Chicago MBA Programs that Do Not Require Work Experience
It’s a well-known fact that earning an MBA degree can give a job candidate a boost in today’s competitive job market; therefore, it should come as no surprise that many business students pursue their degree before entering the job market.
Unfortunately, many MBA programs require extensive work experience before applying, making it difficult for those looking to get a jumpstart on their education. No need to fret if you are hoping to pursue an MBA right away, however, for some business schools will consider applicants even without or with limited professional experience.
If you are looking to pursue your MBA in the Chicago metro area, there are a number of Chicago MBA programs that do not require work experience as part of the application process.
Chicago MBA Programs that Do Not Require Work Experience
Booth School of Business- The University of Chicago
Professional work experience is not required by the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago. The admissions committee will consider a number of factors in successful applicants, and while professional experience can help to fulfill some of these requirements, such as “a track record of success” or “sense of personal direction,” it is not a direct criteria of application.
To apply to the Booth School of Business for an MBA, students must submit:
- Completed essay questions
- Completed application with required personal background
- Professional resume
- Two letters of recommendation
- Unofficial (scanned) transcripts from all post-secondary educational institutions attended.
- GMAT or GRE score
- TOEFL, IELTS or PTE scores (international applicants only)
- $250 application fee
Loyola University Quinlan School of Business
In order to be considered for admission to the Quinlan School of Business at Loyola University, students must submit a completed application, two letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, GMAT/GRE scores, transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, and a professional resume. Although requirements vary slightly from program to program, professional work experience is not necessary to apply. At Quinlan, the Executive MBA serves as an opportunity for students with extensive professional experience to pursue an advanced education — applicants to the Quinlan EMBA program have an average of 7 years prior experience.
Northern Illinois University College of Business
The College of Business at Northern Illinois University does not require professional experience in order to apply for admission. While a ‘sponsor agreement’ is required — a form signed by a manager, HR representative or supervisor confirming the applicant’s commitment to the program — a specific amount of time or level of experience is not stipulated. The College of Business will also consider applicants with a non-business undergraduate degree, considering that they complete prerequisite courses that can be done online or in a classroom as part of the Evening MBA.
Other requirements to apply for the Northern Illinois University College of Business include:
- Graduate School Application
- Supplemental Information
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
- Official Transcript(s)
- Sponsor Agreement
- Interview: After an application is submitted, the candidate will be notified and a personal interview will be scheduled.
About the Author
Alanna Shaffer
Staff Writer, covering MetroMBA's news beat for Atlanta, Houston, and Dallas.
