You’ve seen the light (or maybe just the real world): a career in business is the right path for you.
BUT – you’ve just graduated with a degree in materials science. Or sociology. Or comparative literature. Yup – chances of finding a serious management track job are slim for new graduates, even ones with impressive academic records.
And that is exactly why there is the Masters in Management.
What: Masters in Management programs usually are one year. Their purpose is twofold. First and foremost, they provide a basic business education. Second, they provide career development, guidance, and recruiting. (At LBS for example, recruiters in 2013 included Google, GE Capital, and Goldman Sachs – that’s just from the “G’s”!) Business education + extensive corporate connections = smooth, direct path to business career.
Who: Masters in Management programs target recent or upcoming graduates in the humanities/liberal arts, engineering, and sciences. Most MiM programs expect – indeed want – you to have little actual business experience (if you have more experience, it puts you in MBA range). The exact parameters for the target applicant vary a bit program to program (e.g. unlike many MiM programs, LBS’ program will consider applicants with undergrad business degrees).
Where: University business schools that offer MBA and other business programs typically house MiM programs. However, not all business schools offer MiM programs, e.g., NYU Stern does not; University of Michigan Ross School of Business does.
Is a MiM program right for you? To make the most of a MiM program, and to be an appealing applicant, you need to:
• Know why you want to pursue a management career.
• Have an idea of how that career will start and take shape over about 5 years.
• Be able to demonstrate the leadership, teamwork, communication, and quantitative ability necessary to succeed in the program.
• Be able to express these points in an essay or statement of purpose.
The goals you discuss needn’t be set in stone – MiM adcoms expect that you will further explore opportunities during the program. And they understand that your goals may well change as you evolve professionally. However, they do want to see focus. And they do want some assurance that you are making an informed decision to pursue a management education and career path.
Why not MBA? MBA is the more famous cousin to MiM. MBA programs are for people with more developed careers and goals. If you earn a MiM and later want to pursue an MBA, you can.
By Cindy Tokumitsu, author and co-author of numerous ebooks, articles, and special reports, including Why MBA and Best MBA Programs: A Guide to Selecting the Right One. Right One. Cindy has advised hundreds applicants to a variety of graduate programs in management since joining Accepted in 1998. She is happy to guide you through the Masters in Management application process.
Related Resources:
• Get Your Game On: Preparing for Your Grad School Application
• The Scoop on the London Business School Masters in Management Program
• MBA/MMM Interview with Kellogg Student: Using Empathy to Succeed