What is the general rule on "work experience"? Does it need to be in a large business, or extablished corporation? I managed a small service business with two locations and 15 part-time employees for a couple of years. I'd like to hear some opinions on the matter.
Thanks!

It depends. Are you thinking about an MBA or an EMBA? Even where there are general rules, as someone once said "rules are there to be broken." Gimme details!

Thanks for the response.

I'm looking to do an MBA in either California or Arizona. Hopefully either Thunderbird or University of San Diego.

The work experience I mentioned was running some small service based businesses. i.e. laundromat, carwash, tanning salons, and leasing commercial property. I did that for about 3-5 years full-time, while I was finishing my undergrad degree. I took a bit longer finishing school, as I was working full-time. I'm 28 now, and wanting to get right into a grad program without having to go BACK to the workforce just to meet someone's work requirements. What do you think?

Many thanks!

I have been accepted to the Thunderbird program for Fall 2008. In addition to applying for T-Bird, I looked into applying to many different schools, talked with alumni, and read countless articles about this topic. The best answer is to show how your work experience has been unique and how it has uniquely prepared you for not just an MBA, but an MBA with T-bird or San Diego. Obviously, T-bird is unique in itself because of the Global Mindset it preaches. If your work experience has given you qualities such as knowing how to run a small business, or managing employees, then you'll have a unique factor over many other applicants. You'll want to explain in your essay how your work experience combined with your goals will benefit from T-bird or San Diego. Best of luck!!!

That is really helpful info, many thanks for the reply.

Hey,

Sorry for having taken so long to reply. Actually, I probably wouldn't have said anything that different from the above. In particular, I agree that you should focus on communicating what your experience has taught you, rather than worry too much about whether or not you have the 'right' type of experience.

Best of luck!

Thanks lukeh, That makes sense, to focus on "how" it applies rather than "if".

Cheers!

Do you think pursuing a Master science degree in Management at Thunderbird will land job opportunities for international students in the USA ?.They say u don't need work experience for this though I have 3 years.

An MBA would be better. MSc's are generally not as highly regarded, and there will always be plenty of people out there who have them.

What are your criteria for considering Thunderbird? Is there nowhere else that fits your profile where you might be able to make your experience count?