Why you should take the GMAT as working professional PDF Download

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized assessment used by business schools to evaluate the potential of applicants for graduate-level business programs. The exam measures an individual's analytical writing and problem-solving abilities, along with data sufficiency, logic, and critical reasoning skills, providing a comprehensive evaluation of their aptitude for rigorous business education. For working professionals looking to pursue advanced business degrees, such as an MBA, the GMAT exam is an essential step in the admissions process. In this article, we will explore the reasons why taking the GMAT exam is beneficial for working professionals, including the opportunities it can provide for career advancement and personal growth.

Understanding the GMAT exam

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a globally recognized standardized examination, used by business schools to evaluate the potential of applicants seeking admission to Master of Business Administration (MBA) and other master's degree programs in business. With its widespread acceptance, the GMAT exam score is recognized by over 7,000 programs at more than 2,300 graduate business schools in 100 countries. In fact, it is estimated that 90% of new MBA enrollments globally are made with the use of a GMAT score. This highlights the importance of the GMAT exam as a crucial tool in the business school admissions process, providing a comprehensive evaluation of an individual's verbal, mathematical and analytical writing skills. It consists of the following sections:

• Quantitative Aptitude
• Verbal Reasoning
• Analytical Writing Assessment
• Integrated Reasoning

These sections of the GMAT exam test the skills required to be successful in your MBA program.

One huge benefit of the GMAT is that there’s no upper age limit for taking the test, meaning that even working professionals can take the test. In this article, we will be talking about the reasons why the GMAT exam is a good choice for working professionals.

Benefits of taking GMAT as a working professional

1.  Career advancement:
The GMAT is widely recognized by top-ranked MBA programs and is often a requirement for admission. Pursuing an MBA can lead to better job opportunities, higher salaries, and career advancement.

The GMAT can offer career advancement for working professionals in several ways

• Better job opportunities: Many top-ranked MBA programs require the GMAT, and holding an MBA degree from a prestigious business school can open doors to better job opportunities and higher salaries.
• Improved skills: The GMAT tests critical thinking, problem-solving, and quantitative reasoning skills that are valuable in the workplace. Improving these skills through the GMAT can enhance a working professional's value to their current or future employers.
• Increased credibility: A high GMAT score can demonstrate to potential employers and clients that a working professional has strong analytical and verbal abilities, making them more credible in the business world.
• Diverse career options: An MBA degree can open up new career paths for working professionals, such as entrepreneurship, consulting, finance, and others. Pursuing an MBA can broaden a professional's skill set and give them the ability to switch careers or industries more easily.

2. Flexibility

• The GMAT exam is offered all around the year in both online and offline formats. This is beneficial to working professionals who might have to pick a test date according to their work schedule. Moreover, those taking the exam can reschedule their test date up to 7 days in advance for a fee. This allows working professionals to take the test when it is most convenient for them and, if needed, to retake it in order to achieve the desired score.

3.  Expanding the social network

For working professionals, taking the GMAT can demonstrate their commitment to furthering their education and career, as well as help improve their network by:

• Expanding their network: Business schools typically have a diverse student body, allowing working professionals to expand their network and connect with individuals from various industries and backgrounds.
• Building relationships with alumni: Business school alumni networks can be valuable for career growth and networking, and taking the GMAT and attending a business school can provide an opportunity to build relationships with alumni from the program.

Overall, taking the GMAT and pursuing a graduate-level business degree can help working professionals improve their network and advance their careers

4. The syllabus is well defined

• The GMAT has a comprehensive and well-defined syllabus and question types, making it feasible for working professionals to prepare for the exam through a structured study plan. On average, with focused effort and a well-organized approach, they can achieve exam readiness within a timeframe of 3-4 months.
  For working professionals, this helps them manage their time better, as they can study for the exam without making any sacrifices to their work obligations.

5. Work experience is highly valued

• Work experience is a key factor that is considered by admission councils and recruiters when evaluating applicants. It demonstrates that you have gained real-world skills, knowledge and abilities that can be applied to your future studies or job. Taking the GMAT as a working professional shows that you are committed to furthering your education and career, and have already gained valuable experience in the workforce. This can make you stand out as a candidate and increase your chances of success in both the admission process and in your future career.

6. The scores are valid for five years

• The GMAT's long score validity of five years provides working professionals with ample time to plan their next steps and gather the necessary information and documents for their desired business school programs. This allows them to balance their work commitments with their academic goals without feeling rushed. During this time, they also have the option to evaluate their performance on the GMAT and determine if they would like to retake the exam to improve their score

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about GMAT for working professionals

How much time do I need to prepare for the GMAT while working?

On average, working professionals can prepare for the GMAT in 3-4 months with a well-structured study plan and dedicated effort.

Is the GMAT necessary for business school admission?

While not all business schools require the GMAT, it is widely accepted and considered a valuable component of the admission process.

Can I take the GMAT multiple times?

Yes, you can take the GMAT as many times as you want. Schools will typically consider your highest score when evaluating your application.

How long is the GMAT score valid for?

The GMAT score remains valid for up to five years. During this time, you can either apply for the colleges of your choice or plan for a retest if you’re not satisfied with your score.

Is it possible to prepare for the GMAT while working full-time?

Yes, it is possible to prepare for the GMAT while working full-time. Many working professionals have successfully balanced their work and study commitments by creating a structured study plan and making time for focused preparation.

What is the format of the GMAT exam?

The GMAT is a computer-based test that consists of four sections: Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning.