Busting some MBA Myths: Getting into a top MBA college abroad without any work experience

It is a myth that you need work-experience to apply. Most top schools accept without any experience as well.

Here is what Stanford says:

Work experience is not required for entry to the Stanford MBA Program. We welcome applications from college seniors and recent college graduates, as well as those with all levels of work experience.

http://www.gsb.stanford.edu/programs/mba/admission/application-materials/professional-experience

HBS infact has a program for College Seniors (read as final year of degree) called 2+2

http://www.hbs.edu/mba/admissions/2+2/

Closer to home, even the ISB does not require experience and has an option of you getting a deferred admission through this  Early Entry Option:

The Early Entry Option allows recent graduates with less than 24 months of full-time work experience to secure their admission to the ISB PGP. Candidates selected will secure a deferred admission and will be eligible to join the PGP upon completing at least 24 months of full-time work experience.

http://www.isb.edu/pgp/early-entry-option

However remember that the average student has worked for 5 or 6 years between college and the MBA program but most programs do accept early career candidates with limited or no experience who exhibit strong managerial and professional potential. The Admissions Committee looks for individuals who exhibit professional maturity. I

In other words, they evaluate work experience not in terms of years but the depth and breadth of an individual’s position, his or her contributions to the work environment, and level of responsibility and progression. Top business schools also look for diversity in the professional backgrounds of its admitted students just as it does in all other parts of the applicants’ profiles.

So net-net, you still need to prove why you have more “potential” and are more deserving than say a 28-year I-banker/Consultant.

I hope this helps you answer this question.

I am excited to be a part of QSLeap so do let me know if there is any other questions that I can help you with.

Arun