MBA for 2 years work experience (non-traditional)


Are there any (reasonable) MBA programs I can get into with only 2 years of work experience?

My situation is complicated because my work experience is non-traditional, since I am an entrepreneur. Since graduating from university I've started 2 businesses, which are still growing.

Starting in fall 2018 would be ideal for me because things are winding down with one of my businesses and I am planning on parting ways with my partner on the second business.

I am open to business schools in the US, the UK, and Europe. Thanks.

Are there any (reasonable) MBA programs I can get into with only 2 years of work experience?

My situation is complicated because my work experience is non-traditional, since I am an entrepreneur. Since graduating from university I've started 2 businesses, which are still growing.

Starting in fall 2018 would be ideal for me because things are winding down with one of my businesses and I am planning on parting ways with my partner on the second business.

I am open to business schools in the US, the UK, and Europe. Thanks.
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George Pat...

illinois states on website that people with less than 3 years need gmat. So I guess they accept less than 3 years (although on requirements they say 3 years)

on the FAQ:
"No, the GMAT/GRE are not required for the iMBA program; however, submitting a test score is recommended for those with less than three years’ work experience."

It may be a long shot, but contact them and find out I guess :)

illinois states on website that people with less than 3 years need gmat. So I guess they accept less than 3 years (although on requirements they say 3 years)

on the FAQ:
"No, the GMAT/GRE are not required for the iMBA program; however, submitting a test score is recommended for those with less than three years’ work experience."

It may be a long shot, but contact them and find out I guess :)
quote
Inactive User

Some business schools in the US - Stanford included - regularly recruit candidates with less than 3 years of work experience. Do a bit of searching:

https://find-mba.com/search/result?keyword=&area=15&spec=&language=&program=&intake=&tuition=0;150000&duration=6;48&accredition=true&averageGmat=400;800&averageWorkExperience=2;3

In any case, assuming you'l still work until intake, you'll have closer to three years.

The bigger issue the way I see it is demonstrating that this has been verifiable, quality work experience. It's extremely hard to demonstrate a clear career arc with so little work experience. If you can do that, and can get solid letters of recommendation to back that story up, then that would help.

Your GMAT score will also be key.

Some business schools in the US - Stanford included - regularly recruit candidates with less than 3 years of work experience. Do a bit of searching:

https://find-mba.com/search/result?keyword=&area=15&spec=&language=&program=&intake=&tuition=0;150000&duration=6;48&accredition=true&averageGmat=400;800&averageWorkExperience=2;3

In any case, assuming you'l still work until intake, you'll have closer to three years.

The bigger issue the way I see it is demonstrating that this has been verifiable, quality work experience. It's extremely hard to demonstrate a clear career arc with so little work experience. If you can do that, and can get solid letters of recommendation to back that story up, then that would help.

Your GMAT score will also be key.
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Duncan

This candidate would have to be very, very interesting to get into a valuable MBA: well above average on everything else. A specialised masters could be a good alternative.

This candidate would have to be very, very interesting to get into a valuable MBA: well above average on everything else. A specialised masters could be a good alternative.
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Duncan

This candidate would have to be very, very interesting to get into a valuable MBA: well above average on everything else. A specialised masters could be a good alternative, or an MBA at one of the Yale or MIT partner schools, followed by a year at either of those.

This candidate would have to be very, very interesting to get into a valuable MBA: well above average on everything else. A specialised masters could be a good alternative, or an MBA at one of the Yale or MIT partner schools, followed by a year at either of those.
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That's a bit disheartening. Perhaps I'll look into specialized masters programs, but I was really looking at MBAs...

That's a bit disheartening. Perhaps I'll look into specialized masters programs, but I was really looking at MBAs...
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Duncan

I'm sure you can get into some MBA but, because most schools will look for twice as much work experience, you have the choice of a master at a great business school or an MBA at an average one.

I'm sure you can get into some MBA but, because most schools will look for twice as much work experience, you have the choice of a master at a great business school or an MBA at an average one.
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maury

Do you have any specific goals? There are specialized master's in a number of topics, from entrepreneurship to supply chain, marketing, etc.

Do you have any specific goals? There are specialized master's in a number of topics, from entrepreneurship to supply chain, marketing, etc.
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My goal is to get a steady job. :)

My goal is to get a steady job. :)
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Duncan

Finance is very stable. Get a masters in finance.

Finance is very stable. Get a masters in finance.
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Razors Edg...

Agreed that a specialized master's would probably be more realistic at this stage of your career. But you would need to focus your goals. The alternative would be to wait a couple more years, at which point you'd be more attractive for MBA programs.

Agreed that a specialized master's would probably be more realistic at this stage of your career. But you would need to focus your goals. The alternative would be to wait a couple more years, at which point you'd be more attractive for MBA programs.
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