Hi all,
I am studying my Master in Management in Mannheim right now, but I have in mind to go for a top MBA program after. My questions are: when is the best time and how could I prepare myself the best?
I did my bachelor in Economics and now I am starting my second year for Master in Management (core emphasis on Corporate Finance ). My Gmat 730, I had some work experience during my staudies , no gap between my first and second degree, currently I work for a German industry company in Controlling and Inhouse Consulting. I am in Germany for one year, 8 months of them I work for this company.
I want to know where should I work to be better prepared for MBA application. Should it be small company where I will have more chances to demonstrate my leadership skills and get promotion with higher probability, or a "brand" company, giving soundness to my resume? Should I try deferred application, or work after gradaution for some years and then proceed with MBA?
Thanks in advance,

Best regards,
Arman

Focus on your career goals, because what you do between now and your MBA might differ depending on them. Generally, you might benefit from more international exposure, more time in peer-based teams with less hierarchy and from volunteering work that allows you to develop more experience of leadership and diversity management.

Certainly, work for two years before applying so you can get into the great schools - which look for three or more years of work experience. Take a look at the schools that Mannheim partners with for international exchanges: those schools will value you more highly.

[Edited by Duncan on Aug 23, 2015]

In general I would agree with Duncan. But I would also suggest to not only think about your educational goals, but where it is *you* want to work, and what *you* want to do. You don't want to take a job just because you think it's going to look good on your resume three years from now when you want to apply for an MBA.

A lot can shift in three years, so start down the path that makes sense for you, and then look into an MBA when it's time.