Is Work Experience Required for GMAT Exam?

Is Work Experience Required for GMAT Exam?

GMAT Latest Updates and News

  • Work experience of a minimum of 2–7 years is considered ideal for admission to the top universities.
  • Some renowned universities that accept GMAT scores include Stanford Graduate School of Business, California Business School, Harvard Business School, MIT Sloan School of Management, etc.
  • Candidates from engineering, commerce, science, and humanities professional backgrounds are preferred. 
  • Colleges such as Keenan-Flagler Business, Thompson Rivers University, Technical University of Munich, and Coventry University do not demand mandatory work experience.
     
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byArijit Dutta Study Abroad Content Writer at Collegedunia

Having work experience is not necessarily required for undertaking GMAT exam. GMAT work experience is mostly considered mandatory to pursue an MBA abroad. Students in this competitive scenario must not ignore the opportunities to take their careers to the next level in the management hierarchy. A good GMAT score within 600-750 with work experience can provide admission to top MBA colleges across the globe. Popular GMAT accepting colleges include Stanford Graduate School of Business, California Business School, Harvard Business School, MIT Sloan School of Management, etc. An average job experience of 2 – 7 years is considered good enough for admissions. The work experience of candidates is considered vital because the B-schools prefer candidates who have knowledge of the business sphere and its functions. Candidates having work experience in industries like engineering, commerce, science, and humanities, are also preferred. In case you don’t possess any work experience, then you can apply to universities such as Darden School of Business, and University of Chicago Booth Scholars. It is not mandatory to have work experience in these universities.

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List of Top B-schools and their GMAT Work Experience Requirement

Most of the candidates are on the lookout for the famous B-schools and their work experience for GMAT requirement, this is a list of the same:

Business School Average GMAT Score Average Work Experience
Stanford Graduate School of Business 733 4 Years
California Business School 715 3-7 years
Harvard Business School 700-760 Not mentioned
MIT Sloan School of Management 670-760 4-9 years
Wharton, University of Pennsylvania 620-790 5-6 years between graduation and joining the MBA
London Business School 701 2–7 years
HEC Paris Business School 600 Minimum of 3 years
University of Cambridge: Judge Business School 640 1-2 years
Victoria University of Wellington 500 5 years
University of Canterbury 600 5 years

How to Get an MBA without Work Experience?

Along with the GMAT score, the admission committee checks your wisdom, competencies, and skills. It is important to have work experience to get admission to top business colleges worldwide. However, in the current dynamic scenario, MBA programs are modifying their courses to cater to the requirement of youth managers and to meet the managerial job challenges. You can attempt the GMAT without work experience. In that case, you need to keep in mind that most of the top B-schools would look for candidates with a minimum of 4–5 years of experience. The GMAT scores are valid for 5 years and hence you can attempt the exam, gain a few years of work experience and then start the application process.

Advantages of pursuing an MBA without work experience Disadvantages of pursuing an MBA without work experience
One develops the right networking skills that help them in getting a good start to their professional career
One gets academic and professional experience (internship) at a young age
MBA graduates need not take a break from their professional life to gain management and business skills
Without practical knowledge, MBA graduates may not able to relate to the knowledge they gain in the B-school
The quality of networking of freshers would not be the same as those who have already gained work experience

GMAT Accepting Colleges in World Without Work Experience

There are many leading B-Schools in the world that offer you the option to get admitted into an MBA without work experience. Here, is a list of colleges accepting GMAT cutoff score without work experience:

Here is a list of USA Universities without mandatory work experience requirement:

List of colleges to study MBA in the UK without mandatory work experience:

List of colleges to study MBA in Germany without mandatory work experience:

List of colleges to study MBA in Australia without mandatory work experience:

List of colleges in Canada where you can study an MBA without mandatory work experience:

List of Institutes that offer MBA abroad without GMAT and work experience:

MBA without GMAT and Work Experience

Some top business schools across the globe offer MBA abroad without GMAT preparation and work experience. The program they offer has few categories that are as follows:

  • Online MBA programs
  • Some lesser-known full-time MBA programs
  • Some top executive MBA programs

FAQs 

Ques. Is GMAT worth without work experience?

Ans. There is no mandatory requirement of work experience for availing GMAT exam.

Ques. Is GMAT useful for job?

Ans. Having a valid GMAT score is beneficial for applying in the analytical or quantitative roles. 

Ques. Is 2 years work experience enough for GMAT?

Ans. Most of the top universities require a job experience around 2-7 years. It entirely depends upon the university you are enrolling.

Ques. Should a fresher give GMAT?

Ans. Being a fresher, you can give GMAT exam. There is no mandatory requirement for professional experience.

Ques. Should I do an MBA without work experience?

Ans. Yes, you can pursue MBA without work experience. However, it depends upon the university that they require work experience or not.

Ques. Is GMAT stressful?

Ans. It entirely depends upon the individual. With a proper study plan and consistent practice, it will not be stressful.

Ques. Can I leave my job and prepare for GMAT?

Ans. It is not recommended to leave your job and prepare for GMAT. The syllabus of GMAT is not that huge. You can pursue your GMAT preparation along with your job.

Ques. What is the minimum work experience for GMAT?

Ans. There is no minimum work experience required for GMAT. You can apply for the exam without any work experience.

Ques. Is GMAT worth without work experience?

Ans. Yes, it is highly valuable. There is no mandatory requirement of work experience.

Ques.  Is there an interview after GMAT?

Ans. You will be asked to attend an interview in the B-school or university you are applying for. After reviewing your scores, they may call you for an interview.

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.

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