anyone can suggest good MBA programs for aspiring entrepreneurs?

I know Standford is a hub for entrepreneurship, in large part as a result of its proximity to Silicon Valley, but outside of Stanford, can anyone make any recommendations?

My ideal post-MBA career path would be to be part of the founding team of a startup. My secondary goal would be management consulting.

Thanks so much for your help!
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by odannyboi » Sun Oct 24, 2010 5:08 pm
I was looking into entrepreneurship MBA programs as well. Babson College has the top ranked entrepreneurship progam in the country... but I dont want to move to Ohio.

However, if you want good programs in Cali (I am assuming this from your post), I would look into Pepperdine and USC.. they have really good networks of students in the program. I also was looking at cali schools so I know a few.

If you get a great GMAT, I would suggest Arizona State although U of Arizona I think has a better program in the state (but nobody wants to live in Tucson...plus ASU has more blonde eye candy to go along with a great program).

Finally, I am in Illinois... we have 2 good programs at UI-Chicago and Depaul University (my Alma mater). I might just stay in illinois and apply at these schools.

What you need in a good entrepreneurship program is a network and opportunity for venture competitions.

BTW.. whats your background in? (feel free to PM and we can shoot messages back and forth). I really want to be part of a team and startup a business as well as wanting to be a serial entrepreneur (creating, building, implementing, then perhaps selling my business then moving on to another venture).
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by skalevar » Sun Oct 24, 2010 5:21 pm
Hi odannyboi,

Thanks for the tips. I'll definitely look into all the programs you mentioned.

My background is in technology M&A. The company I work for is a publicly-traded software company, and my role involves business development and acquisition integration, where I work with the founders of the companies that we acquire to make improvements in their businesses.

One of the biggest reasons I'm pursuing my MBA is to grow my network, find the right people, and "take the leap" to start my business with my new-found co-founders.

I just wrote my gmat yesterday, and scored 720. I think I am "in the ball park" for Stanford, but I have a few friends who applied and none were admitted, so I'm not banking on anything. I'd like to have some sensible #2, #3, etc. choices but there seems to be a dearth of information about MBA's and entrepreneurship. Most school's websites might have a web page or two dedicated to their particular "Centre for Entrepreneurship" but that's about it.

What magazines, websites, or other resources have you been using to compile your MBA information? If you could shoot me a few good ones, it would be appreciated. Also, are you looking for a 2-year or a 1-year program? Do you think a 2-year program is better if the main reason you are doing an MBA is to grow your network? (more time = more numerous and deeper connections)

I'm trying to finalize my list of schools to apply to. I have Stanford #1, and I have a couple safety schools designated, but I'm having trouble filling in the middle of the pack. Feel free to PM if you want to take this off-line, but I'm happy to keep it public so other people with similar aspirations can join in.
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by odannyboi » Sun Oct 24, 2010 6:09 pm
Geez.. 720. If you are really concerned about networking, then aim for the top dogs with that score (Kellogg, Stanford, UC Berk, etc...all top entrepreneur programs). Is your GPA also high (>3.3) and have about 4 years work exp? If so, you should really target only top 25 programs.

My mistake.. Babson is in Mass (still wouldn't want to move there). Another thing you should consider is what kind of business you want to help start. If it is high tech, you can't go wrong with the big schools in Cali (Stanford and USC and Haas (UC-Berkley) have THE best networks in Cali.. but Stanford gets the edge since they are international in recognition.. USC is more national.. but USC would make a great middle of the pack).

I like Arizona State and U of Arizona since I want to be part of a sustainable business venture (there, you can have a concentration in Entrepreneurship AND get an emphasis in sustainability)... but that's just me. You can find bigger networks elsewhere.

Again it also depends on the type of industry you want to create a start up in (I assume you are looking into tech/IT since its the background you have).

Check out Entrepreneur magazine or even visit their website (I read it once in a while at the library). I think it is a great resource!

Judging by your background, you should aim high... I would consider USC to be a sensible safety school... (ok, I'm exaggerating but not my much).

I am looking at 2-year programs. It is more beneficial to be with your cohort for 2 years rather than just a year. You make better connections that way.

Honestly, if your GPA and work exp is on par with your GMAT score, aim for Stanford, USC, UC-Berk, Kellogg and maybe a safety school (again you can probably aim high with your safety school as well). Its not all about GMAT.. the GMAT score gets the adcom to look at your application (you past this step) but you have to hook em with great essays and work experience.
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by skalevar » Mon Oct 25, 2010 10:34 am
FYI - I searched Entrepreneur Magazine and I found this list helpful https://www.entrepreneur.com/topcolleges/grad/0.html

I did not know Booth was known for entrepreneurship.

Please share if you find any other good lists or resources.
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by gsbjake » Tue Oct 26, 2010 6:46 pm
Yeah dude, I think Babson is the supposed "top dog" for entrepreneurship. I am however conflicted on whether going to a top school like GSB or HBS is better or going to a purely entrepreneurial school like Babson.


JL
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by skalevar » Tue Oct 26, 2010 7:00 pm
my bet is on the name brand - I've never heard of Babson until this thread.

I'm thinking a good compromise might be Booth or Kellogg (among the top 25 on Entrepreneur's List) but they still have Top 10 reps.
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