Category Archives: answer

I’m a professional athlete? What are my chances of getting into HBS?

I’m in the process of applying to HBS. I grew up in Russia, emigrated to Toronto, Canada when I was 15.
I graduated from Purdue business school with 3.6 (while being a student-athlete); had internships as a research analyst in Washington and in sales and trading in New York. And currently working part-time with a Sports […]

I just got an MBA in finance, but I have no experience, and can’t get a job. What should I do?

“I just got a MBA in Finance and now I don’t know what to do.  My experience has been mostly engineering so I have no finance experience, but I want to go into finance.  The economy sucks.  What should I do?”
–Adam

The Harvard MBA says:
Almost every employer prefers to hire employees with previous relevant experience, and […]

My spouse got into HBS; what can I expect as a partner?

My fiance who is 24 recently got accepted and will be attending HBS. I myself am 24 and was curious how big of a role I will play, i.e. drinking with her section and so on, and what to expect as a male partner?  I will also be attending an MBA program in Boston at […]

I switched to liberal arts to help find a girl; should I go back to engineering for my career?

Hi Mr. Harvard MBA, love your blog.  Sorry for a slightly longer question, but this is about my college/life and is both important to me and also utterly confused me as to what to do.  Basically, I go to a pretty good University.  Actually, one of the best in my country.  I’m doing Computer Science […]

Should I attend HBS or get a Masters in Finance from MIT?

“I have been admitted to both the HBS MBA and the MIT M.Fin.  I know I want a career in finance. Which one should I chose?”
–Edward
The Harvard MBA says:

Edward, congratulations on your achievement.  The good news is, there is no wrong answer.  You have two wonderful options.
I am not a finance expert (except for when […]

I have the boss from hell. What should I do?

“I have a job at a Fortune 500 company but I have the boss from hell who calls the women on his team “his harem” among other things. I have reported this and much more serious problems like the manipulation of territories to make the overall picture look better for himself. The money he is […]

What are your thoughts on mixed-race marriages and kids?

My question has nothing to do with money. Instead, it’s about race. I noticed that you are Chinese-American and your wife is Caucasian. Lately, I’ve been hearing children of mixed race marriages refer to themselves as “mutts.” Now, I’m not trying to get into a rant about racism or engage in a long, windy discussion […]

What’s up with older women and younger men?

I am interested in your analysis of the older women/younger man trend.  Let’s hear your authoritative point of view.
–Karin
The Harvard MBA says:
A question near and dear to my heart!  I’ve always preferred older women (some would argue that circumstances made this inevitable; I went to college at 15, so going for younger women would probably […]

Do I have any chance of getting into HBS being 180° away from the typical applicant? Am I too different?

I’m the polar opposite of the typical HBS applicant. My undergrad GPA wasn’t great and my degree is from the Harvard of contemporary music - Berklee. I’m 39, a woman and have vast entertainment industry experience working on records & films that people have actually heard of. I know HBS wants diversity throughout the student […]

I’ll be 32 when I start B-school. Will I be able to gel with younger go-getters?

I’m 31, and filling in my HBS MBA application forms - which means if I get accepted, I’ll be starting when I’m 32. I’m in the process of a career switch, from medicine to management - so the HBS Healthcare Initiative is perfect. But I’m slightly concerned at being in the older age group of […]