Hi,
I'm considering applying for a PhD in Operations Management. It's a couple years out for me currently, but I'd like to get a feel for my chances and what I might be able to do to improve my shot. I'm not interested in going for the top schools, but I would like to know where I should I try to shoot for if I have a chance at all.
Background:
Looking to apply for Fall 2017 (Graduation from MBA and payback period complete while GMAT still eligible for use) I'll turn 30 just before the start of the program if that's helpful.
GMAT: March 2012: 730 Q48/V42
All education and work experience is in the US.
Graduate:
MBA with concentration in Engineering Management from US Top 50 part-time program. 2/3s complete and GPA is around a 3.8.
Undergraduate (3 segments):
Final Segment: Graduated with a 2.8 UGPA from a US Top Public University in Electrical Engineering with a minor in Mechanical Engineering. My below B grades only came in physics-based classes (e.g. EMag, Electronics, Microwave). During this time I was also heavily involved with running a family business after my grandparents had passed away.
Middle Segment: Graduated (A.S. Engineering) with a 3.4 GPA from a local community college while running family business.
First Segment: Immediately out of high school I enrolled into a local 4 year school at the persuasion of my parents, rarely showed up for class and was academically suspended after 4 semesters.
No Teaching/Research Experience.
Work Experience:
- Will have 5 years Government Experience in Project Management Developing Information Systems to Manage Business Operations
- 4 Years Small Business Retail Experience (all aspects, hiring, inventory, management, etc.)
- 3 Years as worker bee for Wal-Mart (unique experience for MBA perspective, not sure how much transfers to Ph.D)
I know there's probably not much out there to compare to me and whether or not my Undergrad experience will get me thrown into reject piles right off the bat, but any perspective is better than what I have right now.