My name is Patrick - I'm a guy sharing my journey on entrepreneurship, investing, and lifestyle design. Building and investing in the creator economy, small businesses, automation. Currently working in Private Equity with Home Services. I have an MBA and MA from Wharton and Lauder, and consulted Fortune 100 companies. *Opinions are my own and not my employers
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Thank you so much for this video man! Really helpful. Would you know how diverse your class was? I'm in the legal field and I don't know if that's a pro or a con when applying for an MBA.
I know how you feel, Im from LA in my case I spent 3 years to be part of the best university in my country, but one aspect they ask is be good at mathematics and other things but the hardest is be good at mathematic, but the education in our country is not good so I decided to work on it, study a lot almost from 0, and I never past due to that test, I felt like I had spent 3 years😢😪.. I was working and tried to study as much I could😔😪 It was almost 6 years ago!
Amazing video Patrick, exactly what I was looking for. Had a consultant call with career protocol few days back, loved them but found really expensive. But I think after a lot of thinking and watching you here at the right time - I think I'm going to go with them!!
"Degrees, like laws, love, and most things that matter, have a price tag. Even a multimillionaire in Singapore, nearly dead, can buy an illegal kidney transplant and escape jail time, while the poor farmer who sold his kidney not only loses an organ but also faces years in prison and loses 500K SGD. If self-proclaimed 'zero corruption' Singapore can get away with such crimes, why can't US Ivy League do the same?" YOU CAN EVEN PAY SOMEONE TO ATTEND YOUR PERFECT ATTENDANCE AND EXAMS WITHOUT U COME TO CAMPUS (REAL FACTS DONE BY SPOILED CRAZY RICH ASIAN KIDS DURING THEIR STUDY IN USA FROM COLLEGE TO USC, UCLA, AND EVEN IVY LEAGUE.
"Degrees, like laws, love, and most things that matter, have a price tag. Even a multimillionaire in Singapore, nearly dead, can buy an illegal kidney transplant and escape jail time, while the poor farmer who sold his kidney not only loses an organ but also faces years in prison and loses 500K SGD. If self-proclaimed 'zero corruption' Singapore can get away with such crimes, why can't US Ivy League do the same?" YOU CAN EVEN PAY SOMEONE TO ATTEND YOUR PERFECT ATTENDANCE AND EXAMS WITHOUT U COME TO CAMPUS (REAL FACTS DONE BY SPOILED CRAZY RICH ASIAN KIDS DURING THEIR STUDY IN USA FROM COLLEGE TO USC, UCLA, AND EVEN IVY LEAGUE.
Hi Patrick! This video put so many things in perspective for me, so thank you! I’m 26 years old and recently decided to pursue an MBA. I should be 27 by the time I get in a programme, do you think this is too late? Would I be older than most of my cohort?
Great story Patrick and thank you for the valuable insights. Can you please tell me what was your GRE/GMAT score? I see that regardless of your GPA, they invited you to the interview and I am planning on to apply Wharton MS/MBA Program this year. I was wondering whether Wharton is also flexible regarding our GRE/GMAT scores. Best wishes!
I had the exact same GRE score advertised as average on Wharton’s class at the time. Every school publishes what their average GRE and GMAT scores are.
Yeah interesting take. Could argue that big part of the value is network, and without those “who don’t need it” there, would it be as helpful for those “who need” it?
Some schools do require an undergraduate degree, and some don't. You'll have to check each of the schools you want to apply to - I'm sure a lot might be removing this requirement slowly.
hey , this is Saketh , a freshman in India studying in a top college. I need to know how to start my journey to MBA in a top college like Harvard , Stanford etc
I’m not familiar with colleges in India, but as a freshman you have a LONG time before you need to apply for MBAs. You’ll need to work for 3-4 years after you graduate before even applying to schools, and who knows that the world will look like by then. What could be true 7 years from now is (1) did you have good grades, and (2) what professional experiences would you bring to the program? Make sure to get internship experiences to line up some good jobs post grad or even start your own business.
Seems like cons far exceed the pros, it seems like if u already have a solid career path (ivy league undergrad -> some prestigious companies) already, MBA is basically no use but just taking 2 years off to take a break and say you somewhat changed where it could have been done without
Yeah if you have a prestigious undergrad where you made strong connections and solid career path (in MBA world e.g. PE) a lot of pros are redundant. So if you’re designation oriented, not so helpful. If you’re journey oriented, would say still helpful
I edited first couple videos on my channel myself using Final Cut Pro, and then hired an editor and asked them to copy my style. Will be looking into more automated tools this year - a lot has changed since I last posted
Thanks for the direct delivery and truth in your video. I recently transitioned to a sales role selling homes on a local real estate team. Do you think an MBA is worth it if you are already someone who is a really good networker? Like are there other ways to build this equivalent network without going through the MBA?
Agree there are other ways to build the network - question is will you execute to the same degree. For argument sake, you’d need to try to meet at least 400 high quality (professionally-speaking) people in the next two years. In addition to meet, you need to foster them so that they’re actually meaningful enough (I.e. one coffee chat won’t build connection strong enough). The MBA makes it easy, because you’re full-time networking, and even weaker connections have a back-up bond (“we went to school together”) Tim Ferris approached it differently- look up the Tim Ferris MBA
Went to another school for mba - also realized that I didn’t need an mba to do what you want, but then realized that I could have only really understood that by going through the program.
I don’t know much about PhD programs or the why behind your goal, but assuming based on mentioning of “super reputable”, you’re interested in the prestige. Harvard is undoubtedly best brand in education, so more people will be impressed with that. However, let’s say you manage to get PhD under Adam Grant at Wharton… I’d argue no better opportunity than that.
Hi Patrick, Thank you so much for your sharing 🎉. I am considering getting an MBA for job opportunities. I am moving to the US with bachelor degree from another country. Part of the video, you mentioned that if I knew exactly what I wanted for career, there are faster and cheaper ways than MBA. Could you share with me some ideas for what those ways are. Plus, any advice for my situation? Thank you so much for your kindness! 🎉
Yes let’s say you wanted to get into Venture Capital - you could start reaching out to 100 VCs for informational interviews, start posting online about VC and building up a portfolio/reputation, get an internship that leads to a job etc. I’ve seen this happen successfully - no MBA needed to do all this. And if you did get an MBA to try to get into VC you’d likely still have to do the same exercise. However MBA obviously helps with visa situations if you want to be in the US depending on what your immigration status is (which I’m no expert on)
Thank you so much for your respond. I really appreciate your suggestions. For my case, I don’t concern about the visa part, just building up career there with bachelor degree from non-US university. So what you are saying is I could look for internship which could leads to job. Is that correct? I wonder if I will have higher opportunity to have internship after MBA and higher opportunities to climb up the career ladder with MBA. Thank you very much!!!🎉
Hi Patrick, this video has been awesome to watch. I have a interview in 15 days to Harvard. I don't know if there would be a chance to have a mock interview with you. It would be a dream for me Saludos dese Peru, Kevin
Saludos Kevin - suerte mañana! Necesitaría prepararme más para ayudarte. Entra con confianza, explica el “porque” detrás de tus decisiones y porque eres tan impresionante! Suerte
Do you have to get a good score on your GMAT or GRE first before starting to get consultant? Also which one is better? I get a lot of different opinion about them
I would venture to say most people are still working on their test scores as they work with consultants, so answer is no. Also take whichever test you’re going to get a higher percentile score on (take practice tests of both). What test you take is not as important as how high you score.
How would you view it as someone coming from a non business background? I went to Upenn undergrad but I regret my major choices and I think a career change interests me. Would the academics take over the social aspect? I dont mean to ask how hard are classes but would having to learn everything business wise take all my time?
Classic it depends answer. You’re probably pretty smart, so might be easier for you to learn new business topics and therefore not really infringe on social life. OR you could struggle on some topics (e.g. if you have a hard time with math and you’re in finance/accounting/stats courses). The good thing is that since grades don’t really matter, you can see how much academics are taking a toll on you and decide to try less hard if needed.
Any thoughts on MBA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Major? Do you know anyone who has done it? I am considering it to pivot to consulting in those areas but, like yourself, I also value 'the journey', exploring and learning.
“Major’s” in MBA’s don’t really mean anything. The MBA is a generalist degree intended not to be focused on one topic, but of course you can take as more classes on one topic if you’d like. I don’t know anyone who has done DEI major at Wharton (it’s brand new). It might help your application if they are struggling to fill seats for the major as I’m sure they want it to succeed, but honestly wouldn’t bet on any future career opportunities based on the major.
I personally didn’t meet anyone in the 50’s, but easily 40’s. You can look up “[insert school] mba class profile” and you’ll see the age ranges and averages for each school you’re interested in.
Such a different perspective that I needed to hear. Thank you for doing this introspection & actually sharing tips that are tangible and attainable. Good luck in your future endeavors!
So i'm graduating high school next year and never really had good grades and definitely not going to an ivy league school so could you make a video giving advice to people like me who want to get into entrepreneurship & business but dont really know where to begin or what to learn or even what questions to ask
You’re young, don’t worry too much - you have time to get your act together. I graduated high school with sub 3.0 GPA. The best thing you can do if you’re interested in entrepreneurship is just start selling anything! Noah Kagan has some good videos on that.
Hi Patrick loved your video! I am an aspiring MBA myself and find myself at a crossroad. I'll have 4 years at 29 years old in procurement/supply chain with 3 different companies. I want to apply this year with a 660 gmat(or next year w/ a higher GMAT), 3.7 GPA to some of the schools in southern CA where I reside now. Most of my experience is technical IT work and projects for companies like Exxon and Aerospace and Defense, but want to get into top Finance jobs with Asia connections(my heritage). would you get a higher score or full send now!?
Thanks for the comment! I’d say depends on the schools you’re looking at and what you mean by top finance jobs. Schools all post their average GMAT scores on their websites, so you can see if 660 is within the average for them. I think that’d be on low side for Berkeley but might be good for UCLA for example. Also some finance jobs (investment banking) ask for GMAT scores - but others like finance @ Amazon wouldn’t. I believe the scores they’d want are similar to the school’s.
They did the same strategy with me: No notetaker and asking very casual, open-ended questions with a very friendly tone. Then they asked a few professional questions and I did not switch into *lengthy involved analysis responses*. I got WL then rejected. Ironically I saw this video before the interview and didn't learn from it.
Exciting content! I'm a student from Bolivia on his freshman year on bachelor's degree. Do you have any advice on what should I do to better my profile? It's stunning to see someone that actually knows the whole process with my type of background. Keep on the good work!
🇧🇴 Without more context, and since you’re so young, I’d say just make sure to have solid grades and start building up job / entrepreneurial experience (don’t wait till you’re a junior). You likely wouldn’t apply for MBAs until 2029 and who knows what the world will look like then.
Hi. My name is Aditya I'm 22. I am planning to get into top US MBA but I have a big con in my profile that always haunts me and it's my low undergrad GPA. Actually I did not went to any undergrad college due to financial problems. So I completed my undergrad from an open university just for sake of graduating and didn't took seriously at all. As I was confused about my interest & thus score 2.2 gpa. But then I got enrolled into a regular ms program and topped my department. I also participated on different university level competition secured position in all of them. I have also played sports till states level. I have been working for a startup for 2 years now. Well I know I have very average profile but still wanna know my chances to get into top mba programs and can you guide me how can I improve my profile and make my chances high enough to not just get into top school but also get good scholarships. What else should I do in coming 1y to make my profile more competitive. Thank you
Hi Aditya, thanks for the comment. You are young and have enough time to get past your low GPA. Although GPA is important, you can get admissions committees to not put as much weight on it if you have a terrific career and standardized test scores. So high GMAT/GRE scores will be important, and so will proof that you are advancing in your career (like promotions).
Great Content Patrick! I was shocked when I saw that your Chanel doesn’t have multiple thousands of subscribers(YET). Continue the great work I am sure that your RU-vid career has as much potential as your cooperate one.
I’m a mid-senior Clinical Scientist right now and considering myself to study MBA. I was promoted four times after I finished my MPH. I agree with Hunter, if you’re aiming for a higher position, from the start you need to show leadership within your department and get focus to the position you’re targeting. Right now, I can say I’m OK with my position being a Microbiology Manager earning 6-digit per year but learning never stops me. Now MBA is in my radar this past few months. I love interacting with my Senior officers in the company and negotiating with them. Wanted to get advanced negotiation and strategic business management. In Public Health, I studied Public Health Administration with Clinical Approach Negotiations but this time Business approach is more interesting to study.
Congrats on all the promotions thus far - impressive! You should look into specialized programs like Wharton's Healthcare management concentration as part of their MBA program.
Hey Partrick, really loved the video. Have a question for you, many students really depend on scolarships to fund their MBA, and paying huge bucks upfront for consultants can be a dreadful thought, have u come across any consultant who was not so expensive but still provided u some great advice? What do you think of applicantlab?
Thanks for the comment Sohail. I never used applicantlab but looks pretty good. Consultants are expensive because you are asking for their time - they will spend many hours on your app reviewing everything and getting to know you to provide applicable advice. Lots of these consultants are packaging their advice into courses so that they don't need to spend time with you individually, allowing them to charge lower rates. Ultimately, if you don't want to spend a ton of $, then these courses/softwares are a good option, but you lose the "coach/therapist" and personalized advice. If you pair that with ChatGPT to review your essays and resume you can likely get a very good application.
Most of the time MBA is the must go to by anyone pursuing business related skills, startup careers, elevating your career and chasing a high paying job. Maybe yes! However, I’m also wondering those who are in MPH/MPA. I know people who are MPH/MPA graduates because almost the same category like the MBA. People with MPH/MPA are in healthcare industries/state and federal government, with high paying positions (6-digit income), global health/WHO/Health Ministers’ consultants as well in most countries. I think overall, it depends how you handle the situation in the real world and how you elevate yourself from others to become successful in life. 🙂
Yeah I can't speak to MPH/MPA degrees really, but the MBA is more general so there can definitely be some good overlap in potential careers with it. Agree though that it all depends on how you handle the situation!
Loved the video & some of the other MBA related videos on the channel. It's great to go to Wharton on company scholarship and avoid the big big student loans. I like the approach of chopping post MBA careers beforehand & focusing on what you want. I know MBAs come in different flavors in addition to the Full Time MBA like Executive, Part time & Online. Would love to make a future RU-vid video suggestion on covering, contrasting & comparing the different MBA flavors. Another idea for the backlog could be to cover post MBA careers. I hear that 80% of the grads go into 3 buckets - consulting, banking/IB & tech. Tech seems to be growing more in popularity (especially the product manager role, which ironically I hear doesn't require an MBA unlike the traditional industries like consulting & banking).
from what I've seen the MBA is most worth it for people who kinda messed up during undergrad and then want a second chance at recruiting into traditionally high paying jobs like consulting, banking, tech PM, like I know a couple people who went from around 90k TC to 300k TC after their MBA because of the switch into a more lucrative field like IB
Literally my situation - I went to a good school but my degree is an English & creative writing. I’m 2 years out now and my salary growth is looking like it will be capped pretty soon.
