Q: I am studying Industrial/Organizational Psychology with a minor in Economics, and am looking to receive an MBA later on, after about 3-5 years of work experience. Do you have any advice about how I could make myself extra-attractive to employers? My chances for admission into a top MBA program will likely be impacted heavily by the quality of learning and experience I gain from this first employer, and I want to secure the best job possible. What can I do to better my chances and prepare myself to get the most from the experience?
A: You’ve got a good major/minor combination and a realistic view of the requirements for getting an MBA from a leading program. Consider several additional steps to prepare for business school. One is to take the GMAT before you finish college. The score will be good for five years, and you’ll benefit from taking the test now, while your recollection of college English and math is strong and your test-taking skills are still sharp.
With regard to your first job after graduation, the key is a good internship. Make this a priority, both in terms of your search and your willingness to sacrifice, as necessary, to take an internship that may require relocation to an expensive city and/or may not pay much. The financial sacrifice will pay great dividends in the long run.
Also, start thinking about the industry in which you’d like to work. Let’s say, for instance, that you have an interest in automobiles. You could begin now to get to know that industry, following current events such as GM’s recovery from bankruptcy and Toyota’s reaction to its supplier quality problems. You could even take basic courses in mechanical engineering, physics, or chemistry, so as to understand the principles behind engine technology. You might also find a course in supply chain management. Combined with your major in I/O psych and your minor in economics, these courses and your internship would make you very attractive to the auto makers, and later to business schools.
Preparing for an MBA
Q: I am studying Industrial/Organizational Psychology with a minor in Economics, and am looking to receive an MBA later on, after about 3-5 years of work experience. Do you have any advice about how I could make myself extra-attractive to employers? My chances for admission into a top MBA program will likely be impacted heavily by the quality of learning and experience I gain from this first employer, and I want to secure the best job possible. What can I do to better my chances and prepare myself to get the most from the experience?
A: You’ve got a good major/minor combination and a realistic view of the requirements for getting an MBA from a leading program. Consider several additional steps to prepare for business school. One is to take the GMAT before you finish college. The score will be good for five years, and you’ll benefit from taking the test now, while your recollection of college English and math is strong and your test-taking skills are still sharp.