Are early career MBAs advantageous for media and ent?

[KendraD]

I am a recent graduate with an interest in journalism and music business as it relates to non-traditional marketing (digital, social media, etc) and platforms (online, mobile, iPad, etc). Both industries are developing new business models and techniques in order to navigate the digital landscape and even creative professionals are finding it necessary to develop business accumen as they transition to the web.

With that said, I think as a journalist, an MBA would give me the business foundation and credentials to participate in new media innovation instead of observe but I am concerned as to whether an early career MBA would be advantageous or even do-able as a non-traditional applicant with little full time experience. Some say its best to wait 4-5 years before pursuing an MBA while others say all the major changes in journalism and music business will occur in the next 4-5 years so the sooner I get the degree, the better.

[Anurag@Gurome]

I would not have said this a few years back - and I probably still wound not say this to most - but you should go for it now KendraD. The time for new business models is now - Check out SF Public Press, for instance. USA Today is shifting big time to social media platforms, away from print. If you want to make an impact, either join a cutting edge media company or get an MBA with precisely the same goal of joining one right after MBA.

[KendraD]

Ahh my career goals exactly, thanks! Someone on linkedin did make an interesting point that change is always happening and a similar shift occurred when tapes and portable camera equipment were considered new technology for broadcast years ago so its something to consider. I'm still on the MBA now boat though.

[armyoftim]

I agree with Dr. Mairal (mind you I have none of the credentials that he has). Based on my research, B-Schools are: 1) trying to enroll "younger" MBA students (specifically targetting undergrads or new grads) and 2) much more interested in the quality of your professional experience. So if you feel like you have a compelling story to tell based off your experience - then you should apply. If not, then live the story and apply when you're ready.

I don't think you're going to "miss" anything in marketing or anything else - change is constant, and these new sexy vehicles will be constantly evolving. You're not missing the boat on anything if you choose to wait. Good luck!

[Anurag@Gurome]

Concur with armyoftim wholeheartedly.

[Kaneisha Grayson]

Hi Kendra,

I specialize in working with non-traditional applicants and one of my clients was recently admitted to Columbia for their media program https://www4.gsb.columbia.edu/media. I highly recommend you get an MBA and definitely consider Columbia's program.

Being an early career applicant may prove difficult in the corporate job search. While at Harvard Business School (I JUST graduated), I recruited (unsuccessfully) for media and entertainment jobs and I NEVER had enough work experience to satisfy them. I'm really glad it didn't work out, because I was really just running from my entrepreneurial destiny.

HOWEVER, I think that you win either way. If you get an MBA now, you'll command higher earnings earlier in your career. But if you wait a few years and actually work in the music industry with social and digital media, you get the outstanding opportunity to work for corporations and/or start-ups while you are CHEAP. Once you get an MBA, the hurdle to hiring you gets raised much more. I know it sounds strange, but far too few people with creative tendencies / non-traditional applicants consider that they will be too expensive to hire for many of the firms they'd be interested in working for. There's always the opportunity to do an unpaid internship or to get loan repayment (HBS had loan repayment assistance even for those of us who started our own businesses or joined companies in the private sector with lower salaries), but if you have your eye on some positions, it might be a good idea to work there for a year or so. That way, you've learned more about the digital marketing landscape (which is moving at lightning speed) AND be well positioned for positions within media conglomerates.

I know that was a LOT of information, but I really like your conundrum! Send me an email if you want to chat more about this!

Good luck!

Kaneisha

[KendraD]

I feel like I replied to you both to a similar subject in someone else's topic but when I saw there was no response here I figured I'd post late instead of never haha.

I decided to apply and applied to a bunch of top tier schools Round 2, including Columbia who said that they don't care for the young kids the way others do. I realize that I will be at a disadvantage with less exp come job time but I plan to freelance like crazy and maybe do some consulting while in business school to off set my low professional exp. I've heard of long-time freelancers being hired as editors without prior in-house experience so I'll take my chances. Thanks for your help!

[Kaneisha Grayson]

Let us know how it all ends up for you, Kendra!

[KendraD]

Hey guys, here's the latest update!

Interview:

Wharton - March 2, 2011 (on-campus, went very well!)
MIT

WL:
Yale

Waiting to hear back (consortium):
UV
Dartmouth
NYU

Waiting:
Stanford

Dings:
HBS
CBS
UT

Is there an example wait list response letter online somewhere, I've seen posts where people discuss what should go in them but a sample would be more helpful. Also, Yale said they would provide feedback, any clue as to how you request it and when you should?

Thanks for all the insight!