Post-graduate planning

ThePrestig...

1 2

Posted May 02, 2012 16:59

Hello,
I recently got my MSc degree in Pure Mathematics at the University of Florence, Italy.
I am really interested in pursuing a career in business consulting or in becoming an entrepreneur.
In the meantime, I'd like to have an answer to some questions:
1. Is it possible to enter a MBA program in a top Business School with a math degree?
In order to maximize my likelihood to be admitted do I have to attend a pre-program Economics/Finance course? What other courses are better to add in my schedule?
2. How often do firms finance an employee to attend a MBA?
3. What other program, apart from an MBA, could maximize one's chances to become a C-level manager or a successful entrepreneur?
4. What kind of work experience is considered preferable in order to enter a MBA program? Is it considered a valuable experience to be a high school teacher during the process of admission?
5. Could a PhD open similar work possibilities? And, as for MBA, is it possible to enter a PhD program in Economics, Finance or Strategy with a math degree?
6. What are the best extra-university and extra-work experiences to enroll in order to have a better CV?
7. Could an undergraduate degree in Economics (besides MSc in Mathematics) be a strong achievement or is it "mandatory" to get a Master in Economics/Finance before try entering a MBA in a prestigious Business School?
Thanks a lot for your advise!!

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bleedingui...

12 24

Posted May 02, 2012 18:43

Dude... thats too many questions. Perhaps best to narrow them down a bit. So I would reply to the questions that I think I can answer.
1) Yes. MSc is pure mathematics is sufficient. I would suggest don't do any pre-program. Better invest your time in some social work, which would increase your chances.
2) < 5% - Depends of firm and position.
3) There is no shortcut to becoming a manager. You will have to start from the bottom.
4) A progressive experience with responsibilities in a unique field would maximize your chances.
5) PhD would open far more opportunities in a specialize sector(Finance or economics) but MBA would open more horizontal opportunities.
6) Didn't get you.
7) Degree field is less important. More important factors are the reputation of your university and your grades in the class.
Sorry - Please narrow down your questions and then post. I suggest read some books and do some research before posting such a broad question.

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ThePrestig...

1 2

Posted May 02, 2012 18:56

Thanks for your answer and sorry for posting so many questions! The problem is that I have a lot of questions. However, if I don't see other answers to this thread I'll follow your suggestion to split my questions in 2 different posts!

I suppose that it's more improtant GMAT score than one's degree subject. However, I mean, given that I think I'll get very high score in GMAT (around 780), I hope that Harvard or Stanford could have the same opinion as you about MSc in Mathematics! :)

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bleedingui...

12 24

Posted May 02, 2012 22:23

No worries. I didn't want to sound harsh or discourage you at all. One thing I would suggest if you are targeting Harvard/Stanford is to go their website and look at their student's profile and you will find answer to a lot of questions that you have asked.

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mandar

1 2

Posted May 03, 2012 07:56

hello sir i wanna know that which colleges in usa are good for ms in media management...n do they accept 15yrs of education that is bsc in mass communication

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ezra

521 711

Posted May 03, 2012 09:48

4. What kind of work experience is considered preferable in order to enter a MBA program? Is it considered a valuable experience to be a high school teacher during the process of admission?

Usually, any progressively responsible work experience will be deemed relevant. In your application essays, you'll want to detail what you want to do with this experience, and how an MBA can help you get to the next step. Think about the work in terms of broader and more long term career goals.

Keep in mind that the amount of work experience will matter for the top schools like Stanford and Harvard. Although both of these schools say that there is no minimum, they generally only accept candidates with at least two years of experience - and at both schools the average number of years of work experience for successful applicants is about four.

bleedinguitar has a lot of good advice here. Don't get too hung up on your degree - many people who get into MBA programs only have a general BA. It's less about the content of the education as it is about how you performed.

<blockquote>4. What kind of work experience is considered preferable in order to enter a MBA program? Is it considered a valuable experience to be a high school teacher during the process of admission?</blockquote>
Usually, any progressively responsible work experience will be deemed relevant. In your application essays, you'll want to detail what you want to do with this experience, and how an MBA can help you get to the next step. Think about the work in terms of broader and more long term career goals.

Keep in mind that the amount of work experience will matter for the top schools like Stanford and Harvard. Although both of these schools say that there is no minimum, they generally only accept candidates with at least two years of experience - and at both schools the average number of years of work experience for successful applicants is about four.

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