Category Archives: answer

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 […]

Am I wasting my EE degree if I open a cafe/bakery?

I’m 22, just graduated from college with a BS in Electrical Engineering (DSP/Communications Concentration) from a respectable university. I’ve had a hard time finding a job in this recessionary economy, and something that I don’t see recovering anytime soon. So, I’ve been trading stocks in the meantime, but I’ve also looked at the possibility of […]

I’m Asian, Male, Average GPA and GMAT…Am I Doomed?

I’m a 26-year-old Asian-American male in the Software Consulting industry.  After careful consideration, I believe I would like to work in International Finance.  Is there hope for someone like me?  I’ve read some of your responses, and I seem to be a “too traditional” type of applicant.  Asian, male, average GPA, average GMAT (almost exactly […]

I’m 38 and have been unemployed for 2 years. What should I do to get my life back on track?

I am 38 years old - BS/BA in marketing - been unemployed now for 2 years - what do you think I should do?  I would like a MBA from a top-tier school but do not have the money.  What should I do to get my life rolling in the right direction?
–Mike
The Harvard MBA says:
Mike, […]

How Can I Get Into The Adult Film Industry?

I’m a pretty avid reader of “Adventures” and “Ask the Harvard MBA,” and so I was interested when I came across your recent post on the adult film industry (”Why I Love Pornography“).  I graduated from [redacted at asker’s request] this year, and currently I work for [redacted].  Since last year, I have been interested […]

HBS versus Wharton for Entrepreneurs

Hi, I want to know your opinion about Wharton vs Harvard.
I’m considering both HBS and Wharton for my MBA , but I have some concerns about the learning model, the curriculum, etc.  I’m an entrepreneur and my company is focused on media and entertainment, so I need strong skills in management, finance, entrepreneurship, leadership, and […]

My business has dried up with the economy; should I be looking at a new venture?

I just stumbled across your postings and read all of the the most recent ones.  You are geared for youth it appears but I liked your energy and the fact that you actually answer a question and refrain from pontificating.
My question:  I’m an older female (late 40s) who exited Corporate America about 3 years ago […]

Should I join my friends in a new medical startup instead of going to b-school?

I applied and was accepted to both Wharton and Stanford GSB. I only applied after my parents practically begged me to do so after my last business (real estate) failed.
Although I fully understand their concerns, I still remain upbeat about the future and undaunted by my failures. I believe my parents got a bit spooked […]