Limited Work Experience...Will it hurt me?

[klaplant]

Hi,

I play professional basketball overseas and am looking to retire this next year. I want to go back to school for my MBA in either Marketing or International Business. Possibly find a career with both aspects.

I majored in Communication at the University of Southern California and minored in Business Administration. Because I was dedicated to my sport all through college and 2 years afterwards, I am limited in my "work experience". My work experience ranges basically during the summers (3 months). How much will this hurt my admissions application?

I have traveled a lot through Central America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, and Mexico. I am hoping my cultural and international experiences will help my admissions application. What are your thoughts? I feel like I am behind. Is there hope?

[Jim@StratusPrep]

Basketball is a business. Talk about what you learned through contract negotiations, teamwork, etc... You have the advantage of having a unique story, use that to your advantage.

[sieken]

I agree with Jim. You are a very unique applicant with a very unique story and have a degree from a great school. I don't see why you couldn't get into whatever program you want with the right essay, GPA and GMAT.

[klaplant]

Okay thanks! I'll be sure to use my basketball experience as what sets me apart. Thanks for the ideas!

[Jon@Admissionado]

And did anyone mention that schools LOVE when pro athletes apply??
Aha! maybe they should have!!


When you present your story to the Adcom, the strongest story will probably make use of your basketball past (so some sort of sports + management goals would make the most sense)

Hope this helps,