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growingupgrr!! · 12-06-2007, 09:47 PM

Age: 22
Undergrad: Theoretical Econ & Math join major, 3.78GPA, NYU (known for tough math program)
Courses: Micro/Macro Econ Theory, Econometrics, Linear Algebra, Real Analysis 1 & 2 (though took these after senior slump so only got Bs), Probability

Current Status: working at a Management Consulting firm

I'm thinking of applying to a Biz Econ or Management PhD to study regional economic competitiveness-type focus. Plan is to apply next year and begin after two years away from school. Would want to eventually work in private sector (consulting, PE, etc) along with University doing research.

A lot of threads make it seem like
(1) Taking any time off school basically dooms your chances
(2) There is no utility to the PhD if you plan to work in private sector

Does it even make sense to even pursue the degree? And do I have a chance of getting in anywhere?

desimba · 12-07-2007, 02:15 AM

You do have a chance of getting into good places. Knowing what your GRE/ GMAT scores are would be helpful. Nevertheless the advice for you would be to understand better of what exactly you want to do. "Would want to eventually work in private sector (consulting, PE, etc) along with University doing research." is as general as motherhood and apple pie. You may want to focus your thoughts a bit more before you seriously commit yourself to a PhD. Maybe a Masters in Econ/ Public Policy is what serves your goals best.

growingupgrr!! · 12-07-2007, 05:36 PM

Thanks for the advice.
I think you're right in that I need to evaluate whether the degree is really appropriate for what I want to do. I guess I should start by trying to articulate an SOP to see if it's valid & strong enough to pursue this route. I was more concerned that having taken a break to work will really hinder my app.

chartreuse · 02-12-2008, 06:53 PM

I don't think work experience will really hinder your application. I know people who worked in the private sector for 3-4 years and are currently attending excellent Econ programs. ( For b-school PhD's, I only know one who went into a top 15 school right after u-grad. ) It's good that you evaluate whether the PhD is right for you since you do want to be in the private sector. How about just a masters in economics or an MBA? If you plan to be in finance, the CFA works well to your advantage. These are a couple of options to think about. Best of luck!

12-06-2007, 09:47 PM	#1 (permalink)
growingupgrr!! Trying to make mom and pop proud Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 10	Rate my Chances of PhD Business Age: 22 Undergrad: Theoretical Econ & Math join major, 3.78GPA, NYU (known for tough math program) Courses: Micro/Macro Econ Theory, Econometrics, Linear Algebra, Real Analysis 1 & 2 (though took these after senior slump so only got Bs), Probability Current Status: working at a Management Consulting firm I'm thinking of applying to a Biz Econ or Management PhD to study regional economic competitiveness-type focus. Plan is to apply next year and begin after two years away from school. Would want to eventually work in private sector (consulting, PE, etc) along with University doing research. A lot of threads make it seem like (1) Taking any time off school basically dooms your chances (2) There is no utility to the PhD if you plan to work in private sector Does it even make sense to even pursue the degree? And do I have a chance of getting in anywhere?

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12-07-2007, 02:15 AM	#2 (permalink)
desimba Within my grasp! Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 248	You do have a chance of getting into good places. Knowing what your GRE/ GMAT scores are would be helpful. Nevertheless the advice for you would be to understand better of what exactly you want to do. "Would want to eventually work in private sector (consulting, PE, etc) along with University doing research." is as general as motherhood and apple pie. You may want to focus your thoughts a bit more before you seriously commit yourself to a PhD. Maybe a Masters in Econ/ Public Policy is what serves your goals best.

12-07-2007, 05:36 PM	#3 (permalink)
growingupgrr!! Trying to make mom and pop proud Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 10	Thanks for the advice. I think you're right in that I need to evaluate whether the degree is really appropriate for what I want to do. I guess I should start by trying to articulate an SOP to see if it's valid & strong enough to pursue this route. I was more concerned that having taken a break to work will really hinder my app.

02-12-2008, 06:53 PM	#4 (permalink)
chartreuse At Crossroads Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 56	I don't think work experience will really hinder your application. I know people who worked in the private sector for 3-4 years and are currently attending excellent Econ programs. ( For b-school PhD's, I only know one who went into a top 15 school right after u-grad. ) It's good that you evaluate whether the PhD is right for you since you do want to be in the private sector. How about just a masters in economics or an MBA? If you plan to be in finance, the CFA works well to your advantage. These are a couple of options to think about. Best of luck!

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