Question for Amy

[Krazie85]

Hello Amy,

I had posted a month or so ago that I just started my senior year of undergrad (acct major at Univ of South Carolina). I scored a 750 on the GMAT and have a 3.98 GPA. Lots of leadership in school. I spent a month abroad in Tokyo studying and am considering spending a year abroad there in the JET program (teaching English) after graduation. My main goal while there is to learn the language as best as possible. I am in intermediate Japanese but I am an extremely quick learner. In the future I would like to somehow be involved in Japan-American business. Do you think this year in Japan would enhance my b-school application or would a year in say I-banking or public accounting be better?

I know it is a broad question but any help or insight is appreciated. Also, in your reply to my post a month ago you said I could apply to b-schools right now. My goal is a top 5 school and when looking at their class profiles very few select students fresh out of undergrad. What gives?

Thanks for everything you do!

[Amy]

Hi Krazie85,

I think you have the sort of profile that MBA programs are interested in for their undergraduate applicants. I don't know if it's the right choice for you, since I do think work experience is quite helpful.

Teaching English in Japan is great experience, investment banking is also very good experience. It depends what your goals are. I would make all of your decisions in terms of your goals for you life, not just in prep for MBA applications. I-banking experience is going to be pretty common, so I would consider whether it fits into your goals, and if you plan to go into industry before applying for an MBA. I do think I-banking is excellent experience for a first job, to position you well for a job in the corporate world.

Good luck!

Amy