MBA Options for Recent Bachelor Degree Graduates
In today’s competitive economy, an increasing number of undergraduates are looking to start their MBA studies immediately after receiving their bachelor’s degree. Each year Lally accepts a small number of recent graduates with strong academic credentials.
In order to help these students integrate into a demanding MBA program, Lally has established additional guidelines for MBA students who are recent graduates.
Additional Requirements for Recent Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
- Applications must be received by April 15 for admission to the MBA class beginning in August
- Mandatory Graduate School Orientation: A special orientation prior to beginning the program outlines Lally’s expectations for students’ contributions and how to work in managerial teams
- Participation in the Lally Mentors Program is strongly recommended
- Must maintain good Academic Standing
Special Job or Internship Placement Considerations for Recent College Graduates Earning an MBA
How do recent bachelor’s graduates compete in the market with other MBA Program graduates who have three to five years of work experience? Well, it is easier to compete if you have some relevant work experience.
Lally Offers the MBA Pathfinder Track: An Accelerated Career Option for Exceptionally Talented Recent College Graduates Who Want to Gain Work Experience
Responding to rising demand from talented applicants, we have created a distinctive track within the MBA program to address the needs of recent graduates who wish to gain relevant work experience in conjunction with their studies in the MBA Program.
This track, called the Pathfinder MBA track, is especially for applicants with strong technical backgrounds in engineering, science, or mathematics. Not everyone can earn the Pathfinder designation—this elite group of students will graduate not only with solid academic credentials, but also with extensive relevant work experience gained during the MBA Program.
Students who opt to pursue the Pathfinder track must be in good academic standing in the first year of the Lally MBA Program, and must secure an approved extended internship or co-op. Students may apply for approved internship/co-op opportunities that the Lally School generates, or may submit for approval an internship/co-op that they find for themselves.
Pathfinder Track: Finding an Internship or Co-op Position
Pathfinder students may work for 6 to 18 months after the first two semesters of the MBA Program in an internship or co-op position before returning to campus to complete the MBA coursework. This means that students who earn the Pathfinder designation distinguish themselves as graduates by combining MBA academic preparation with at least two semesters of relevant work experience to build business skills and elevate appreciation of business context.
- The Lally School Career Development Office provides assistance with resume and interview preparation, networking opportunities, and job listings. Ultimately, each student is responsible for conducting his or her own job search and obtaining an approved internship/co-op.
- International students: The Lally School and Rensselaer’s Office of International Students and Scholars will work with students to assist in resume and interview preparation, and provide networking opportunities and job listings. Each International student is responsible for conducting his or her own job search to obtain a position in an approved internship/co-op. With suitable justification, internships in one’s country of origin will be approved for the Pathfinder track. Internships in the U.S. must meet CPT or OPT visa requirements.
Request More Information/Apply Now