The Obvious & Not-So-Obvious Reasons To Get An MBA

How am I going to pull this off?

Here are some things I am going to do in order to bolster my candidacy: 

• Gain 18-24 months of international experience in Brazil while learning Portuguese from scratch.  My hope is that I can find a job with a well-known company that has offices in the USA.  This will allow for an easier transition back to the homeland.
• Create an alternative transcript by taking a couple quantitative classes at a community college whether it is in Brazil or upon my return to the USA.   Pass CFA Level 1.  Pass CFA Level 2/3 if appropriate.
• Score at least a 700 on the GMAT. Given my undergraduate GPA, it will probably need to be a 720+ if I am to have any chance of getting into a top business school.
• Continue my community service efforts by volunteering in the famous Brazilian favelas.  Also, get involved in my alma mater’s Brazilian Global initiative set to start-up in the middle of 2014.
• Network with Alumni and Admission Directors at MBA events when they come to Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro.
• Maintain my goal of running a marathon in every city I’ve lived in by running a race in Brazil and any other city I happen to live in a thereafter before business school.
• Participate in a Toastmasters group for at least a year to improve my public speaking skills.

Notice that I am not applying for some time. Not until 2016 to be exact.   I also want to wait until I have at least 48 months work experience.   Like I said in my first post, proper planning is critical here.  The best MBA candidates aren’t made overnight.

Motivation Quote #2

“If you believe in yourself and have the courage, the determination, the dedication, the competitive drive, and if you are willing to sacrifice the little things in life and pay the price for the things that are worthwhile, it can be done.”

Vince Lombardi

JustinTime offers the perspective of the ‘average’ young professional from a state school. While lacking the prestige of an elite university and work experience at a brand name company, he’s hoping to offset those drawbacks with international experience, community service outreach, and a positive outlook. He is interested in the top ten business schools, but can also see himself at a part-time or online program.  His previous posts on Poets&Quants:

Introducing An Underdog MBA Applicant & His Journey To Business School