Indiana / Kelley - 07-30-2019 | Clear Admit ApplyWire

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July 30, 2019 2:27pm ET

Applying: Indiana / Kelley, Other, UMD / Smith

Intake Year: 2020

Pre-MBA Career: Product Development at Asset Manager

Post-MBA Target Industry: Asset Management, inc. HF, Other Companies: Other

GPA: 3.90

Years of Work Experience: 6

Location: East Coast

Notes:

Thanks for offering to provide feedback so openly.

I'm in the process of narrowing down part-time business school programs, and I'm hoping to better understand the type of program I'd qualify for. Like others, I'm trying to find the "sweet spot" between cost and value.

About me:
28/M
I'm currently in a Product role at a +$1T asset manager, where I work as a project manager and product owner for a digital advice offering. I hold multiple designations and licenses in the industry – one of which required the completion of an executive education program at Wharton.

I got my start as a writer (and have done some ghostwriting since) before transitioning to a compliance role where I oversaw large-scale audits, so I’ve had varied experience.

I'm not looking to make a substantial career change nor have I hit any walls yet, but I’m interested in expanding my education to transition toward more strategic roles that may open doors to senior or executive level roles in the future. Note: I’d be actively looking for a GMAT waiver.

Thanks!

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Show Comments (9) Last: August 19, 2019

alexbr4 Verified User. Likes Earned: 1693 Interesting. Where are you based? For those seeking a part-time program, local offerings are the ones you'll need to target. You could also consider an online MBA. The latter type of programs are becoming much more viable. That said, you sound like you have the credentials to target the leading full-time programs, if you were willing to take the GMAT, do very well on the test. Full time is a greater risk/return scenario. (0)

anon54302 Likes Earned: 0 Thanks, Alex. I'm based in Maryland, and I've been leaning toward online MBAs - I'm starting a family and don't want to uproot us. Part of that lean was also based on the idea that I would not be accepted to a top program, where the sentiment seems to be: return > cost in time. Overall, I'm struggling to understand the importance of rankings when it comes to an online program. I haven't been able to find anything recent on clearadmit regarding the topic, and I'd love to read more or pick someone's brain to get a better grasp. Thanks again. (0)

alexbr4 Verified User. Likes Earned: 1693 We recently published a couple of stories regarding the strengthening of the online MBA offerings, here's one that should be interesting: https://www.clearadmit.com/2019/06/the-online-mba-which-programs-matter/ (0)

anon54302 Likes Earned: 0 Thanks, Alex. I caught that article (and a few others general in nature on the site), but I'm particularly interested in the importance of the rankings at the online programs. E.g. when you consider the online degree does not denote that it was attained online, should the full-time, part-time, or online ranking of the program carry more weight to a potential employer? I haven't seen this covered before and it seems like an interesting topic since we generally base part of our decision on the reputation (real or perceived) of the school. (0)

grichmond Verified User. Likes Earned: 1302 Thanks for your post - and for your comments about assessing online MBA offerings! This is an area that we are increasingly discussing as an editorial team, and we hope to provide more coverage in the future. In the meantime, I do agree with Alex that you seem to have the makings of as strong FT MBA candidacy...potentially with some great programs too. With that said, I understand the hurdles (starting a family, GMAT) that are perhaps in the way. As to looking for a great online MBA, putting the 'GMAT waiver' as a prerequisite may limit your options (since most programs which are really worth their salt are going to require the test - or something similar like the GRE). Now, you can apply for a waiver in many cases, but it seems odd to place this kind of barrier as a requirement while also looking for the very best value/quality programs. Beyond the two on your list, I wonder if you might consider @UNC? Another option would be to look at Georgetown's flex and evening offerings given your location. The nice thing about Georgetown and UNC is that both schools carry a fair amount of weight in terms of parent-institution branding. Best of luck!
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anon54302 Likes Earned: 0 Thank you both for taking the time to share your perspectives on my situation. As I dig deeper, this feels more like an art than a science, and I appreciate your taking your experiences to help me (and others) make a better decision. You've given me a lot to mull over - I'm looking forward to continuing to use this site as a resource! (0)

alexbr4 Verified User. Likes Earned: 1693 More detailed feedback on this profile in this episode of Wire Taps: https://www.clearadmit.com/2019/08/episode-47-wire-taps-gmat-waiver-options-non-traditional-work-experience-non-profit-goals-and-more/ (0)

anon54302 Likes Earned: 0 Thank you both for the insightful conversation regarding my profile in your recent episode. That medium (and previous episodes) helped me understand the approach you take to assessing candidates. I'd been positioning myself toward the GMAT waiver due to the number of standardized tests I've had to prepare for and pass in recent years, but I was also receiving feedback from counselors at local schools along the lines of "Oh, we'd just give you a waiver if you can prove you've done some quantitative work." That was much more appealing than studying for a new test, but I did not realize the impact the score seems to have. I appreciate the work you are doing in making this space more accessible to folks like me. If you're interested in the rest of my story, I'd be happy to talk offline! (0)

alexbr4 Verified User. Likes Earned: 1693 I'm sure there are plenty of programs which would offer you a waiver, based on your strong GPA etc. The reality is, you may be forgoing opportunities by pursuing those offers. Feel free to email me [email protected] with more details, or keep the conversation here. (0)