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Expert Chat with Peter Johnson
Executive Director of Admissions, Full-time MBA Admissions, UC Berkeley, Haas School of Business
Peter Johnson is executive director of admissions for the full-time MBA program, and has been at the Haas School of Business since 1999. A native of Oregon, he holds a Bachelor of Arts in Modern Languages/Political Science, a Masters in International Relations, and has over 20 years of experience in higher education.
Q: I have four years of experience in software development and consulting, with a GMAT score of 580. I want to apply for a one-year full time MBA course. Do you think studying a US style MBA program will earn me a good reputation among employers?
A: The advice that I would give you depends in part on what you wish to do after earning an MBA. While most of the US MBA programs are two years in length, many European programs are one year. If you are intending to remain in the same career field post-MBA, a one-year program may give you the learning and career advancement you seek. If you are planning to change career fields, a two-year program, which typically offers more opportunities for activities to help change careers, (internships, on-campus recruiting, specialized electives) might be a better path. An MBA from a well-known US program can certainly help potential employers to notice your resume.
Q: Can one study US style MBA in Europe and European style MBA in the US?
A: There are a few programs in Europe that are structured in the way that most US programs are (core curriculum plus significant opportunity to specialise in a particular area). Although most programs in the US are in the two-year format, there are a few one-year programs.
Q: Berkeley is one of the most popular business schools on the scene. How do the admissions staff remain so enthusiastic and responsive? I've always been very impressed.
A: We try to be as responsive as possible, as our job is to help potential students to understand the Berkeley program and whether or not it is a good fit for their needs. Aside from that, we like our institution and the opportunity to interact with so many impressive and interesting prospective students.
Q: I am an arts graduate from India. I am 32 years old and working with IBM's BPO. I want to join an MBA program. Does BPO experience count if I join an MBA? Do I get into a satisfactory college to pursue the course if I gain 600+ score in GMAT? Kindly guide me about prospects of joining an MBA.
A: I do think that many MBA programs may value the work experience you have, although it is difficult to say how much with the limited information that I have. With regard to the GMAT score, a 600 is on the low side if you are applying to highly ranked programs in the US. If you are planning to apply to programs with highly competitive admissions processes, I would encourage you to prepare and take the GMAT again. Although the GMAT is not the most important consideration, you want to be in the published middle 80% range for the programs to which you are applying to maximise your chances of admission.
Q: Is it true that some US schools are taking MBAs straight out of university (i.e. with little or no work experience?)
A: A few US MBA programs are taking some candidates directly out of university with little or no work experience. Although these schools are in the minority, they include some very highly regarded programs. The numbers of students being offered admission with this profile is quite small; they have to be exceptionally talented. Most US MBA programs (and most of the leading companies that recruit from US MBA programs) strongly prefer candidates with at least two years of significant work experience after the first university degree.
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