Work Experience Requirements for MBA Programs

Is work experience required for an MBA program? For the most part, yes.

How much work experience is required? Generally, business schools with accreditation require that applicants have at least two or three years of work experience to apply for an MBA. Typically, ranked business schools in places like the US, Europe, and Canada recruit applicants with between four to six years of work experience, on average.

What kind of work experience is required? Generally, business schools will look at any full-time work experience that was accrued after the completion of your bachelor’s degree. Sometimes they’ll also look at part-time work experience as well. You’ll need to check with the business schools you’re interested in to determine what kind of work experience you’ll need.

However, there are exceptions to work experience requirements. Some early-career MBA programs will take applicants with just one or two years of work experience. Other business schools offer deferred admission for their MBA programs, meaning you can apply without work experience but start the MBA after you’ve worked for several years.

Why is work experience required for MBA programs? In short, because having real work experience provides a basis on which to learn more about business and management. Applicants who do not have any work experience but want to pursue a master’s level program in business might consider a Master in Management program instead of an MBA.

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