What Kind of Work Experience?

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What Kind of Work Experience?

by mushinkan » Fri Oct 02, 2009 12:38 pm
I am graduating this semester with a 3.36 GPA. My school is ranked around the 80s by the US News for its undergraduate business program. I double majored in Accounting and Finance. My goal is to get into a top MBA proram

Now, assuming I get a high GMAT score (670+) which I would invest alot of time to attain, what kind of work experience would help the most:

I have two options, either to work for a Sovereign Wealth Fun or for PwC on the financial advisory side. I intent to work there for about 2 - 3 years. Many people told me that a Sovereign Wealth Fund work experience would be prestigious, unique, and surely differentiate you from other applicants as admission committees are looking for diversity in backgrounds (what are the odds that there is another international applicant having the same background?). However, others told me that PriceWaterHouseCoopers is very prestigious and highly reputable firm (big 4 in actg), and admission committees still have notions that working for a big consulting firm is the best you can bring to the table along with I-banking.

Please enlighten me and help to choose between those two. Again, my goal is to get into a top MBA. So, which of these to background would help me the most (taking into consideration my undergrad)? Also, what are my admission chances into these programs?

1. University of Chicago
2. Northwestern University
3. UCLA
4. NYU
5. Duke University
6. University of Southern California
7. Boston College

Thank You
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Re: What Kind of Work Experience?

by Linda Abraham » Fri Oct 02, 2009 2:03 pm
mushinkan wrote:I am graduating this semester with a 3.36 GPA. My school is ranked around the 80s by the US News for its undergraduate business program. I double majored in Accounting and Finance. My goal is to get into a top MBA proram

Now, assuming I get a high GMAT score (670+) which I would invest alot of time to attain, what kind of work experience would help the most:

I have two options, either to work for a Sovereign Wealth Fun or for PwC on the financial advisory side. I intent to work there for about 2 - 3 years. Many people told me that a Sovereign Wealth Fund work experience would be prestigious, unique, and surely differentiate you from other applicants as admission committees are looking for diversity in backgrounds (what are the odds that there is another international applicant having the same background?). However, others told me that PriceWaterHouseCoopers is very prestigious and highly reputable firm (big 4 in actg), and admission committees still have notions that working for a big consulting firm is the best you can bring to the table along with I-banking.

Please enlighten me and help to choose between those two. Again, my goal is to get into a top MBA. So, which of these to background would help me the most (taking into consideration my undergrad)? Also, what are my admission chances into these programs?

1. University of Chicago
2. Northwestern University
3. UCLA
4. NYU
5. Duke University
6. University of Southern California
7. Boston College

Thank You
Mushinkan,

You have two excellent options. My basic response would be to choose the one that appeals to you more. However, if you say you like both offers equally and the SWF will provide you with good training, I would say "go with the SWF."

In terms of your chances, given that you probably won't apply for a couple of years, I would rather respond then. I can say that for the schools on your list today, with the possible exception of Boston College, a 3.36 and 670 would not be terribly impressive. The 670 would also be an issue at many management consulting firms and investment banks that hire MBAs.

Best,
Linda
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by mushinkan » Fri Oct 02, 2009 4:42 pm
Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge and time.

I just had a clarification: you said "possible exception of Boston College," I assume you mean it is easier given my prospective profile, right?

Is there a group of good schools that it is easier to get into rather than others, but still top?


Thanks alot.

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by Linda Abraham » Thu Oct 08, 2009 6:07 pm
mushinkan wrote:Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge and time.

I just had a clarification: you said "possible exception of Boston College," I assume you mean it is easier given my prospective profile, right?

Is there a group of good schools that it is easier to get into rather than others, but still top?


Thanks alot.
Yes, I meant that Boston College is a little easier to get into.

There are many fine schools but there is a close correlation between "top" and demanding admissions criteria. You can, however, seek schools that are perhaps ranked a little lower overall, but very well regarded in your specific area of interest.

Best,
Linda
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