Non-Traditional Work Experience in MBA Admissions

Aspiring MBAs, such as lawyers, officers and medical doctors, often wonder whether their background will be useful in business school class discussions. Actually, there is no reason to be nervous about it, as non-traditional experience may be just what the school needs. How is this possible? Read on and find out.

Diversity in the classroom

Admissions committees are really interested in gathering together a class full of very different students, with various backgrounds, job experiences and professional fields. No MBA program class has ever consisted of only financiers or managers, as it would be just boring to have a group of people without unique interests and knowledge areas. Your ‘outsider’ experience may be just what the program needs to make discussions interesting and productive.

How to secure your position being a non-traditional candidate

As we already mentioned, any new experience will be relevant, but you shouldn’t think that it alone will help you make it to the desired admission. There are other things you have to present to get enrolled into an MBA program:

• Outstanding grades in mathematics (algebra, statistics, geometry). With your unusual experience, your school has to make sure you can handle the curriculum.
• Above average GMAT or GRE results to prove you have no difficulties with math. It can also serve as proof that you won’t lag behind the class in quant subjects.
• A course in mathematics or statistics from a local college with a good or excellent grade. It may help if your college transcript does not have a sufficient amount of hours in quantitative courses.
• Proof that you really need this MBA degree. Try to explain it in your essay as thoroughly as possible. It is a must for all applicants, but if your college degree and/or previous jobs are not connected with ‘traditional’ fields of finance, business or management, you have to go out of your way to assure the admissions committee of your intentions.
• A clear presentation of your career objectives. Tell the committee what you intend to do with your degree in the future, and how it will be useful in your current or prospective job.

People without an entrepreneurial background will have a ‘fresh look’ on problems and cases presented in the classroom. Not only will it be interesting for your peers, but also for the faculty members.

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