Apply now or later?

[razorback]

I'm 27 and my resume since high school is:

4 year college, BA in Economics (Temple) with 3.7 GPA
4 years Marine Corps (enlisted, yes with a college degree), finished out as Chief Scout Sniper with a stack of combat awards from 2 tours

There's a bit more to me than that, but as far as I can place on paper, that's about it. Its probably worth noting that I've tried (and failed) to launch several prototypes of consumer products (got held up at the "no one actually wants to buy it" phase). But at my core I am an innovative entrepreneur and can demonstrate that.

The glaring hole appears to be a lack of any formal, suit 'n tie, excel spreadsheet business experience. Although a few people (with admittedly no recent experience in applying to or sitting on the admissions council of a graduate school) have told me that my military experience is a more than adequate resume item, even standalone.

On going to B-School, my estimation of the pros and cons:

*By going for an MBA now, I give up nothing (I'm not walking away from a paying job).
*Any MBA will be free, thanks to the post-911 GI Bill
*the "net present value" of a graduate degree right now should far outweigh a few years' salary and then a degree

Cons
*lack of business experience may limit me from getting into an MBA program worth going to (as of right now I am unclear exactly what that means, but family considerations limit me to schools in/around the Phila/NYC area)

Instead of going to B-school to enhance my career, or change the direction of my career, I'd like to go in order to launch my career. Fields I'm interested in and have somewhat of an academic passion for, are, vaguely speaking, currencies and energy.

Should I work for a few years and re-evaluate graduate school then? Or should I go to graduate school now? Any particular comments or suggestions? Thanks.

[Jon@Admissionado]

Well to be honest, it's hard for me to say what you should do with your life.. that's a weeeee bit beyond my scope.


You gotta go with your heart, and try all sorts of things. what I CAN tell you though is that yes, Military experience is definitely enough to get you into B-school, and if that's what you decide you want, you would even be a quite strong candidate. And through your MBA you might discover a fascinating business path that will open your mind to many ideas.

[Siddharthpaul]

Typically two questions to answer

1. Whether you should take a call to go for an MBA or not.

Year on Year the grads have proven that with an MBA they have done better(job or no job). So going for an MBA is a simple decision.

2. Is your profile good enough?

I think so. Not for all but definitely some of the colleges are there which you can definitely fight for. Prepare your application well.

3. Third and immediate decision of going to college is partially dependent on you. If you can get through then decide.

[shobhitanand]

Firstly, the kind of analysis you have provided of your pros and cons makes me believe that you do not even need an MBA in the first place.
Jokes apart, your pros do outweigh the cons and a graduate degree from a reputed/ good college will not only provide your resume the fillip it requires but also may land you a job close to your heart, directly from your college.
To resonate your concern, from my personal experience, I can assure you that a degree will go a long way in not only adding a stamp which per se will be a adornment to your illustrious career and very frankly when you are going to get your education for free, why do you even have to re-think?
Your ambitions are in line with your proposed degree.. so, please go ahead without any second thoughts

[Kaneisha Grayson]

Hi Razorback,

It sounds like you could benefit from going straight to school. You'll graduate commanding a much higher salary with which to support your family, and you'll learn all those suit and tie skills you referred to while in business school and your first jobs right out of your program. I had plenty of straight from the military classmates and they did very well in school and the job search.

Being confined to the NY/Philly area is not bad at all! Wharton, NYU Stern, and Columbia are some of the awesome schools you can apply to and still be close to your family.

On the other hand, if you decide to go work for a few years before applying, that works too. Just be aware that you may feel a little on the older side at some programs.

Good luck!
Kaneisha