Study MBA in USA Without Work Experience

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Samarpita Goswami
Updated on Jul 26, 2022 02:04 PM IST

Don’t have work experience but want to apply for an MBA in the US? It is now possible to pursue an MBA degree without having two to five years of work experience. Let us find out how!

Study MBA in USA Without Work Experience

MBA in USA without work experience is now feasible with the huge demand for an MBA degree and an increasing number of universities accepting freshers or those with no work experience at all. It enables graduates to focus on international business cultures, norms and practices from the very beginning. There are universities in USA that accept aspiring business leaders to complete their MBA without work experience with their curriculum broadening and strengthening their knowledge in global business practices.

The MBA colleges in USA without work experience believe that students can fare greatly in the course even if they do not have work experience and work experience always is not an indicator of their success in business school. There are other parameters such as GPA, Statement of Purpose, Video Essay, MBA essay that can provide insight into the student profile.

Keeping this in mind, many universities accept students for MBA in USA without work experience. Though work experience forms a significant part of the application process and boosts the profile of candidates, there are other parts of the application that can supplant the lack of work experience. Let us now walk you through the application procedure for MBA in USA without work experience and the MBA colleges in USA without work experience.

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Is it possible to Study MBA in USA without Work Experience?

Yes, it is possible to study MBA in USA without work experience and in this way, students can start their careers in business management and administration soon after graduation. They will not need to take a break in their career for studying MBA and can continue their work-life easily.

Skills such as analytical skills, communication skills and networking ability are required for running a successful business. The same is often required to gain confidence and enhance their international business potential.

MBA in USA without work experience demands a strong academic background and impressive resume to be considered for admission. An internship experience or voluntary work experience can support the candidature. Though business schools are picky for students without work experience, there are chances that they select candidates on the basis of their overall profile.

Tips for Getting into an MBA in USA Without Work Experience

Though work experience serves as an important criterion for selection for MBA, students can also talk about their passion projects, internships and volunteering experiences. Some of the essential tips for getting selected for an MBA in USA without work experience are:

  • Students who wish to study MBA in USA without work experience must work on developing soft skills that professionals acquire through experience.

  • One can engage in various social and volunteering activities to develop the skillsof empathetic leadership, time management and interpersonal communication.

  • They should also develop expertise in areas where they find interest such as finance, marketing or operations. Candidates can display this knowledge and get a good chance to choose a suitable MBA specialisation for themselves.

  • Students can write their MBA statement of purpose (SOP) that bring out their leadership or critical thinking skills. They can talk about attending business events and conferences that have nourished their interest to study MBA.

Exams to Study MBA in USA without Work Experience

Students have to qualify for a standardised exam and a language proficiency exam before applying for MBA in USA without work experience. To submit the applications to business schools in the USA, it is necessary to take the tests given below:

  • GRE: The GRE or Graduate Record Examination is now being accepted by business schools worldwide for admission to MBA and other post-graduate business programmes. The graduate exam tests the readiness of candidates to enter a graduate school where they can gain expanded opportunities for success. The GRE measures the quant and verbal skills of students along with analytical writing ability. The average GRE score to study MBA in USA without work experience is 310.

  • GMAT: The GMAT or Graduate Management Admission Test is a dedicated exam designed for business and management studies. This business school exam elevates a candidates profile and helps them get admission to popular universities. It tests the quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, integrated reasoning and analytical writing skills of test-takers. The average GMAT score to study MBA in USA without work experience is between 690 and740.

  • English Proficiency Test: In order to study MBA without work experience in USA, non-native English-speaking students have to appear for an English proficiency test like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or Duolingo. This requirement ensures that students can follow and communicate in academic settings. They will have to attain the minimum scores declared by the universities for MBA admission.

How to Apply for US MBA Colleges Without Work Experience?

The eligibility criteria for MBA in USA without work experience are on similar lines as that of those with work experience. However, as candidates will be applying without work experience, they will have to work extremely hard on the other aspects of admission.

Students must be assured that they do not need to chase utopian ideals but to keep the application process as realistic as possible. It should be a reflection of the true self of the applicant. Here are general evaluation criteria for MBA in USA without work experience:

  • Excellent Academic Performance: A good academic track record with a high undergraduate GPA can go a long way to ensure admission to the top MBA schools in the USA. It can play a crucial role in the screening process as there is stiff competition for seats.

  • HighScores in Entrance Exams: Apart from high GPAs, test scores downplay the disadvantage of not having work experience. As analytical skills are necessary for MBA courses, the GMAT and GRE exam scores are testimonials of the skills of candidates.

  • Impressive SOP: An MBA SOP is a reflection of how students think, see and perceive the world. They give insight into the ideals and aspirations of candidates and an impressive SOP can help to leave a lasting impression on admission officers.

  • Appreciative Letters of Recommendation: Good LORs have always been known to do the trick. They help the admission committee to get an idea about candidates through a third eye and are extremely useful for guaranteeing their compatibility with prestigious institutions.

  • Mention Worthy Achievements and Experiences: Students without work experience for MBA in USA can prove their capability by displaying skills by mentioning their achievements in different fields or any volunteering or co-curricular experiences that can have a positive impact.

Admission Process for MBA in USA Without Work Experience

The admission process for MBA in USA without work experience is identical. Here, a detailed admission procedure guideline has been provided for convenience.

  • Step 1: Visit the website of the business school.

  • Step 2: Answer all the questions asked during the application process.

  • Step 3: Submit all supporting documents and test scores requested by the business school.

  • Step 4: Pay for the application after it is complete.

  • Step 5: After receiving the offer letter, pay the admission-related fees.

Top Universities offering MBA in USA Without Work Experience

Colleges for MBA in USA without work experience are prestigious and renowned. It is a myth that popular business schools do not accept students for MBA without work experience. Here, we have provided a list of universities that offer MBA in USA without work experience:

MBA School

Tuition Fees (in USD)

Harvard Business School

73,440

Stanford Graduate School of Business

74,706

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

78,954

University of California, Berkeley

35,350

University of Pennsylvania

84,874

Yale School of Management

75,500

New York University

1,11,551

University of Maryland

2,156.96 per credit

San Francisco State University

35,000

University of Baltimore

1,184 per credit

Columbia University

80,472

Kansas State University

30,000

Pace University

1,420 per credit

Kent State University

20,799

University of Northern Alabama

525 per credit

Jobs After MBA in USA Without Work Experience

Students should not be demotivated for not having work experience before MBA. They can get plenty of job opportunities after completing their MBA degree. MBA graduates will be prized possessions of recruiters for the excellence and insight they have acquired during the course. MBA in USA gives a headstart in the international professional environment.

They will be able to get a good early start to their career and the opportunity to enhance their newly acquired skills. Some of the jobs after MBA in USA without work experience are given below:

Job Opportunity

Annual Average Salary (in USD)

Project Manager

70,000-75,000

Financial Analyst

65,000-70,000

HR Manager

60,000-70,000

Product Manager

85,000-90,000

Data Analyst

62,000-66,000

MBA in USA without work experience is worthwhile giving the graduates a necessary kickstart to begin their career with ample business knowledge and management skills. The degree helps to take initiative, persist through challenges, give utmost effort and marvel in the professional role.

To know more about MBA in USA without work experience or any other degree course, contact us at abroad@collegedekho.com and get your queries resolved by experts.

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FAQs

Is an MBA in USA good without work experience?

Yes, MBA in USA without work experience is good as many top business schools provide MBA degrees without mandating work experience. The curriculum and course structure are the same and graduates get good attention from employers. When these graduates start working, they are equipped with better knowledge and skills.

What are the advantages of studying MBA in USA without work experience?

The advantages of studying MBA in USA without work experience are plenty but the foremost is there is no need to take a break in the academic career. You also do not need to take a break from your professional career to do an MBA. There are chances of massive career growth with an early MBA which is possible only when you do not spend time gaining work experience before taking up an MBA degree.

What are the disadvantages of studying MBA in USA without work experience?

The disadvantage of studying MBA in USA without work experience is that you will not have the practical knowledge of business that will help you to connect your theoretical knowledge. The salary structure can be lower than MBAs who have prior work experience. The most important problem is entry into highly competitive schools where all the candidates have stellar profiles.

Which business schools provide MBA in USA without work experience and GMAT?

The business schools that provide MBA in USA without work experience and GMAT are Sloan School of Management and Stern School of Management. Students applying to these schools do not need to meet work experience and GMAT score requirements. They can opt for the GRE exam for admission and also build a strong and impressive personal profile to convince admission officers.

Is an online MBA in USA possible without work experience?

Yes, an online MBA in USA is possible without work experience. Business schools of universities such as the University of California, the University of North Carolina and the University of Northwestern Ohio provide online MBA programmes which can be done without physical attendance in the classes.

Does Harvard provide MBA without work experience?

Yes, Harvard Business School provides MBA without work experience for students who have an outstanding profile. You should remember that there is cut-throat competition for MBA at Harvard and to get an opportunity to study without work experience means you have to work extremely hard on your GPA and GMAT/GRE scores along with your resume and LORs.

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