If I get a MBA, can I still go back to clinical PHD in the future?

[bluebluesky]

My story is that I went to three interviews this year for clinical PhD programs, received 1 rejection, 1 wait list, and one no response, which is at most a wait list again because they have extended most, if not all, initial offers.

I would like to pursue a different area such as MBA, which may help me find a job. Here is my question. If in the future I would like to pursue a clinical doctorate again possibly after working for a couple years post-MBA, will I still get a chance to get into clinical program? Any general ideas?

Anyone have walked through this path or have any insight about the influence of change of career path in future applications?

I don't think it is hard to explain this career shift in personal statement, especially for my case as an international student. I will figure my options out with career center but just wonder how the programs will look at the shifts like this? Thanks.

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[AcronymAllergy]

My story is that I went to three interviews this year for clinical PhD programs, received 1 rejection, 1 wait list, and one no response, which is at most a wait list again because they have extended most, if not all, initial offers.

I would like to pursue a different area such as MBA, which may help me find a job. Here is my question. If in the future I would like to pursue a clinical doctorate again possibly after working for a couple years post-MBA, will I still get a chance to get into clinical program? Any general ideas?

Anyone have walked through this path or have any insight about the influence of change of career path in future applications?

I don't think it is hard to explain this career shift in personal statement, especially for my case as an international student. I will figure my options out with career center but just wonder how the programs will look at the shifts like this? Thanks.

I could be mistaken, but I believe Therapist4Change worked in the business world before switching to clinical psych. However, even if that's not the case, there are multitudes of individuals who pursue a career change into a clinical doctorate. It's definitely possible, but you will still need to address potential areas of weakness in your application, whatever those might be (e.g., gain more research experience/publications, improve your GRE scores, etc.).

You would also need to be able to explain to programs why it is you want to change careers, and how it is you feel that psychology is likely the right field for you. There's nothing intrinsic to an MBA that would off-putting to a program, though, and I would imagine many of the material and skills you learn would be very helpful in the real-world practice of psychology (especially if you plan to go the private practice route).

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Short answer: No, do not get an MBA unless it is from a top tier place. MBA training can be very helpful once you get through a clinical psychology program, but it won't help you get into one.

Long answer: It is possible, but it is not advisable unless you have a really good gameplan as to how you will pay for it, what you want to do with it, and how that ties into a career in clinical psychology. An MBA from a random university will not help you get a job, as there are thousands of other people with similar MBAs and more years of experience. The only MBA worth getting is one from a Tier 1 or Tier 2 program, as the business world is even more biased as to what is "good" and what is not. It is also a tricky thing to convince someone that it will fit in with clinical psychology. I/O psychology makes more sense, but that is a completely different animal.

 

[bluebluesky]

Short answer: No, do not get an MBA unless it is from a top tier place. MBA training can be very helpful once you get through a clinical psychology program, but it won't help you get into one.

Long answer: It is possible, but it is not advisable unless you have a really good gameplan as to how you will pay for it, what you want to do with it, and how that ties into a career in clinical psychology. An MBA from a random university will not help you get a job, as there are thousands of other people with similar MBAs and more years of experience. The only MBA worth getting is one from a Tier 1 or Tier 2 program, as the business world is even more biased as to what is "good" and what is not. It is also a tricky thing to convince someone that it will fit in with clinical psychology. I/O psychology makes more sense, but that is a completely different animal.

Thanks. This is my backup plan if I don't get off wait list(s). I know that it's not easy but I will just give it a try and apply to a few better programs, which are in top two tiers. Some of them are still accepting applications. Basically it is a personal decision based on my circumstances. It's not easy for international student to find a RA job etc and there's problem with my status I think. Anyway...the idea is basically work with the MBA first and try to pursue clinical a few years later so that I don't have to waste my time or feel stressed financially (meaning not actively moving on). I understand that it may be better if I get into MBA after getting a PhD in clinical psych but I am afraid it does not go that way easily for international students. I will perhaps just apply and increase some possible options.