Ask an MBA Admissions Consultant

Hello,

I graduated in 2009 from a Top 15 law school with a 3.6GPA and a specialization in business law. Unfortunately, largely due to the economic meltdown, my offer at AMLaw 100 firm was deferred, and then eventually rescinded. It has been almost impossible to find a comparable legal job, and I am not at all interested in doing personal injury or insurance litigation for a fraction of what I was slated to make. I never planned on practicing law for very long anyway, so I am currently studying for the GMAT and considering applying to MBA programs, though I wouldn't consider taking on the additional debt unless I get into a Top 10 school.

I have always heard that MBA programs look heavily on work experience, so I am wondering whether it is worth it to try to apply to schools this year, while i am unemployed, or to get the GMAT out of the way now, find ANY job to tide me over for a year, and then apply next year.

Once I start my applications, I plan on seeking professional advice to help with my essays, and to explain the desire for a career change.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Vivek

Hello, Vivek,

I think it would be difficult to gain admission to a top-10 MBA program with no work experience even with a top law degree. I won't say it's impossible, if you have a very compelling goal and other aspects of your application are outstanding. On the other hand, MBA applications are very goals focused, and the top programs want to see a strong career trajectory, so working for a year will help if you can show your work to be a building block for your goals, even if indirectly.

Since you are a career changer, think about (and expect to address in your essays) how you will bridge your previous work or studies and your future career, and also how you can make the case that your decision regarding your new career is an informed one.

Best regards,
Cindy Tokumitsu
Senior Editor, www.Accepted.com