joe

Thanks a lot for your insight ! Indeed, it seems that my profile is not good enough for an immediate start of PhD. How about a Master's degree in Management, get some research experience and insight in how academia works, and a good GPA ? It is a further 2 years of study, but if successful, it might lead to a career in academia..?

Silviatx, Thanks a lot for your genuine insight ! Very much appreciated ! Follow up question : would a master's degree with research in relevant field (say Economy) provide additional forte to cover for the undergrad GPA ? The reason I am aiming for Top 20 is I think that my current career is going as planned, and hopefully better when I get my MBA, so I would not want to leave it and do a PhD for 5 yrs at an average program, thereby losing key experience years (I'm 30).. I hope my reasoning makes sense... Thanks again !! Joe

Hello ! I am new at this forum and have been browsing around for a while. It has been very helpful in understanding the complexity of phd applications, thank you very much !! I am currently enrolled in an MBA program from the Welch College of Business (Sacred Heart University), based in the Luxembourg campus. Accordingly, I am working here for a major steel company in purchasing, and have been doing so for the past 6 years. Going back to school has been rather exciting and thought provoking, so I am investigating the possibility of furthering my education with a PhD in Organizational Behavior (macro) or Political Economics. My academic profile is to my opinion very average, especially in undergrad ... I am hereby kindly requesting your advice on what should I expect and how I should supplemment my current profile to be hopeful for a top 20 offer. PROFILE: Type of Undergrad: John Molson School of Business, Concordia University (Top 15 in Canada) Major in Finance, Undeclared Minor in Political Science Undergrad GPA: overall 2.6 (very weak) major GPA 3 Type of Grad: MBA Current GPA: 3.8 (16 credits completed, expect same for graduation in Dec 2017) GMAT: will take this coming summer, previous score in 2011 : 590. Took all the required algebra and calculus classes need for undergrad so got waived all calculus classes for MBA. Before my Business degre, studied Economical Sciences for one semester to get proper Math and Econ skills for Bachelor. Letters of Recommendation: None as of yet. Plan ask my current professors at MBA. Research Experience: None Teaching Experience: None Research Interests: Interested in Organizational behavior (macro) and Political Economics. I understand they are very diverse, as I said I am still investigating various fields. Plan to browse different journal articles in the next few weeks. Concerns & Questions: I lack research experience I didn’t write an undergrad thesis. Is this going to be a significant minus on my app ? What schools can I realistically aim for in the current state? Are there any other ways to improve my profile and schools I might be able to aim for after doing so? Should I just forget about a PhD ? I would appreciate an objective evaluation of my profile, harsh comments very welcome ? as I said, I am investigating... Thanks so much Urch Community!