looking for some feedback and direction

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looking for some feedback and direction

by norm4life » Sun Jul 20, 2008 8:55 pm
I am looking for some feedback on my situation and my current plan of getting into an MBA program. I am about 1.5 years into my first job out of college after 3 internships during college. Bachelor of Science Electrical Engineering w/ Minor in Economics from above average engineering school. Low GPA of 2.7.

I am more interested in economic, financial or business topics, as compared to the engineering side of things; hence my interest in an MBA. I am looking to get into an part-time online program, something like maybe <insert-state-here> State University or University of <insert-state-here>. Not looking for top of the line B-school, but something reasonable.

Have not taken GMAT, I am confident I can score quite well, going to begin studying soon. I do not have much for extra curricular activities. I should be able to get a couple of good recommendations.

Current plan: study for GMAT 2-3 months, application shortly thereafter, start school as early as January 09.

Will I have much problem getting into a good program? What can I do to further my future application considering my low GPA, lack of notable outside activities, and minimal professional experience? Just wondering if I am going about this the right way, trying to take care of problems now instead of later, any recommendations on online programs?

Thanks in advance!
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by Lisa Anderson » Mon Jul 21, 2008 6:49 am
Dear norm4life,

I will be honest--I am not a fan of online programs for an MBA. An important component of any MBA program is what you learn from your classmates and the connections you make with them. Online programs have minimal (if any) teamwork, class discussions on business cases, and student services (as in no career services). If you are serious about moving from an engineering role to a business role, then you would be better served attending a full-time MBA program (even at a small, regional program). Likewise, even a classroom-based part-time program would be a better option than online.

If you score over a 650 on your GMAT, that will help to balance your GPA. You also have time to get involved in your community--find a nonprofit you are interested in helping. Don't short-change your MBA experience--you have time to put together a competitive profile!

Best of luck,
Lisa
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