doublestrong 08-21-2006, 08:20 PM I've been in a business Ph.d program (concentrate in Operations Research) for two years. Before that, I was in another master program for 2 years. I am pretty fed up with the research I am doing right now and consider applying for a top MBA program. I had 5 years working experience in big firms. But there is a four-year gap in my professional experience because of the study I've been doing (2 years Ph.d and 2 years master). So can anyone tell me if my chance of getting into a top MBA program is big? If so, what kind of strategy should I use? Any comments are welcome.
Icemastr 08-21-2006, 11:09 PM What are you trying to accomplish? If you apply for a top MBA program you will have to explain that gap and when you tell them you did a master degree in another field and then were working on a business PhD you may look like a degree seeker and/or someone that doesn't have a clear plan or have figured out what they want. Business PhDs and business Master programs are two different ends of the spectrum. I think you should be asking yourself you have been in school for 8 years and are going to make it ten what will you have accomplished and what will you be doing when you graduate.
doublestrong 08-22-2006, 10:43 AM Thank you very much for your reply!
Actually, I've only been in school for 4 years. Plus, the master degree is in operations research which is related to business. I am now in a second tier business school and the research I am doing is not so interesting to me. I always like solving practical problem rather than acadamic game. Do you think the reason is strong enough?
cemj99 08-22-2006, 04:16 PM So what do you want to do? You don't necessarily need an MBA to solve practical problems. You still sound like you don't have a clear objective. If you don't know what you want to do, save yourself some time and money, just drop out and get a job.
doublestrong 08-22-2006, 04:27 PM Thank you for your response. I guess I haven't made my point clear. So I will say it again: being a Ph.d, you can solve problems, but those problems are very theoretical and have very narrow domain of application. I am more interested in solving practical real business world problem. That's why I am thinking of switching direction. Isnt it reasonable?
cemj99 08-23-2006, 04:25 PM Practical problems like what. Do you want to help small businesses increase their profit margins, do you want to help corporations streamline their merger processes, implement change management strategies for corporations, help a company increase its productivity via technology management, consult on how to do business in international markets, e-business solutions......You're still very vague. Practical business problems can be narrowed down into categories just like those you study in your Ph.D program. There has to be a reason for you to feel an MBA is going to give you the tools necessary to succeed in your chosen profession. Otherwise, you will be just categorized as a degree seeker. If you have worked in a professional environment, what opportunities do you see for improvement in your organization and how will an MBA help you guide your organization in achieving those goals. Those are the questions you should be asking yourself when deciding if you want an MBA.
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