This is a transcript summary of the Expert Chat that TopMBA Scorecard runs at regular intervals throughout the year. This is a live expert chat that took place on 6th March 2007 with Ms. Michele Gorman, assistant dean of Corporate Relations, American University, Kogod School of Business. Questions were sent in by respondents from all around the world.

Q: What is your preference: general or specialised MBAs?
A: The MBA degree in itself is a generalist degree. I think you are safe doing either, but my preference would be to add both breadth and depth. The concentration, or in our case career track, would add the in-depth knowledge of a specific area of study.

Q: I am a mechanical engineer working in the mining sector. I want to switch my career to the automotive industry. Which specialization should I follow when taking my MBA?
A: When you are evaluating what concentration or career track to take in your MBA, you really want to think through what your next step in your career is. Depending on what you would like to do in the automotive industry, you could specialize in corporate finance, international and trade, global supply chain management.

Q: I currently work at a consulting firm in the transfer pricing department. What MBA concentration would be best for me if I wanted to go back to this field after my MBA?
A: There are many options for our career tracks that would be relevant to you. You may select two areas to specialize in, including: corporate finance, international business consulting, leadership, etc.



Q: I have done an MBA (2.5 years) with a two year bachelor degree. I am working in a non-profit organization and my GMAT score is 460. I know improving GMAT score requires hard work. Should I go for another MBA after such a difficult process? Will I be at a disadvantage already having an MBA? What will be the benefits of another MBA except salary increase? Or am I just wasting time being bogged down in reading comprehension?
A: In order to assess if another MBA would be beneficial to you, I would recommend taking some time to think about what your next career goal is. If you want to work in the United States or another country, a MBA would contribute to advancing your career.



Q:Do you only count work experience after undergraduate degree or is work experience while doing undergraduate degree also counted during which I was working in my family business while doing my undergraduate degree.
A: The admission committee looks at all factors when they are making their decision. Your complete professional history, your education, your leadership, GMAT, and recommendations all make up the profile of your candidacy.



Q: Will my experience be validated after I obtain a MBA even if it is not related to the field I am trying to switch to?
A: Of course! Employers always look at the entire professional history to evaluate your potential. I would spend some time with a career services professional to talk about how to leverage those experiences in your resume and communications process. Identify what your transferable skills are and play those up.

Q: I am working in the domain of business process mapping in IT. Could you suggest me some colleges/universities where I can do a course on this subject?
A: I would recommend that you look at the strong IT markets. Washington, DC (for example) has an incredibly strong IT industry. As a result, the Kogod School of Business offers a MBA with career tracks in IT consulting or global emerging markets. With the strong educational programming and lots of opportunities to network with local industry executives, DC is a great place to enhance your career.

This is a transcript summary of the Expert Chat that TopMBA Scorecard runs at regular intervals throughout the year. This is a live expert chat that took place on 6th March 2007 with Ms. Michele Gorman, assistant dean of Corporate Relations, American University, Kogod School of Business. Questions were sent in by respondents from all around the world.

Q: What is your preference: general or specialised MBAs?
A: The MBA degree in itself is a generalist degree. I think you are safe doing either, but my preference would be to add both breadth and depth. The concentration, or in our case career track, would add the in-depth knowledge of a specific area of study.

Q: I am a mechanical engineer working in the mining sector. I want to switch my career to the automotive industry. Which specialization should I follow when taking my MBA?
A: When you are evaluating what concentration or career track to take in your MBA, you really want to think through what your next step in your career is. Depending on what you would like to do in the automotive industry, you could specialize in corporate finance, international and trade, global supply chain management.

Q: I currently work at a consulting firm in the transfer pricing department. What MBA concentration would be best for me if I wanted to go back to this field after my MBA?
A: There are many options for our career tracks that would be relevant to you. You may select two areas to specialize in, including: corporate finance, international business consulting, leadership, etc.



Q: I have done an MBA (2.5 years) with a two year bachelor degree. I am working in a non-profit organization and my GMAT score is 460. I know improving GMAT score requires hard work. Should I go for another MBA after such a difficult process? Will I be at a disadvantage already having an MBA? What will be the benefits of another MBA except salary increase? Or am I just wasting time being bogged down in reading comprehension?
A: In order to assess if another MBA would be beneficial to you, I would recommend taking some time to think about what your next career goal is. If you want to work in the United States or another country, a MBA would contribute to advancing your career.



Q:Do you only count work experience after undergraduate degree or is work experience while doing undergraduate degree also counted during which I was working in my family business while doing my undergraduate degree.
A: The admission committee looks at all factors when they are making their decision. Your complete professional history, your education, your leadership, GMAT, and recommendations all make up the profile of your candidacy.



Q: Will my experience be validated after I obtain a MBA even if it is not related to the field I am trying to switch to?
A: Of course! Employers always look at the entire professional history to evaluate your potential. I would spend some time with a career services professional to talk about how to leverage those experiences in your resume and communications process. Identify what your transferable skills are and play those up.

Q: I am working in the domain of business process mapping in IT. Could you suggest me some colleges/universities where I can do a course on this subject?
A: I would recommend that you look at the strong IT markets. Washington, DC (for example) has an incredibly strong IT industry. As a result, the Kogod School of Business offers a MBA with career tracks in IT consulting or global emerging markets. With the strong educational programming and lots of opportunities to network with local industry executives, DC is a great place to enhance your career.