#1. You can clearly demonstrate what you bring to an MBA classroom and campus.
Most top-tier business schools are looking for candidates who can add significantly to classroom discussion through first-hand experiences gained in the working world.
While some schools are admitting younger students with less time on the job, they generally do so only when a candidate can show an accelerated career path and/or unique work or life experience. Historically, leading schools have looked for an average of five years of work experience for full-time programs and seven to thirteen years for part-time and executive programs. Rarely do they admit students with fewer than two years of full-time work under their belts.
Historically, leading schools have looked for an average of five years of work experience for full-time programs and seven to thirteen years for part-time and executive programs.
Why? Keep in mind that while you are looking to pursue an MBA because of what you want to learn, business schools are looking for what you have to offer.
The ideal business school classroom brings together students from diverse backgrounds and industries to share best practices and skills developed in the trenches. Admissions officers will look for you to have as much to contribute as you have to gain. Likewise, the admissions committee will use the progression and milestones of your career—as well as your supervisor’s assessment of your work impact and leadership potential—as important factors in deciding whether they feel you’re ready for their program.