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Smeal MBA @ Penn State (Smeal College of Business)

Posted: September 2nd, 2012, 10:17 am
by MBACrystalBall
The Penn State Smeal MBA program is a great option to consider for applicants looking for a solid MBA program that is also very student friendly. On our blog, Pushkal Kumar talked about how he got a full scholarship (100% tuition waiver) and stipend from Penn State Smeal MBA program.

Pushkal's story got thousands of views from applicants researching for good MBA programs that are also easy on their pocket and provide excellent value for the money.

We'll ask Pushkal (aka 'bblast' on this forum) if he'd be willing to share his experiences within the program so far i.e. taking his story beyond his last blog post.

We'd also like to welcome Vibhor Kharbanda, official representative of the Smeal MBA admissions office (and Pushkal's classmate) to the forum. Vibhor has offered to address queries regarding the Smeal MBA program. So if you need more information about the class profile, curriculum / academics, admissions process, financing options (scholarships, graduate assistantship) or anything else related to the MBA program, post your questions here.

Re: Smeal MBA @ Penn State (Smeal College of Business)

Posted: September 2nd, 2012, 11:54 am
by rahulvsd
Thanks in advance for your time Vibhor.

Few specific questions on the SMEAL program

1. I work as a marketing lead in a software products company and post MBA intend to work in a product marketing role in a B2B company, preferably a Tech company. While I do understand, that the best place to be for the role I desire is the West Coast, does SMEAL have a good alum base in the west coast that could help in landing internships or placements.

2. I have learnt that SMEAL has a good B2B marketing course. While I do know that Non Americans generally find it difficult to land up marketing roles, what's the outlook for B2B companies?

3. My GMAT is pretty average (660) for an Indian. Do you think this could play a huge role in scholarships?

4. What are the other avenues where you think a student could support himself financially apart from Internship during the course? And does the GMAT again play a role in assistanships?

Looking forward to your responses

Re: Smeal MBA @ Penn State (Smeal College of Business)

Posted: September 13th, 2012, 6:39 am
by bblast
Hi Rahul,
I think 660 should be good enough if u have a good profile to back it up. By profile I mean a good work-ex and a few years on ur back.

Smeal is decent for marketing. A few internationals are targeting it. Cant recall of anyone in particular but will get back to you.

bblast

Re: Smeal MBA @ Penn State (Smeal College of Business)

Posted: September 13th, 2012, 6:42 am
by bblast
rahulvsd wrote:4. What are the other avenues where you think a student could support himself financially apart from Internship during the course? And does the GMAT again play a role in assistanships?


I dunno how to quote here :/- been a while since been on forums.

GMAT may play a part on the scholarships. But it cant guarantee you one. The overall strength of app decides that.

Other avenues of financing urself is get an assistantship after u come here in other schools at Penn State, but I wont rely on that

Re: Smeal MBA @ Penn State (Smeal College of Business)

Posted: September 19th, 2012, 6:54 pm
by SmealMBA
Hi Rahul,
Apologies for the delay in response.
Regarding your queries, please see below for my answers.

1. I work as a marketing lead in a software products company and post MBA intend to work in a product marketing role in a B2B company, preferably a Tech company. While I do understand, that the best place to be for the role I desire is the West Coast, does SMEAL have a good alum base in the west coast that could help in landing internships or placements.


SMEAL has the biggest Alum base in the US and it is not just limited to SCM, we also have Alums in Marketing, HR and even Finance. Would you be open to other companies as well? (not just tech companies).

2. I have learnt that SMEAL has a good B2B marketing course. While I do know that Non Americans generally find it difficult to land up marketing roles, what's the outlook for B2B companies?


I can assure you that the outlooks are not prejudiced, but the reasons are different. International students need VISA sponsorship, and companies generally keep a major chunk of their VISAs for thier technology departments. Thus little trickles down to other departments. But if you can justify your candidature, the companies find a way around it. Internationals can work in marketing, but you should be able to market yourself better. :)

3. My GMAT is pretty average (660) for an Indian. Do you think this could play a huge role in scholarships?

4. What are the other avenues where you think a student could support himself financially apart from Internship during the course? And does the GMAT again play a role in assistanships?


BBlast has replied perfectly to these questions.

Thanks,
Vibhor

Re: Smeal MBA @ Penn State (Smeal College of Business)

Posted: October 5th, 2012, 10:06 pm
by SmealMBA
Hi All,
Great News!!!
The American Institute for Economic Research has ranked State College as the 3rd best college town in the US!

Thanks,
Vibhor

Re: Smeal MBA @ Penn State (Smeal College of Business)

Posted: January 4th, 2014, 9:42 pm
by Srinivasan CR
Hey Vibhor,

Hope you are doing well! I have got an admit from Smeal and couple of other schools. So I would like to understand what Smeal has to offer before I make a decision. Is there an email id to reach you? Thanks in advance!

Regards,
Srini

Re: Smeal MBA @ Penn State (Smeal College of Business)

Posted: January 5th, 2014, 7:43 am
by SmealMBA
Hi Srini,
I will be happy to share my email id with you. Please send me your emailID.

Re: Smeal MBA @ Penn State (Smeal College of Business)

Posted: January 5th, 2014, 10:51 am
by Srinivasan CR
Here you go - cgrcrs02@gmail.com

Re: Smeal MBA @ Penn State (Smeal College of Business)

Posted: August 11th, 2014, 3:16 pm
by tushar2910@gmail.com
Hi,

Does SMEAL have a program course directed towards consulting and for HR.
I have 4 years experience in Consulting out of which 2 are with Deloitte.
I have a GMAT score of 690.

And do I have a chance of scholarships ?


Please do advise

Thanks,
Tushar.