Undergrad - 3 yrs work experience - next steps

[agresj]

I'm looking for a few opinions. I graduated from college in May of 2008 and began working almost immediately after that. I'm prepping for the GMAT now and I plan to take it May 21st (wish me luck). Given the highly competitive nature of the current applicant pool, would I be better suited to apply to an MSc or other type of Master's program before I go for my MBA, or apply to MBA programs and hope for the best? I am considering an MSc in Real Estate given that is my desired industry and I'm currently in Luxury Retail. Any thoughts? Thanks

[brianm]

This really depends on what you're doing now job-wise and what you want your MBA for. I wouldn't get another master's just to bide my time before an MBA, but if the additional masters leads you toward your longer term goal then I don't think it's a bad thing.

I think people get too hung up on number of years work experience. If I've learned anything about this process, it's that numbers don't make or break you. I know people with 10 years of work experience that are less mature than me (I'm 25) and also know people in college who have started their own companies. Your story, maturity, and goals will get you a long way in the application process. Just make sure that you effectively communicate your story.

But for now, just focus on the GMAT and worry about application stuff after you're done. Good luck.