How should I prepare for an MBA program?

Question

Hi. I just recently graduated with a BA in Government (Political Science) and I have decided that it might be a good idea to get an MBA. I know that I want to concentrate in International Business, but the problem is that I didn't take a single business course in college. Also, I haven't had any math since high school. I was thinking about taking a couple of math and business courses at the local community college while also working and volunteering. I also looked into maybe getting an associate's in either business administration or international business so that I could have a basic foundation in the field.

With all that being said, I am just a little confused as to whether or not this is a good idea. I don't know if going back to school at a community college will help me in my quest for an MBA. Does this sound like a good idea or just a waste of time and money? I am in desperate need for some insight seeing as though my parents are of little help (neither went to college and have very little knowledge of higher education), and the counselors at the community college are not helpful at all. They just tend to look at me like I am a raving lunatic when I explain my case.

Also, one final question. Is an associate's considered an undergraduate degree? I found this exciting internship opportunity in my city with the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Commercial Service, but it is only open to undergraduate and graduate students. Would I be eligible if I pursued an associate's?

Thanks for any help in advance!

Answer 1

Forget the associate degree. You have the background for an MBA program from a good school. Some work experience would be valuable. The MBA program will give you the foundation. The Official MBA Guide, an excellent free service, can help you locate the MBA programs that are best for you. The internship while you are in an MBA program would be valuable.  

Answer 2

First things first, you can't go backwards. You have a bachelor's degree, so there's no need in getting an associates (the associates degree would have come first). Second, if the internship requirements say you have to have a bachelor's degree--you qualify b/c you just stated that you already possess a bachelor's degree.

On to other things, in order to get accepted into an MBA program, you have to take the GMAT, which tests your analytical and quantitative skills. This isn't based on what you take in a business classes classes. However, you should probably attend several workshops and/or purchase software or books that will help you to prep for this test.

Now, in order to start in the courses for the MBA, you'll need to have passed certain prerequisite courses (accounting, finance, management, marketing, etc.) If you don't possess an undergraduate degree in a business-related field, then you'll have to take these courses before starting in the upper-level MBA classes. This will probably add more time to the time needed to complete the degree.

What I highly recommend for you to do is this: Enroll in university as a non-degree seeking student and take the classes. They will appear on your transcript, but you won't actually be working towards another degree. This way, you can have the classes completed before starting on your MBA. These courses will have to be taken at a university more than likely because I don't believe they're offered at community colleges--if they are, they may not be accepted by the graduate program you're applying for. The safest thing to do would be to take the classes at an accredited university. Whichever MBA programs interest you, contact them for information on what business classes you'll have to take before starting in your MBA courses and use this as a guide to what courses you should enroll in now.

In short, the few business classes that are offered at a community college won't be of much help. They won't count as the prerequisite courses that you'll need before starting your MBA. The math classes could help you, but they may not be necessary if you use a study guide, etc. for GMAT preparation.