If the MBA program you are interested in has work experience as an eligibility criteria, the obvious question is - what kind of work experience is required for MBA? Mostly MBA programs prefer work experience as one can relate to the business challenges better while understanding the concepts taught in the class. MBA programs seeking prior work experience are created for students who are already working somewhere and either want to start their own business or develop their management skills.
In this article, we will discuss the different aspects of the kind and the extent of work experience that is required for MBA programs and try to provide you with a clear picture in this context.
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The Kind of Experience Students Need for MBA Programs
So, what kind of work experience is required for MBA? MBA programs do not need any specific sort of work experience as such. However, the following can be considered as an advantage:
1. Experience Across Industry – This provides the applicant an unconventional outlook and adds value to the overall profile
2. Relevant Sectors – If you are planning on enrolling for an MBA program with a specialization like, marketing, finance, IT or HR, a relevant industry experience is for sure going to give you a competitive edge
3. Global Market Exposure – We live in a global economic environment thus any prior experience of roles with exposure to global markets is valuable
4. Specialized roles in Quantitative and Analytical skills – Concepts of financial modelling, strategic planning etc. can be easily grasped by those who have worked in roles requiring quantitative and analytical skills.
5. People Skills – An MBA program is aimed at nurturing the management skills of students, hence applicants who have worked in roles which have honed their skills like – teamwork, adaptability, interpersonal skills, communication, are readily accepted
It is okay to have a gap in experience but during the interviews, you would have to explain the reasons for the same. Always remember, the most important factor here is what you have learned from your work experience.
Minimum work experience required in MBA programs
1. How much work experience is required for MBA? This depends on the college or university that you are applying to. Almost every MBA program asks for a minimum of 2 years of work experience.
2. Some business schools prefer students with experience but not too much of it. This is because MBA programs are supposed to offer experiential learning experiences to students. Here students can learn based on their earlier work experience and the experience of their batch-mates.
3. If you are planning to study in an MBA institute in the USA (United States of America) you will need between 2 and 5 years of work experience.
Also Read:- How Technology is Changing Online MBA Education
Why is experience important in MBA programs?
1. An MBA program aims to make its students more skilled but it does not look to do so from scratch – it requires that its students have such skills to some extent already. This is why work experience is so crucial in these programs.
2. If students do not have work experience, they would not be able to learn beyond theory. They will never get the chance to learn from any real-life work experience and relate to the concepts better.
3. If you have work experience your MBA education becomes more accessible and exciting. You participate more in class, and you find it more convenient to take part in discussions.
4. Work experience also helps you develop your career after an MBA as your profile boasts of real-life and academic experience both.
Options to study MBA without work experience
Earlier applicants to MBA programs were rejected because of lack of work experience but things are different now.
1. Work experience is considered to be crucial in MBA applications but it does not automatically mean you will be successful in it. If you have some analytical skills to go with good grades it can make up for lack of work experience.
2. If you have extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or hobbies in your resume your MBA application will stand out. Admissions teams are keener to check out your sense of willingness to take initiatives and make an impact with your leadership skills.
3. You would be evaluated by the admissions team based on your essays. If your essay is written well, you will stand out among the applicants even without work experience or little of it.
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Conclusion
If you want to be successful after your MBA, you must complete the program at a reputed institution. That way, you would have the skills, training, and knowledge necessary to stand out in the ultra-competitive industry. An online MBA for working professionals from the leading colleges and universities in India is also a viable option. They carry equal weightage in recruitment as their offline counterparts. This means that you do not have to worry about not getting a job just because you got the degree online. Explore more about MBA and other online Post Graduate courses in India and make an informed choice.
