Hi everyoneI’m considering pursuing an MBA (in the next 3 /4 years) and would appreciate some advice as to whether or not this would be a viable option for me. I would only seriously consider it if I was able to get into a top school (i.e. top 5 UK), however, I have my doubts with regards my academic background. In short, I graduated in 2005 with a 2:1 in Business and Marketing but from a crap University, at least in terms of rankings. To put this into context, I applied to University as a mature student (aged 24) without any A-Levels and was therefore seriously restricted as to where I could apply. I understand that potential MBA candidates are assessed on much more than where they obtained their undergraduate degree but to what extent is this likely to hold me back, or even prevent me from being seriously considered? I currently work in Audit and Assurance at Grant Thornton and will therefore be a qualified ACCA/ACA by the time I would be ready to pursue the MBA. Will this help to overcome the fact that I didn’t attend a top University? Any advice will be gratefully received.RegardsAnon

It will certainly help once you have your ACA or ACCA designation under your belt, but for a Top 5 school you'll probably need more to stand a realistic chance. Given how many accountants apply for MBA's immediately post-qualification, the most successful are those who have picked up their designation in more "prestigious" firms and practices (in addition to strong academics and extra-curriculars).Your best short-term option is to stay put and work like the devil to excel and stand out. The detailed set of options seems to be:1) Stick with GT Audit, work your ass off, qualify, stand out as a star performer and get your name known, get accelerated promotion as a means of demonstrating your abilities, then apply to b-school with 5-7 years PQE2) Switch to a higher profile accounting and finance career track e.g. Big-4 Valuation and Strategy, I-Banking, respected finance programmes in industry (GE etc.) Given the academics situation, this may be something you do post-qualification and having demonstrated your ability within GT.3) Do something spectacular outside of work, drop out of accounting and start your own business. To be honest, this is probably the least realistic option. Desire to get into b-school is about the worst reason for becoming an entrpreneur, but if self-employment is something you're drawn to anyway and can make a success of then it's worth bearing in mind it can help prepare you for an MBA.

Thanks for the advice anon. I think of the options you put forward, 2 would be the ideal/ most attractive. Although, would this kind of move not require something to bridge the gap from Audit anyway (eg an MBA), particularly with I-banking/ Valuation and Strategy?