Hi everyone,
I'm 30, I'm French, I've been working for almost seven years as an international finance controller in two major multinational French companies in Paris, one in outdoor advertising and one in pharmaceutical softwares and today I want to operate a major professional change with a double objective in mind: enter the entertainment industry and ideally come work in the US.
I'm still trying to find out what's the best way to do this but one of the solutions would appear to enroll in an MBA specialized in entertainment, I've looked around on the internet and it appears there are some really good programs ( more specifically UCLA, USC, NYU and Columbia).
As every student applying for these kind of schools, I'm wondering what my chances are to be accepted in these programs ? One of my main concerns is the fact that I have NO experience at all in the entertainment industry. That's actually one of the main reasons I want to do this type of MBA ( = to enter this industry) but I was wondering if not having experience in entertainment was an obstacle to enter these types of MBA programs ?
Thanks in advance for your answer, I really appreciate your help.

Clément

Hello, a lot of students who apply to the top schools in the US do change their career tracks after their studies. I don't see that as an obatacle. However it is always better to have a feedback. If you have a chance of attending any MBA tours, please do so...the uni representatives are very friendly and are always happy to answer these types of questions.
Wish you all the best
Cheers
eFeedz
http://efeedz.wordpress.com/

Thanks a lot for your answer efeedz, I appreciate your support. I'll indeed try to come to the US to visit the unis we talked about...

i think it wont stand in your way - but you would have to explain why you want to move into the entertainment business.....
and outdoor advertising is kind of relevant to entertainment(or at least you can claim so...)

I don't think it will stand in your way - specializations are usually a way for people with different backgrounds to learn about specific industries - I mean, if you already knew about the entertainment industry, what point would there be to study it in a classroom?

As far as your chances, it's hard to say without knowing more about your profile: length of work experience, undergrad GPA, GMAT score, etc, etc...

Thanks for these different advices / comments...

In terms of experience, I've been working for 7 years now (in 2 different multinational companies)...
Regarding the GMAT, I have a 730 score but that was more than 8 years ago so I need to retake it...
Can you please explain what an undergrad GPA is, being French (and having studied in France + UK), I'm not sure it is relevant for me, is it ?

By the way, another question: I'm 30 (turning 31 in May), and it seems medium age is more around 28 years old in the MBA programs, could my age be kind of a "problem" ? From what I've read I don't think so but just to be sure...B-)

Thanks again

Clem

GPA is Grade point average - it is the summery of your achievements in the university. although probably a different point system, i am pretty sure you have an equivalent. there are some charts on the net that should help you convert your score into GPA.
and don't worry about your age! it is perfectly normal for people with 30+ to take a MBA - you wont be the only one, im sure.