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I am a BBA grad and planning to pursue an MBA, I have only petty jobs under my belt, will I get a top B-School?
5 Replies
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Hey! I totally feel you. I worked at a small family business and did some freelance work before my MBA. Nothing ‘fancy’ or corporate. During my IIM Shillong interview, I was never judged for where I worked, but how I spoke about it mattered a lot. They’re trying to see what you learned, how you dealt with problems, and whether you have clarity on why you want an MBA. So even if your experience is not from a big MNC, if you can reflect on your learnings and growth, you stand a strong chance. Be honest and show how the job helped you build skills.
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I worked in a retail chain after BBA, sales and billing stuff. Not glamorous at all. I used to think, ‘No way NMIMS or any top college will take me.’ But guess what? I got in. Why? Because I framed my experience right, I spoke about customer handling, inventory, daily targets, and how it shaped my understanding of business on the ground level. They were impressed by the real-world perspective. Don’t underestimate your experience, own it, reflect on it, and show what it taught you. You don’t need a Deloitte tag to get an MBA seat.
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Bro I’m literally in the same boat. Did a few internships and worked part-time at a restaurant post-BBA. I used to feel I didn’t ‘belong’ in the CAT crowd. But then I realized, diversity is a buzzword for a reason. B-schools appreciate people who bring different experiences. Just work on your narrative. Explain why you took those jobs, what you learned (like discipline, customer service, leadership), and how it connects to your MBA goals. And of course, crack CAT hard. That score can open a lot of doors even if your profile isn’t ‘typical’.
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Honestly, your story can set you apart. I worked at a small start-up and volunteered at an NGO, not ‘corporate’ in the usual sense. But during interviews, that became my strength. I was able to show adaptability, initiative, and people skills. Top B-schools want students with different perspectives, not just cookie-cutter resumes. If you can tell your story with confidence, self-awareness, and relate it to your future MBA plans, you’re good. Don’t let labels like ‘petty jobs’ bring you down. Every experience counts if you present it with the right lens.
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Dude, I worked in a BPO for a year after BBA and I used to feel super insecure about it. But after attending a few seminars and mock PIs, I realized even so-called ‘petty’ jobs can teach you teamwork, pressure handling, time management, things B-schools value. It’s not always about where you worked, but what you took away from it. In PI, they grill you more on how much you know about your role and industry than the brand name on your resume. So yes, keep prepping for CAT seriously, your story matters more than your title.
