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  • Humanities degree - experience, advice?
    From: surival  Jun 08, 2012 Posts 1

    Hey everybody,

    I graduated with a BA in American Studies and MA in German Language and Literature. I also hold a BA equivalent in German Tax Law and Accounting from a German institution.

    Having been teaching and now transitioning back into working from maternity leave (1 year), I am reconsidering my career path towards an internationally focused MBA/MA program.

    What are my chances? What new doors would an MBA/MA open up for me since I do not have any work experience in the world of finance or business?

     

    Thank you!

    S.

  • Re: Humanities degree - experience, advice?
    From: victormlee  Jun 08, 2012 Posts 2,555
    In reply to

    Hello, surival,

    Regarding your chances question, please see http://engage.wharton.upenn.edu/MBA/forums/p/3282/9399.aspx#9399

    I think the biggest obstacle for you, right now, is identifying clearly for yourself and for the Admissions Committee why you need a Wharton MBA, now. It seems to me that, if you are asking what doors would be opened via an MBA/MA, you haven't taken the first, critical step of doing your due diligence and research. If you are also asking others to tell you what benefit an MBA or MA will offer, you aren't ready to apply. You need to figure this out for yourself and have a picture/story of your career goals and trajectories (and how a Wharton MBA fits in) before you apply. There are a near infinite number of doors that a Wharton/Lauder MBA/MA can open - it just depends on what you are seeking, and I do not see enough information in your post, above, to be able to assess whether or not an MBA/MA would best help you open the right doors. 

    As for the humanities question, there is nothing that is inherently wrong or right about a humanities background. The Wharton MBA program is well known for being one of the more analytically rigorous MBA programs in the world; as such, it tends to be more quantitatively/data-driven than other programs. If one has quantitative aptitude, though - and can clearly demonstrate this - there is no reason why you should not have a viable chance at admission.

    Regards,

    Victor (a government major in college)

    WG '11

  • Re: Humanities degree - experience, advice?
    From: victormlee  Jun 08, 2012 Posts 2,555
    In reply to

    Furthermore - I don't mean to be rude or cynical, but if your career path is aimed towards an "internationally focused MBA/MA program," I would argue you are missing the point. MBA/MA programs are a means to an end, not an end in and of themselves.

    I understand that, in the German culture, higher degrees can have a different meaning and societal value than is the case in, say, the USA. For example, some German PhDs are not really research doctorates in the same way some US PhDs are (as evidenced not least by the number of years and degree of mastery expected prior to defense and granting of the degree in question). Don't pursue a Wharton MBA/MA just for the sake of getting one - that will almost certainly ensure failure in both the application process and lost time in life. Think about what your shorter and longer term goals are and what you need to help you get there. Then do some research to see whether or not an MBA/MA is a necessary step or "accelerator" - and whether Wharton is the right program for your objectives and needs.

    Good luck,

    Victor

     

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